Expanding Tube Mount for Stable Handheld Device Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounts for handheld electronic devices on vehicles, such as motorcycles, lack a secure and adjustable mechanism to firmly attach devices to varying tubular structures, leading to instability and potential detachment during use.
Innovation Solution
A mount system featuring an expanding clamp with a plurality of keys and a driver mechanism that translates axial movement into radial expansion, allowing secure engagement with tubular components like motorcycle front fork center tubes, combined with an adjustable arm for precise positioning of the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an expanding clamp mechanism is used to engage with tubular structures, then the secure engagement and stability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into multiple keys (typically three) that can be independently positioned around the tubular structure. Each key has grooves that receive retainers, allowing the keys to be segmented yet work together as a unified expanding mechanism. This segmentation allows the clamp to adapt to different tube sizes while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining ring is nested within the clamp structure, with retainers that fit into grooves on the keys. The driver is nested within the clamp body, and the entire expanding mechanism fits within the mounting structure. This nesting reduces the overall footprint while maintaining the expanding functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable positioning mechanism is provided, then the adaptability to different positions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mount includes an adjustable arm that can be positioned at different angles and locked into place. The arm transitions from a static to a dynamic configuration, allowing the user to adjust the position of the electronic device relative to the mounting surface. This dynamic adjustment capability provides positioning adaptability without requiring multiple separate mounting options.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a secure attachment mechanism is used, then the stability is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism replaces complex multi-step mechanical assembly with a simplified screw-driven system. The driver engages with the screw, and rotating the screw simultaneously tightens the clamp and secures the mounting. This substitution of the fastening mechanism maintains stability while significantly improving ease of operation.
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 mount system provides a stable and adjustable attachment for handheld electronic devices on vehicles, ensuring secure engagement with different tubular structures and allowing for easy installation and removal, enhancing user safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
Beveled surfaces of the keys engage with beveled surfaces of the driver and the post to translate axial movement of the driver into radial movement of the keys
Data Source
AI summary
A mount includes a mount base and a mount head coupled to the mount base. The mount base supports the mount head relative to another stationary or movable structure. A handheld electronic device couples to the mount head to be supported relative to the structure at the selection of a user.