Self-repairing smartphone
Phones are expensive. And because your phone is so expensive, you probably spend some extra money trying to protect it, like screen protectors scratch-resistant cases and shields. While these investments can help protect your phone from damage caused by drops and other events, once the damage is done, it’s pretty much there for the life of your phone. But that was the old technology. There is now a type of iPhone case that has yet to be released on the market that actually self-repairs. And the manufacturer of this phone case may surprise you — the Japanese car company, Nissan.
The self-repairing technology is made out of ABS plastic and polyrotaxane. Polyrotaxane is chemically structured to fill in gaps, such as scratches, and return to its original shape. However, the Scratch Shield Case doesn’t repair itself instantly. It can take about an hour or more, depending on the severity of the external damage. But don’t count on it to repair more than just fine scratches so quickly. Nissan reports that for deeper scratches or cuts, it can take up to one week. But still, it’s a phone that repairs itself, so why complain?
Gel-like paint
One of the secrets to the Scratch Shield is the paint finish. The paint was specifically created by a company called Advanced Softmaterials and the University of Tokyo, and their inspiration was modern innovations in the automotive engineering industry, as Nissan uses the same paint on their newer cars. The consistency of the case has a gel-like texture, which makes it easier to hold onto and makes it less likely that you’ll actually drop it. But, if you do, you know your iPhone case will just repair itself eventually.
So far, Nissan has only released a prototype as they are working out kinks and testing the product before it’s released to the general public. However, Nissan expects for it to go on sale sometime later this year. So, keep an eye out for it in 2012 or the beginning of 2013. Nissan’s new phone protection technology will undoubtedly inspire others to create even more awesome innovations in the near future.
