Clip and Latch Retaining Mechanism for Secure Handheld Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handheld devices lack a secure and ergonomic solution for retention and operation, particularly in environments where operators need to perform tasks with both hands, risking device damage from mishandling.
Innovation Solution
A device retaining mechanism featuring a housing with a clip and latch arrangement, allowing the device to be securely engaged and disengaged using a retaining pin and rotatable latches, providing a robust and ergonomic holding solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If handheld devices are made portable for field operations, then operator mobility and flexibility are improved, but the risk of device damage from mishandling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate components: a handheld device and a holding unit. The handheld device remains lightweight and portable for field operations, while the holding unit provides secure retention when the device is not in use. This segmentation allows the mobile device to maintain portability while the separate holding structure provides protection against damage.
2Reliability
If handheld devices are affixed at a location for standby operations, then device security and stability are improved, but operator mobility and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The holding unit incorporates a latch mechanism with movable latches that can transition between locked and unlocked positions. This dynamic feature allows the holding unit to securely retain the handheld device during standby operations while enabling quick release when the operator needs to mobileize the device, thus adapting to different operational requirements.
3Device complexity
If a simple holding structure is used for handheld devices, then device complexity and manufacturing cost are reduced, but retention security and protection against mishandling are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The holding unit includes a latch mechanism that automatically engages with the handheld device when inserted, providing preliminary securing action. The latches are positioned and dimensioned to automatically lock the device in place without requiring additional manual operations, thus providing secure retention while maintaining relative simplicity in the holding structure.
4Reliability
If a secure retention mechanism with latches and clips is implemented, then device protection and retention security are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to be actuated by the operator's natural insertion and removal motions of the handheld device. The spring-loaded latches automatically engage when the device is inserted and disengage when removed, eliminating the need for separate locking or unlocking actions. This self-service feature provides secure retention while minimizing the complexity of operation and reducing the number of additional components needed.
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 mechanism securely retains handheld devices, preventing damage from mishandling and allowing operators to use them safely and efficiently in working environments, enhancing usability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a spring operably connected to the latch and configured to bias the latch toward the engaged position
Implementation Method 2
The clip also includes at least one retaining pin affixed to the clip for engaging the device so as to retain the device into the device retaining mechanism
Data Source
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AI summary
A locking arrangement for retaining a device to a housing. An example locking arrangement comprises a latch, a clip, and a retaining pin affixed to the clip. The at least one latch (a) comprises a latch engagement structure and (b) is moveable between a first position and a second position. The clip (a) comprises at least one clip engagement structure and (b) is moveable between a released position and a locked position when the latch is in the second position. When the latch is in the first position and the clip is in the locked position, the latch engagement structure engages the clip engagement structure, such that the locked position is configured to cause the retaining pin to engage the device. When clip is in the released position, the latch engagement structure does not engage the clip engagement structure and the retaining pin does not engage the device.