Flexible Rim Tablet Mount for Vehicle Headrests
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-vehicle entertainment systems lack a secure, versatile, and protective way to mount tablet computers on vehicle headrests, limiting user access and comfort during use.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece mount system comprising a tablet housing with a flexible rim and a headrest coupling that uses retractable tabs and a toothed gripping surface to securely attach a tablet to vehicle headrests, allowing for rotation and easy detachment, while providing protection and comfortable handheld use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid mounting structure is used to securely attach the tablet to the headrest, then the security and stability of the tablet is improved, but the adaptability to different tablet sizes and the ease of operation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible rim made of elastomeric material that can stretch and conform to different tablet sizes. This flexible rim is integrated into the mounting structure, allowing the same rigid mount to securely hold tablets of varying dimensions while maintaining stable attachment to the headrest.
2Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism is used to prevent accidental detachment, then the reliability of attachment is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting mechanism features a self-locking capability where the flexible rim's elastic deformation creates friction and mechanical interference that automatically prevents detachment. The design leverages the inherent elastic properties of the rim material to provide continuous retention force without requiring additional locking components or complex mechanisms.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the tablet is fully enclosed in a protective case, then the protection of the tablet is improved, but the access to controls and ease of operation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The protective mounting structure provides full enclosure and protection at the back and sides of the tablet where drops are most likely to occur, while deliberately leaving the front face and control interfaces exposed and accessible. The flexible rim protects the edges without interfering with button presses or screen interaction.
4Device complexity
If a fixed mounting position is used to simplify the structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the versatility of use positions and ease of operation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure incorporates rotational freedom by designing the attachment interface to allow the tablet to rotate within the flexible rim's constraint. The flexible rim maintains secure holding while accommodating angular movement, enabling the tablet to be positioned in multiple orientations without requiring a complex adjustable mounting mechanism.
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, versatile, and protective mounting system for tablet computers on vehicle headrests, enabling easy access to controls, comfortable use, and temporary handheld operation, while preventing accidental drops and ensuring secure attachment.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible rim portion is sized so that it can stretch around the circumference of the tablet computer and hold the tablet securely within the tablet housing
Implementation Method 2
The tab can be extended into the groove within the circumference of the circular cavity. The tab interacts with the groove to prevent the tablet housing from falling off of the attachment disk of the headrest coupling
Implementation Method 3
A toothed gripping surface on the interior of the hinged arms and the exterior of the base of the headrest coupling help prevent the headrest post from slipping
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method is presented that attaches a tablet computer to a vehicle headrest. A two-piece mount has a headrest coupling and a tablet housing. The tablet housing has a rigid core attached to a flexible rim portion that secures the tablet computer within the tablet housing. The rigid core has a circular cavity in the rear. The headrest coupling mounts to headrest posts in a vehicle using hinged arms and locking clips. The headrest coupling further has a circular attachment disk that fits within the circular cavity of the tablet housing. Retractable tabs in the circumference of the attachment disk fit within tracks in the walls of the circular cavity. The tabs prevent accidental separation of the tablet housing from the headrest coupling, and allow rotation of the tablet housing when attached to the headrest coupling.