Flush Tablet Mounting Apparatus with Magnetic Face Plate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tablet mounting solutions face challenges such as unsightly bezels, difficult access, permanent wall damage, poor audio performance, and exposed wiring, as they struggle to securely mount tablets of varying sizes while maintaining aesthetics and functionality.

Innovation Solution

A tablet mounting apparatus comprising a base piece with precision-cutouts and mechanically pressed button receptacles or magnets, along with a solid face plate, allows for easy tablet removal and secure mounting on any flat surface without damaging the wall, while hiding wiring and ensuring full audio functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If VESA-compatible cases with mechanical fasteners are used to securely mount tablets, then mounting security is improved, but tablet accessibility deteriorates (requires tools for removal)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting securityVSAvoidtablet accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is divided into two separable components: a face plate that attaches to the tablet and a base plate that mounts to the surface. This segmentation allows the tablet to be easily removed by detaching the face plate without requiring tools, while the base plate remains securely mounted.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical fasteners (screws, bolts) with a magnetic attachment system. The face plate contains magnets that attract to ferromagnetic material in the base plate, providing secure mounting that can be easily released by pulling the tablet away, eliminating the need for tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Shape

If in-wall mounting with large rectangular holes is used to eliminate gap space, then aesthetic appearance is improved (gapless installation), but wall integrity deteriorates (permanent damage)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegapless installationVSAvoidwall damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the mounting function from the wall structure itself. Instead of cutting holes into the wall, the base plate with adhesive backing is applied to the wall surface, and the tablet is mounted through the face plate that attaches to the base plate. This eliminates the need to modify the wall while achieving a gapless appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The base plate acts as an intermediary between the wall and the tablet. It provides a mounting surface that can be attached to the wall using adhesive or other non-invasive methods, eliminating the need for large holes while maintaining structural integrity of the wall.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If universal fit cases with foam bumpers are used to accommodate varying tablet sizes, then adaptability is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates (wide unsightly bezels)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetablet size compatibilityVSAvoidbezel width

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The face plate is designed with a cutout that precisely matches the dimensions of the specific tablet model. This local customization eliminates the need for universal fit cases with wide bezels, as each face plate is optimized for its corresponding tablet size, providing both adaptability and aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent varies the parameters of the face plate (cutout dimensions, shape) to match different tablet models. By changing these parameters, the system achieves adaptability to various tablet sizes while maintaining a sleek appearance without wide bezels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Shape

If solid front face plate is used to improve aesthetic appearance, then visual appeal is improved, but audio performance deteriorates (blocks sound from speakers and microphone)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolid face plate appearanceVSAvoidaudio blockage

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The face plate incorporates acoustic mesh or porous material that allows sound to pass through while maintaining the appearance of a solid plate. This resolves the contradiction by providing both aesthetic appearance and audio functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The acoustic mesh acts as an intermediary between the solid face plate and the speakers/microphone. It allows sound waves to pass through the face plate while maintaining the solid appearance, thus resolving the conflict between aesthetics and audio performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10809764B2Tablet computer surface mount

Publication Date: 2020.10.20 CHEUNG STEVEN WAI TONG

AI summary

An apparatus permitting tablet computers to be mounted flush against a flat surface is disclosed. The apparatus houses the tablet securely by way of a precisely dimensioned, flush-mounted base that features a custom-fitted opening which permits the tablet to press-fitted and placed inside. Once the tablet is installed, a face plate cover is placed on top of the base piece for aesthetics. The face plate mates with the base piece via snap fasteners, magnets, or other means which permit the pieces to remain secure with respect to each other, yet remain easily removable. The base piece features clearance slots for the various input & output ports of the tablet computer, such as, but is not limited to, power, audio, and connectivity.