Articulating Mount Attachment Apparatus for Universal Device Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing accessory attachment systems for electronic devices lack versatility and secure, adjustable mounting solutions that accommodate various shapes and sizes, often resulting in inadequate fit and limited adjustability, especially for portable lighting units.
Innovation Solution
An articulating mounting attachment apparatus featuring integrally formed cylindrical coupling members with sliding engagement, tapered ends for increased friction, and clip tines with frictional pads for universal fit, along with a detent for alignment assistance, allowing for adjustable positioning and secure attachment to electronic devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing accessory attachment systems are used, then attachment functionality is provided, but versatility and secure mounting for various shapes and sizes is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment apparatus is designed with a universal coupling mechanism featuring an outer coupling member with clip tines and an inner coupling member that can accommodate various accessory shapes and sizes. The clip tines can be adjusted to different positions and the coupling members can be engaged or disengaged by sliding, providing a single attachment system that works with multiple device types including mobile phones, laptop screens, and portable lighting units.
2Ease of operation
If existing attachment systems are used, then basic attachment is achieved, but adjustability for various positions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment apparatus incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through clip tines that can be positioned at different locations on the outer coupling member and an inner coupling member that can rotate and slide within the outer coupling member. This allows the user to adjust the attachment to various positions and orientations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure with straightforward engagement and disengagement mechanisms.
3Reliability
If frictional engagement is increased for secure fit, then attachment security is improved, but ease of detachment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling members are designed with tapered ends that create increasing friction as the midpoints of the inner and outer coupling members align, providing secure attachment during use. However, the same tapered design allows the inner coupling member to be easily slid out of the outer coupling member by applying force in the opposite direction, enabling quick detachment when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The detent mechanism automatically engages when the midpoints of the coupling members coincide, providing alignment assistance and confirming correct positioning without requiring additional user action. The frictional engagement is self-regulating through the tapered geometry, naturally increasing holding force at the aligned position while still allowing easy release.
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 provides a versatile, secure, and adjustable attachment system that fits various electronic devices, including mobile phones and laptop screens, with enhanced frictional engagement and adjustable positioning, ensuring a stable and universal fit while allowing for easy detachment and repositioning.
Implementation Method 1
The inner coupling member preferably tapers towards either end thereof so that friction increases between the inner coupling member and the outer coupling member as a midpoint along the inner coupling member moves towards a midpoint along the outer coupling member.
Implementation Method 2
The apparatus may further comprise a detent between the outer coupling member and the inner coupling member operative when the midpoints coincide to assist the user ascertaining when the cylindrical coupling members may be correctly aligned.
Implementation Method 3
Distal inner faces of the clip tines may comprise frictional pads which enhances frictional engagement without affecting the universal fit.
Data Source
AI summary
Accessory attachment apparatus forms an articulating mounting attachment between a body of the accessory and an attachment. The articulating mounting attachment has an integrally formed generally cylindrical inner coupling member couplable within a conformingly generally cylindrical and open outer coupling member. The outer coupling member is rotatably engaging the inner coupling member therein along a longitudinal axis thereof.