Dial-Controlled Screw Fixture for Automotive Air-Conditioning Outlet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clamping devices for portable electronic devices in vehicles often disengage from air-conditioning outlet fins during bumpy driving, leading to device damage and discomfort due to inadequate engagement.
Innovation Solution
A fixture apparatus with a dial-controlled clamping mechanism, comprising a fixing unit, traction element, clamp, and support element, which allows for adjustable clamping force and secure attachment to air-conditioning outlet fins, ensuring the device remains securely held.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a resilient force-based clamping mechanism is used, then the clamping device can be easily installed on air-conditioning outlet fins, but the clamping force is insufficient during bumpy driving causing disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism transitions from a static resilient force-based design to a dynamic adjustable design. The dial-controlled screw mechanism allows the clamping force to be dynamically adjusted and locked at any desired level, enabling the system to adapt to different vibration conditions and maintain reliable clamping during bumpy driving while remaining easy to install.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the clamping force parameter from a fixed resilient force to an adjustable mechanical force. By rotating the dial, the user can precisely control the clamping force magnitude, transforming it from a passive elastic force to an active controllable parameter that can be optimized for both easy installation and reliable retention under vibration.
2Force
If screw, glue or suction disc methods are used to fix the clamping device, then strong clamping force can be achieved, but the car interior is damaged or driver's view is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful elements (screws, glue, suction discs) from the clamping mechanism and replaces them with a fin-engaging design. The clamp engages with the existing air-conditioning outlet fins without requiring penetration, adhesion, or suction, thereby achieving strong clamping force while avoiding damage to the car interior and obstruction of the driver's view.
Solution Approach 2:
The air-conditioning outlet fins serve as an intermediary structure that mediates between the clamping device and the vehicle interior. Instead of directly attaching to the car interior surfaces, the clamp uses the fins as a intermediate engagement point, distributing the clamping force across multiple fins and avoiding direct contact with and potential damage to the car's interior surfaces.
3Force
If a dial-controlled traction mechanism is implemented, then adjustable and controllable clamping force is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dial-controlled screw mechanism is self-service in that it provides both the adjustment and locking functions through a single user action. Rotating the dial simultaneously adjusts the clamping force and locks it in position through the screw thread's self-locking property, eliminating the need for separate adjustment and locking mechanisms and keeping the overall device complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The dial-controlled screw mechanism serves multiple functions: it adjusts the clamping force magnitude, locks the clamp in position, and provides a user interface for operation. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be multiple separate components into a single integrated mechanism, balancing the need for controllable clamping force with acceptable device complexity.
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 apparatus provides a secure and adjustable clamping solution that maintains engagement with air-conditioning outlet fins even during bumpy driving, preventing device falls and enhancing user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The traction element is disposed with outer screw thread at some segment. The segment extends into the fixing unit and contacts the dial in a screw-like manner. When the dial rotates, the traction element will move linearly.
Data Source
AI summary
A fixture apparatus for vehicle air-conditioner vent outlet is provided, including a fixing unit, a dial, a traction element, a clamp and a support element. The fixing unit is installed with the dial and limits the dial to only rotate at location. The clamp includes two coupled clips. The traction element is disposed with outer screw thread at some segment extending into the fixing unit and contacts the dial in a screw-like manner. When the dial rotates, the traction element moves linearly. One end of traction element outside of the fixing unit is coupled to the coupling position of the two clips of the clamp. The support element is coupled to outer wall of fixing unit, located on a same side of the clamp.