Adaptable Mount for Cylindrical Surfaces Using Flexible Wrap

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for portable, adaptable, and secure mounting solutions for mobile computing devices that allow hands-free use, especially in dynamic environments such as sports, and for multi-purpose applications where two devices need to be safely and securely united.

Innovation Solution

An adaptable mount system that securely connects devices to cylindrical surfaces using a flexible wrap-around mechanism, comprising a rigid insert and a solid main body, which can be made from various materials, allowing for versatile attachment options including elastic, mechanical, and permanent connections, and accommodating different device and surface geometries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rigid mounting solution is used to securely hold a mobile device, then the device is held firmly in place, but the mounting solution lacks adaptability to different surfaces and geometries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure holdingVSAvoidadaptability to different surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible mounting body that can wrap around cylindrical surfaces of varying diameters. This flexible shell conforms to the contours of different surfaces (handlebars, steering wheels, etc.) while maintaining a secure grip on the mobile device, thus achieving both reliability and adaptability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system incorporates adjustable parameters including the flexibility of the mounting body material and the tension of the retaining strap. By changing these parameters, the same mounting device can adapt to different surface geometries and device sizes, resolving the contradiction between secure holding and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a multi-component mounting system is used to accommodate different devices and surfaces, then adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-purpose mounting capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal mounting system where a single flexible mounting body with an adjustable retaining strap can accommodate various mobile devices and attach to different cylindrical surfaces. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized mounting components, reducing complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting body and retaining strap are combined into a single integrated system that works together to secure the device. This merging of functions into one cohesive unit simplifies the overall structure and reduces the number of separate components needed, addressing the contradiction between versatility and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible wrap-around mechanism is used to adapt to different geometries, then adaptability is improved, but the securing strength may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefit to different shapesVSAvoidsecuring strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible mounting body is designed with optimal material properties and thickness to provide both conformability to different geometries and sufficient structural strength. The flexibility allows it to wrap around various shapes while maintaining enough rigidity to hold the device securely in place.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting body is pre-formed with a shape that facilitates wrapping around cylindrical surfaces. This preliminary shaping ensures that when the retaining strap is tensioned, the mounting body is already positioned to distribute forces effectively, maximizing securing strength while maintaining adaptability to different geometries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The adaptable mount system provides a robust, aesthetically pleasing, and cost-effective solution for hands-free device use, enhancing usability and durability by securely attaching devices to various surfaces, including bicycles, while allowing for easy removal and adjustment to fit different sizes and shapes.

Implementation Method 1

The elastic wrap-around functionality of the device is what best enables this versatility

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9182069B2Systems and methods for adaptable mounts for attachment to cylindrical surfaces

Publication Date: 2015.11.10 NITE IZE INC

AI summary

An adaptable mount that enables two devices, or one device, such as handheld electronics, tools, and other physical objects, and one surface to be securely connected. One embodiment enables this connection by use of a flexible appendage that wraps around either or both the surface and the device to secure them. One embodiment enables a secure connection through the use of additional hardware so to complement the functionality of the device.