Expandable Grip Mount With Rotational Locking Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing expandable devices for portable electronic devices lack a secure and easy-to-use mechanism for transitioning between expanded and collapsed configurations, often requiring complex mechanisms or excessive force for locking and unlocking.
Innovation Solution
An expandable device with a body, button, and locking device that includes a connecting disk, hub, and platform, where the locking device is rotatable between unlocked and locked configurations, allowing the body to be securely attached to the platform using a deformable mechanism, enabling easy detachment and reattachment with a simple rotational motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the body to the platform, then the reliability of attachment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is designed to be self-latching through rotational motion. When the user rotates the locking device, it automatically engages with the platform's cavity features (protrusions, shelves, or detents) to secure the body without requiring additional locking actions or complex multi-step procedures. The system serves itself by using the rotational input to simultaneously achieve both unlocking and locking states.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device acts as an intermediary between the button/body and the platform. It includes a connecting disk with engaging members that interface with the button, and a hub with features that engage with the platform's cavity. This intermediary component simplifies the overall system by providing a dedicated interface that handles the locking/unlocking function without requiring direct complex interactions between the button and platform.
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to excessive force or complex procedures required
Solution Approach 1:
The locking and unlocking actions are achieved through a simple rotational motion of the locking device, which self-regulates the engagement and disengagement forces. The spring-loaded hub and deformable platform features automatically provide the necessary engagement force during rotation, eliminating the need for users to apply excessive force or perform complex procedures. The system performs the securing function itself through the rotational input.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism utilizes changes in the physical state and position of components during rotation. The hub transitions from a retracted state (unlocked) to an extended state (locked), and the platform's deformable features change from engaged to disengaged positions. These parameter changes occur automatically during the rotational motion, providing secure locking without requiring excessive user force.
3Ease of operation
If the body is made easily removable and attachable, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of secure attachment may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device automatically secures the body to the platform through its rotational engagement mechanism. When rotated into the locked position, the hub's features (protrusions, wings, or detents) automatically engage with the platform's cavity features, providing secure attachment without requiring additional user actions. The system self-secures the connection while maintaining ease of operation through the simple rotational input.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes parameter changes during the attachment process. The locking device transitions from an unlocked to a locked state through rotation, changing the engagement parameters between the hub and platform. The deformable platform features and spring-loaded hub provide automatic adjustment of engagement forces, ensuring secure attachment while maintaining ease of operation through the rotational motion.
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 device provides a secure and user-friendly method for expanding and collapsing, ensuring the body is easily removable and attachable, enhancing usability and durability while maintaining a compact form.
Implementation Method 1
The locking device is rotatable relative to the platform between an unlocked configuration, in which the body is removable from the platform, and a locked configuration, in which the body is secured to the platform.
Implementation Method 2
enabling easy detachment and reattachment with a simple rotational motion
Data Source
AI summary
An expandable device for use with a portable electronic device includes a body, a button, a platform, and a locking device. The body has a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis, and is movable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. The button is coupled to the first end of the body, and the platform includes an outer surface and a collar extending away from the outer surface. The collar defines a cavity. The locking device is carried by the second end of the body, and at least a portion of the locking device is adapted to be removably disposed in the cavity of the platform for releasably coupling the body to the platform. The locking device is rotatable relative to the platform between an unlocked configuration, in which the body is removable from the platform, and a locked configuration, in which the body is secured to the platform.