Mobile Device Cradle Plunger Lock for Secure Adjustable Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile device cradles lack an effective mechanism to securely retain devices of varying sizes and types, and fail to provide easy loading and unloading while maintaining device protection.

Innovation Solution

A cradle design featuring a plunger lock mechanism, a top element with a protrusion and arm for secure retention, and a bottom element with contacts for electrical connectivity, allowing for adjustable positioning and secure locking/unlocking of mobile devices, facilitating easy loading/unloading.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a plunger lock mechanism is added to secure the mobile device, then device retention reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice retentionVSAvoidcradle structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The plunger is nested within a recess in the top element, allowing the locking mechanism to be integrated into the existing cradle structure rather than adding external components. This nesting approach provides secure device retention while minimizing increases in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the top element is made movable to facilitate loading/unloading, then ease of operation is improved, but stability of the cradle structure worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading and unloadingVSAvoidcradle structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The top element is designed to be movable relative to the cradle base, transitioning between fixed and movable states. During loading/unloading, the top element moves to accommodate device insertion and removal. Once the device is in place, the plunger lock engages to provide stability, thus achieving both ease of operation and structural stability through dynamic adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the plunger is positioned to engage the top element for locking, then device security is improved, but ease of loading and unloading worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice securityVSAvoidloading and unloading

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The plunger is extracted from a fixed position and made movable within its recess, allowing it to be positioned selectively. During loading/unloading, the plunger is retracted to clear the path for device insertion. Once positioning is complete, the plunger engages the top element to provide security. This extraction and mobility of the plunger resolves the contradiction between security and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS11076032B1Cradles for mobile devices with a plunger lock and methods of making and using

Publication Date: 2021.07.27 NP LIQUIDATING CO INC

AI summary

A cradle for a mobile device includes a cradle base; a top element movable relative to the cradle base and configured to retain a top portion of a mobile device loaded into the cradle; a bottom element coupled to the cradle base and configured to retain a bottom portion of a mobile device or a case containing the mobile device loaded into the cradle; and a locking mechanism having a housing and a plunger at least partially disposed in the housing and configured for moving, relative to the housing, between a lock position and an unlock position. In the lock position, the plunger engages the top element to hinder movement of the top element relative to the cradle base and, in the unlock position, the plunger does not engage the top element to permit loading or unloading of the mobile device from the cradle.