Elastic Holding Elements for Secure Device Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening devices for electronic devices, such as navigation devices in vehicles, are complex and require precise positioning, leading to manufacturing difficulties and user challenges in secure attachment and detachment.

Innovation Solution

A fastening device with a base plate and crescent-shaped or hook-shaped holding elements that engage with projections on the electronic device, utilizing a spring mechanism for secure attachment and manual operation for easy insertion and release, with an actuation protection to prevent accidental release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex multi-part fastening devices are used to securely attach electronic devices, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening device is divided into a base plate and separate holding elements. The holding elements can be rigid or movable, with the movable ones being elastically displaceable relative to the base plate. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while simplifying the overall structure compared to complex multi-part devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base plate integrates multiple functions: it provides the mounting surface, contains mounting openings for vehicle integration, and serves as the reference structure for the holding elements. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining attachment reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Manufacturing precision

If precise positioning mechanisms are implemented to ensure secure attachment, then the attachment precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment precisionVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The elastically displaceable holding elements automatically adjust to engage with the electronic device without requiring precise manual positioning. The elastic displacement allows the holding elements to self-align and secure the device through spring force, eliminating the need for operator precision while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The holding elements are designed to be elastically displaceable relative to the base plate, allowing dynamic adjustment during the attachment process. This dynamic capability enables the device to accommodate minor positioning variations while maintaining secure engagement, improving ease of operation without sacrificing attachment precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If movable holding elements with elastic displacement are used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable holding elements utilize elastic deformation of the base plate material itself to provide the necessary flexibility and movement. Rather than adding complex mechanical linkages, the solution uses the elastic properties of the base plate to enable easy attachment and release operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Reliability

If multiple holding elements are used to secure the device, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention allows selection between rigid and movable holding elements based on specific application requirements. This parameter change approach enables optimization of manufacturing cost while maintaining adequate attachment reliability for different electronic devices and mounting scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 secure, easy-to-use, and cost-effective fastening system that ensures the electronic device is firmly attached without requiring precise positioning, maintaining elasticity for secure retention during vehicle use.

Implementation Method 1

the movable holding element (3) being elastically displaceable relative to the base plate (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2318234B1Fixing apparatus for detachably fixing a portable electronic device
Publication Date: 2015.10.07 GARMIN SWITZERLAND GMBH
  • EP2318234B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2318234B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2318234B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a fixing apparatus for detachably fixing a portable electronic device, in particular a mobile navigation device, comprising a base plate (1) with a mounting device (7) to be arranged in the vehicle, wherein the base plate (1) has at least one rigid holding element (2) and/or at least one moving holding element (3), and wherein each holding element can engage in recesses (9, 10) on the portable electronic device, wherein the base plate (1) has a projection which can come to rest in a recess (9, 10) of complementary shape on the rear face of the portable electronic device in a fixing position.