Dynamic Mounting System for Electronic Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mounting systems for electronic devices, such as printers, face challenges in adapting the joint state with the cradle based on user needs, fail to prevent terminal short-circuits due to liquid ingress, and waste space when batteries are not in use, leading to inefficiencies in design and functionality.

Innovation Solution

A mounting system with a joint mechanism that locks the electronic device and cradle when the battery container is not attached, allowing for two operational modes: one for battery-powered use without locking and another for commercial power use with locking, incorporating a design that prevents terminal short-circuits through terminal arrangement and protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the electronic device is locked to the cradle when the battery container is not attached, then the AC adaptor built in the cradle is protected and the electronic device can be carried while mounted on the cradle, but the electronic device cannot be easily disconnected for battery use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of AC adaptorVSAvoidease of disconnection for battery use
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The joint mechanism between the electronic device and cradle is made dynamic rather than fixed. The locking state automatically changes based on whether the battery container is attached: locked when battery is absent (for protection and portability), unlocked when battery is present (for easy removal). This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between protection and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the battery container occupies space in the electronic device body, then the battery can be stored and used, but the space is wasted when the battery is not used and the device cannot stand stably

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery storage capabilityVSAvoidstability of device when battery not used
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The battery container is separated from the main electronic device body into an independent, detachable unit. This segmentation allows the battery container to be removed when not needed, eliminating the space waste and stability issues while maintaining the capability to store and use battery when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If the terminal is exposed to contact with the cradle terminal, then power supply and charging functions are enabled, but short circuit between terminals due to water entry cannot be prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply and charging functionVSAvoidprevention of short circuit due to liquid
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A flexible waterproof seal or protective film is introduced at the terminal interface between the battery container and electronic device. This flexible barrier prevents water and liquid from reaching the electrical terminals while still allowing electrical contact when the battery is properly inserted, thus preventing short circuits without compromising power supply and charging functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP3515158B1Mounting system
Publication Date: 2021.07.21 SATO HLDG CORP
  • EP3515158B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3515158B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3515158B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A mounting system according to one embodiment includes: a battery container having a charging terminal and configured to store a secondary battery; an electronic device having a power-supply terminal and configured to attach the battery container detachably; a mounting device having an external power-supply terminal to supply external power and configured to mount the battery container or the electronic device; and a joint mechanism configured to join the electronic device and the mounting device when the battery container is not attached to the electronic device. The joint mechanism does not join the electronic device and the mounting device when the battery container is attached to the electronic device.