Flat Object Holding Structure With Single Movable Locking Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holding systems for flat objects, such as mobile devices, are complex, delicate, and require multiple parts, making them difficult to operate and prone to damage, especially when dirty or with deep recesses, and often necessitate mechanical actuation buttons for switching between latching and release positions.
Innovation Solution
A linear holding system with a base body and a single movable latching element that transitions between extended and retracted positions, allowing for easy attachment and detachment without mechanical buttons, using a spring element and magnetic forces for secure locking, and a design that allows oblique placement of the receiving structure for simplified operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple movable locking elements are used to secure the flat object, then the reliability of attachment is improved, but the device complexity increases and the number of moving parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into multiple locking elements (first locking element and second locking element) that can be independently positioned. The first locking element has a first locking section and the second locking element has a second locking section, allowing distributed security across multiple engagement points while maintaining modular simplicity in each individual element's design.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having all locking elements movable for flexibility, the invention makes the second locking element fixed to the base body while only the first locking element is movable. This inversion reduces the number of moving parts while still achieving reliable attachment through the combination of one movable and one fixed locking element working together.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical actuation buttons are used to switch between latching and release positions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding system is designed to be activated automatically when the flat object is placed on the holding device. The receiving structure engages with the locking sections without requiring manual actuation buttons or complex mechanical switches. The system self-regulates by transitioning from a first position (receiving structure engages first locking section) to a second position (receiving structure engages second locking section), eliminating the need for additional control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If deep recesses are provided in the holding structure for securing the flat object, then the reliability of attachment is improved, but the ease of operation worsens when dirty
Solution Approach 1:
The holding system uses a dynamic positioning mechanism where the receiving structure can engage with locking sections at different positions. The first locking section is positioned to engage when the receiving structure is in a first position, and the second locking section engages when the receiving structure moves to a second position. This dynamic engagement allows the system to maintain reliable attachment without requiring deep, static recesses that are difficult to clean.
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 system is robust, easy to use with one hand, and reduces the number of moving parts, enhancing user-friendliness and cost-effectiveness while maintaining secure attachment and detachment of flat objects.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first movable locking element of the locking elements is acted upon by a spring element and held in an extended position
Implementation Method 2
using a spring element and magnetic forces for secure locking
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a holding system (10) for the releasable attachment of a flat object (12) to an object (14). One of the two objects is associated with a receiving structure (16) and the other with a holding structure (18). The structures (16, 18) can engage with each other. The holding structure (18) comprises two locking elements (20, 22) arranged opposite to each other and movable relative to each other, with locking sections (24) that can engage in corresponding receiving sections (26; 26') of the receiving structure (16). The locking elements (20, 22) are movable relative to each other so that a distance (a1) between the locking sections (24) can be changed in order to switch the holding structure (18) between a release position and a locking position.It is proposed that the holding structure (18) has a base body (30) and that only one locking element (20) is movably guided on the base body (30), whereas another locking element (22) arranged opposite to the movable locking element (20) is immovably attached to the base body (30) or forms an integral part of the base body (30).