Foldable Clamping Device for Mobile Phones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Travelers on long-distance mass transport systems face discomfort due to the lack of devices to securely hold electronic gadgets like smartphones, leading to cervical spine and arm pain from prolonged hand use.
Innovation Solution
A foldable clamping device with pivot members and a position fixing mechanism that can be easily installed on a dining tray, allowing adjustable angles for secure phone holding and easy storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a clamping device is designed to be adjustable and functional, then it can meet user needs for holding electronic devices at different angles, but it occupies more space and is harder to carry
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are designed to be nested within each other when folded, with the first support member containing the second support member, creating a compact storage configuration that minimizes volume while maintaining full adjustability when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates multiple pivot members that enable dynamic adjustment of support members to various angles and positions, allowing the structure to transform from a compact folded state to an extended functional state, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and storage volume
2Volume of moving object
If a clamping device is made foldable and compact for easy carrying, then it reduces storage space, but it becomes more complex to manufacture and assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular segments including first and second support members, multiple pivot members, and clamping units that can be manufactured separately and assembled through simple pivot connections, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the foldable design
Solution Approach 2:
The nested configuration of support members simplifies the folding mechanism by eliminating the need for complex hinge assemblies, as each support member simply nests within the previous one, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving compact portability
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pivot members are added to provide adjustability, then the device can accommodate different viewing angles, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each pivot member is designed to perform multiple functions: providing angular adjustment, enabling folding motion, and serving as a structural connection point, thereby reducing the need for additional specialized components and minimizing overall device complexity despite high adaptability
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 comfortable, hands-free mode for using electronic devices, reducing user fatigue and pain by securely holding smartphones at desired angles, while being compact and easy to carry.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element disposed interior of the second support member for biasing the L-shaped clamp arm to contact with the stationary clamp arm
Implementation Method 2
a first pivot member, a second pivot member... the first and second extension elements are rotatable with respect to each other about a common axis
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping device includes a first support member, a first pivot member, a second pivot member and a second support member; the first support member including a clamping unit for clamping a mobile phone and having a pivot end connected pivotally to the first pivot member; the first pivot member including a first extension element; the second pivot member including a second extension element connected to the first extension element such that the first and second extension elements are rotatable with respect to each other about a common axis; the second support member having a pivot end connected pivotally to the second pivot member, including a stationary clamp arm, a movable L-shaped clamp arm and a biasing element for biasing the L-shaped clamp arm to contact with the stationary clamp arm to provide a clamping force therebetween.