Adjustable Device Caddy with Rack and Pinion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holders, caddies, and mounts are difficult to use due to clamping mechanisms that require two hands to release, often leave residue, and are not easily adaptable to different device sizes or environments, limiting their ease of installation and removal.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable removable device caddy with a base, adjustable wings, and a face plate, utilizing a rack and pinion system and thumb nuts for easy adjustment and secure attachment to various surfaces, allowing one-handed operation and compatibility with devices of varying sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If clamping mechanisms are used to securely hold devices, then device security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring two hands to release
Solution Approach 1:
The device caddy is designed to automatically maintain clamping force through its spring-loaded mechanism, eliminating the need for manual intervention to maintain security. The system serves itself by using the device's own presence to trigger the clamping action, allowing one-handed operation while maintaining secure holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex manual clamping mechanisms with a spring-loaded automatic clamping system. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for manual release operations while maintaining secure device holding, resolving the contradiction between security and ease of operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed size cavities are used in holders, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as devices of varying sizes cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The device caddy employs adjustable wings that can move between positions to accommodate devices of different sizes. This dynamic adjustment capability allows a single holder design to adapt to various device dimensions, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is designed with universal adaptability through its adjustable mechanism, allowing it to function with multiple device sizes and types. This multi-functionality is achieved while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing through the use of standardized adjustable components.
3Reliability
If permanent attachment mechanisms are used, then device security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in installation and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is segmented into removable components, specifically the adjustable wings and face plate that can be independently removed from the base. This segmentation allows the holder to provide secure attachment when needed while enabling easy disassembly for relocation or storage, resolving the contradiction between attachment security and ease of installation/removal.
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
Enables easy insertion and removal of devices with one hand, secure attachment to different surfaces, and adaptability to various environments, while being durable and suitable for both temporary and permanent installations.
Implementation Method 1
The adjustable removable device caddy utilizes a rack and pinion system and thumb nuts for easy adjustment
Implementation Method 2
a base with one or more pad that prevent linear and rotational movement when holding a device
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable removable device caddy is disclosed for securing devices including, but not limited to a smartphone or other phone, a tablet, an e-reader, a power bank, a speaker, a multimedia player, a two-way radio, a flashlight or other light, a television or other display, a GPS, a laser range finder, a beverage, or other device. One embodiment of the invention utilizes a combination of one or more seat, wing, and face plate, to create an adjustable cavity that can accommodate a number of devices with varying width and thickness. The adjustable removable device caddy can be mounted to various mounting surfaces including, but not limited to a golf cart, automobile, all-terrain vehicle, maintenance vehicle, boat, pushcart, bicycle, motorcycle, scooter, tent, canopy, flat surface, and the like.