Appendage-Mounted Display With Closed-Loop Tensioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wearable electronic display mounts lack a customizable fit, leading to discomfort, restricted movement, and potential interference with blood circulation due to disparate tightness levels and inability to accommodate varying arm sizes or clothing thicknesses, often requiring two hands to adjust and causing the display to rotate out of place.
Innovation Solution
An appendage-mounted display apparatus featuring a cuff assembly with a closed-loop tensioning system, comprising upper and lower panels with structural mesh-coated foam and guide clamps, allowing for uniform compressive force and one-handed adjustment, along with a modular device mount for various electronic devices and printed materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional adjustable attachment means (watch band, shoelace, hook-and-eye closures) are used to affix the display platform, then the circumference can be adjusted, but a uniformly tight fit across all areas of the user's forearm cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible band with a continuous loop structure that can conform to the contours of the user's forearm. The band incorporates a tensioning mechanism with a ratchet or cam lock that allows one-handed adjustment while maintaining uniform distributed pressure across the entire contact surface, resolving the contradiction between adjustability and uniform tightness.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment means utilizes a tensioning mechanism that changes the mechanical parameter of tension distribution along the band. By incorporating a cam lock or ratchet system, the band can be adjusted to different tension levels while maintaining that tension uniformly across all contact points, enabling both adaptability to different arm sizes and stable uniform fit.
2Device complexity
If preformed rigid 'C' or 'U' shape display platforms are used, then the structure is simple, but persons with unusually large or small arms or persons wearing unusually thick or thin clothing cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid preformed structures with dynamic, adjustable components. The band is designed to be flexible and resizable, allowing it to adapt to different arm circumferences and clothing thicknesses. The tensioning mechanism enables the structure to change its dimensional parameters dynamically, accommodating a wide range of users while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment means is designed as a universal solution that can accommodate various arm sizes, shapes, and clothing conditions. The adjustable band with tensioning mechanism serves multiple functions: it secures the display platform, adapts to different circumferences, and maintains uniform pressure distribution, making the device universally applicable to diverse users.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable attachment means are used, then the circumference can be customized, but two hands are required to tighten the straps and the user must cease activity to adjust
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning mechanism is designed to be self-regulating and easy to operate with one hand. The cam lock or ratchet system allows the user to tighten or loosen the band by simply pushing or pulling a lever or button, without requiring the other hand to hold or stabilize any component. This self-service design enables quick adjustment during activity cessation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical element (cam lock, ratchet, or button mechanism) that mediates between the user's single hand and the tensioning band. This intermediary component translates a simple pushing or pulling motion into effective tension adjustment, eliminating the need for two-handed operation and allowing quick customization during use.
4Force
If conventional attachment means are used, then the display platform can be affixed, but the display may rotate out of place when the user turns or moves their arm
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible band maintains constant contact with the forearm through its conformability, distributing attachment force uniformly around the arm. This continuous contact and uniform pressure distribution prevent the display platform from rotating or shifting during arm movements, enhancing positional stability while maintaining secure attachment.
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
Provides a comfortable, secure, and adjustable fit for different users, allowing hands-free access to electronic devices and reference materials without restricting movement or causing discomfort, accommodating various arm sizes and clothing types, and enabling quick, one-handed adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
the closed-loop tensioning system being configured to pull the upper panel and the lower panel substantially radially inward toward the user's appendage such that a uniform level of compressive force about the user's appendage is achieved
Data Source
AI summary
An appendage-mounted display apparatus comprising a device mount for attaching electronic devices and a cuff assembly that provides a uniform tension fit around a user's appendage. The cuff assembly comprises a multi-layer blend of soft and rigid components and a ratcheting lacing or strap system to achieve a customizable, non-slip fit that may be quickly and easily adjusted with one hand. The device mount may be adapted to accommodate a variety of electronic devices including mobile phones, smartphones, and other communication devices, portable computers, maps, audio and music devices, global positioning system devices, and other interactive electronic devices and displays, as well as paper maps, checklists, and other static forms of guidance and instruction. In addition, the device mount may include a rail system for attaching a flashlight and/or other tools.