Anti-Rotation Clamp Mounting for Stable Electronic Device Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicular and non-vehicular mobile device mounting systems face challenges in providing stability under rotational and vibrational loads, leading to potential re-adjustment needs during operation, as they often fail to securely hold devices due to lack of adequate rotational resistance.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system with a clamp assembly and connecting element featuring geometric inhibitors such as teeth or splines that engage with the clamp bodies to prevent rotation, combined with a ball mount that includes protrusions or indentations to enhance holding force and resistance to self-movement, ensuring stability and adjustability without compromising compression force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the mobile device is cantilevered away from the mounting system or supported at only one end of the clamping component, then the mounting system can be simplified in structure, but the rotational stability deteriorates under vibrational and rotational loads
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element incorporates asymmetric geometric inhibitors (teeth or splines) that create directional resistance to rotation. These inhibitors are positioned and shaped to provide asymmetric engagement with the clamp body, generating higher resistance in the rotational direction while maintaining simplicity in the axial mounting direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a simple axial connection to a multi-dimensional engagement system. The geometric inhibitors add a rotational dimension to the connection, creating engagement features that operate in both the axial mounting direction and the rotational restraint direction, thereby stabilizing the clamp assembly under vibrational and rotational loads without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If geometric inhibitors (teeth or splines) are added to the connecting element to prevent rotation, then rotational stability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is segmented into functional zones: a cylindrical portion for axial insertion and engagement, and a distal portion with geometric inhibitors for rotational restraint. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining manufacturability as a single integrated component.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric inhibitors are designed with curved or splined surfaces that engage smoothly with the clamp body, distributing contact stresses and reducing stress concentration points. The curved geometry of the teeth or splines allows for gradual engagement and disengagement while maintaining rotational stability.
3Force
If the clamp bodies are compressed against the connecting element to secure the mobile device, then the holding force improves, but the freedom-of-angular rotation during assembly is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to transition from a flexible state during assembly to a rigid state during operation. The geometric inhibitors engage progressively as the clamp bodies are compressed, initially allowing angular adjustment and then locking into position to provide rotational stability under load.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement parameters between the geometric inhibitors and clamp body change with compression force. At low compression during assembly, the inhibitors allow angular movement for positioning. As compression increases during tightening, the inhibitors engage more firmly to prevent rotation, thereby changing the mechanical parameters from flexible to rigid based on the applied force.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting system for supporting an electronic device includes a mount and a connecting element coupled to the mount. The connecting element may include an interface body and a first plurality of engaging elements. The interface body may include a first body portion and a second body portion, and extend axially between an axial end of the connecting element and the first body portion. The second body portion may have a reduced diameter relative to the first body portion. The first plurality of engaging elements may be configured to engage with a clamp body to substantially prevent rotation of the clamp body with respect to the connecting element.