Adjustable Tablet and Keyboard Mount for Secure Retail Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions fail to securely attach tablets, keyboards, and tablet stands to display surfaces in a way that accommodates their combined use and prevents unauthorized separation, especially in retail displays where security is a concern.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable mount with extendable and retractable arms, side braces, and a lock mechanism that securely fastens tablets and keyboards to a display surface, allowing for various configurations to accommodate different sizes and orientations while preventing unauthorized release when attached.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a tablet and keyboard are displayed together on a display table, then customers can experience using the tablet with a keyboard, but the devices can be easily removed or stolen
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate components: a base unit that attaches to the display table, and individual mounting arms for the tablet and keyboard. This segmentation allows each device to be secured independently while maintaining the ability to display them together for customer experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system acts as an intermediary between the display table and the electronic devices. It provides a secure attachment mechanism that keeps devices fixed during customer interaction, preventing theft while allowing operational experience.
2Ease of operation
If a tablet stand or case is used to maintain tablet orientation, then the tablet can be viewed at an appropriate angle, but the tablet can still be easily removed from the stand
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting arm incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing the tablet to be positioned at various viewing angles while maintaining secure attachment. The arm can be adjusted to different positions and locked in place, providing both viewing flexibility and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces simple mechanical stands with a more sophisticated mounting mechanism that includes secure attachment features. The mounting arm uses a combination of mechanical joints and locking mechanisms to maintain tablet orientation while preventing removal.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an external keyboard is used with a tablet, then additional functionality is provided, but the keyboard and tablet can be easily separated or stolen
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system merges the security function for both the tablet and keyboard into a single integrated base unit. Both devices are attached to the same display surface through coordinated mounting arms, ensuring they remain in their functional configuration and cannot be easily separated or stolen.
4Reliability
If a secure mounting system is used to prevent device removal, then theft is prevented, but the system becomes more complex and difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is designed with universal attachment features that can secure multiple different devices (tablet, keyboard) using a common base unit. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate mounting solutions for each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit is pre-configured with attachment mechanisms that simplify the mounting process. The mounting arms and securing features are designed to be easily installed and adjusted, reducing the complexity of the overall installation while maintaining strong security.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for physically securing a tablet and a keyboard to a tabletop of a display table or to another display surface is described herein. The apparatus includes a main body, a left arm and a right arm that are extendable and retractable relative to the main body and a left side brace and a right side brace attached respectively to the left arm and the right arm, and configured to be secured to a left side and a right side, respectively, of the tablet and the keyboard. The apparatus further includes a back support extending from the top of the main body with a top arm extending from the back support. The top arm is extendable and retractable relative to the back support along a plane that intersects the top of the main body at an oblique angle.