Air Vent Clamping Mount for Vibration-Resistant Dashboard Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing universal mounting systems for electronic devices in vehicles are inadequate for extreme conditions, such as off-road travel, as they tend to loosen due to vibration and impact, and existing semi-permanent mounts can damage vehicle dashboards during installation and removal.
Innovation Solution
A removable mounting device that attaches to the vehicle's air vent frame using a front and back plate with an elastomeric compression strip, providing a rigid and secure attachment point without damaging the dashboard, and can be easily installed and removed without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid semi-permanent mounts are used to securely hold electronic devices during extreme conditions, then the mounting reliability is improved, but the vehicle dashboard is damaged during installation and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a removable mounting device as an intermediary between the electronic device and the vehicle dashboard. This mounting device includes a front plate that contacts the dashboard surface, a back plate that secures the electronic device, and a compression strip that provides clamping force. The mounting device acts as a mediator that achieves secure mounting without requiring permanent attachment to the dashboard, thus preventing damage while maintaining reliability during extreme conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the compression strip material properties. The compression strip is made of elastomeric material that can be compressed and then returns to its original shape. By changing the compression force parameter temporarily during installation and removal, the mounting device can securely hold the electronic device during extreme conditions while allowing damage-free removal when the compression force is released
2Reliability
If threaded fasteners or adhesives are used to attach mounting points to the vehicle dashboard, then the mounting reliability is improved, but the installation and removal process becomes complex and may damage the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The removable mounting device serves as an intermediary that eliminates the need for threaded fasteners or adhesives. The mounting device includes a front plate with a compression strip and a back plate that together create a secure mounting solution without requiring permanent attachment methods. This intermediary approach simplifies installation and removal while maintaining mounting reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes in the form of adjustable compression force through the elastomeric compression strip. The compression strip can be compressed to different degrees to achieve the required clamping force for secure mounting, and this parameter can be easily adjusted during installation and removal without complex tools or procedures
3Reliability
If the dashboard is disassembled to access hard mounting points, then the mounting reliability is improved, but the installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The removable mounting device acts as an intermediary that eliminates the need to disassemble the dashboard. The front plate of the mounting device is designed to contact and secure to the dashboard surface directly, providing access to a hard mounting point without requiring dashboard disassembly. This intermediary approach maintains mounting reliability while significantly reducing installation time
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 solution offers a secure, rigid mounting system for electronic devices in vehicles, suitable for extreme conditions, without damaging the vehicle's interior and allows for easy installation and removal, making it suitable for first responders and others who need secure device mounting.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric compression strip, providing a rigid and secure attachment point
Data Source
AI summary
A removable mounting device configured for mounting accessories to an air vent in a vehicle and methods for installing such a mounting device. The mounting device includes a coupler disposed on a front plate that has a profile sized such that the front plate will overlay a frame surrounding an air vent in the vehicle; and a back plate configured to clamp the frame to the front plate. An elastomeric compression strip is disposed in a groove in a back side of the front plate, and the elastomeric compression strip has a non-uniform thickness including a thicker portion in a region of the groove adjacent to an end of the groove and thinner portions in regions of the groove not adjacent to the end of the groove.