Adjustable Mobile Device Cradle With Flexible Roller Arm

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile device mounting solutions fail to securely attach devices to surfaces in environments with significant vibration or shock, such as cars and boats, without causing damage or requiring excessive force.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable cradle with a base, an extendable arm featuring a roller and a bent, flexible portion, and a mount for surface attachment, which includes a track and sawtooth configuration for adjustment and retention, along with a sliding shoe arrangement for secure attachment to the device or case.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rigid mounting structure is used to secure the device, then the device can be retained during vibration and shock, but the structure may cause damage to the device or require excessive force for attachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice retention during vibration and shockVSAvoiddamage to device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The arm incorporates a bent, flexible portion that can deform under vibration and shock loads, allowing the rigid roller to maintain contact with the device while the flexible portion absorbs harmful vibrations and shocks, preventing damage to the device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible portion of the arm is pre-configured to deform elastically during attachment and operation, cushioning the device against sudden impacts and vibrations before they can cause damage, while still maintaining secure retention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If a secure attachment mechanism is used to retain the device, then the device remains stable during vibration, but the attachment and detachment processes require excessive force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice stability during vibrationVSAvoidattachment and detachment force

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The arm is designed with a flexible portion that dynamically adjusts its configuration during attachment and detachment. The flexible portion can be easily deformed by minimal force to allow the roller to engage or disengage from the device, while maintaining stable retention during normal operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical properties of the arm change based on operational state. The flexible portion transitions between a bent state during attachment (requiring minimal force) and a straightened state during operation (providing stable retention), allowing easy operation while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If the arm is made rigid to provide stable support, then the cradle maintains position, but the arm cannot accommodate device movement or adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecradle position stabilityVSAvoidarm adjustability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The arm transitions from a rigid state during operation to a flexible state during adjustment. The flexible portion allows the arm to bend and adapt to different device positions or mounting configurations, while maintaining stability when in the straightened operational state

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The arm is segmented into a rigid portion and a flexible portion. The rigid portion provides structural stability and support, while the flexible portion enables adjustment and accommodation of device movement, allowing both stability and adaptability to coexist

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 cradle effectively retains mobile devices on surfaces despite vibrations and shocks, allowing for easy attachment and detachment while minimizing damage and requiring minimal force, ensuring stable operation in various environments.

Implementation Method 1

The roller is configured and arranged to freely rotate relative to a remainder of the arm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRoller rotation: Roller

Implementation Method 2

applying a force to the bent, flexible region towards the mobile device or case cases the arm to straighten and increases a distance between the roller and the base

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9831904B1Adjustable cradle for mobile devices and methods of making and using

Publication Date: 2017.11.28 NP LIQUIDATING CO INC

AI summary

An adjustable cradle for mounting a mobile device includes a base having an attachment arrangement to removably attach the cradle to the mobile device or a case for the mobile device; and an arm adjustably extending from the base. The arm includes a roller disposed at an end of the arm opposite the base. The roller is configured and arranged to engage the mobile device or case to facilitate, in combination with the attachment arrangement of the base, retention of the attachment of the cradle to the mobile device or case. The adjustable cradle optionally includes a mount coupled to the base or mounting the cradle to a surface or for coupling to a mounting apparatus for mounting the cradle to the surface.