Friction Mount with Flexible Anchors for Contoured Vehicle Surfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting apparatuses for electronic devices in vehicles often damage the mounting surface, are difficult to reposition, and are not adaptable to small spaces or contoured surfaces with obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A friction mount apparatus with a soft material bottom surface and flexible anchors that can conform to various contours, allowing easy positioning and repositioning of electronic devices without damaging the surface, and featuring a receiving member for secure attachment of the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws, bolts, clips, rivets, VELCRO, putty or other fasteners are used to secure the mounting apparatus to the dashboard or floor, then the mounting apparatus is securely fixed to the support surface, but the mounting surface is damaged and holes remain after removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical fastening systems (screws, bolts, clips, rivets) with a friction-based mounting system. The mounting apparatus utilizes friction between its base and the support surface to achieve secure fixation without penetrating or damaging the surface. This substitution eliminates the need for holes or adhesive residues while maintaining reliable mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a friction interface as an intermediary between the mounting apparatus and the support surface. This friction-based contact acts as a mediator that transfers and distributes mounting forces across the surface without causing concentrated stress or damage, unlike direct mechanical fasteners that penetrate or concentrate load at specific points.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mounting apparatus is removed from its original location to re-mount at a different location, then the device can be repositioned, but the process is time consuming and requires tools to remove screws or adhesives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces tool-based mechanical fastening systems with a friction-based system that requires no tools for installation or removal. The mounting apparatus can be simply pressed onto the support surface to mount and pulled off to relocate, eliminating the time-consuming process of using screwdrivers, drills, or adhesive removers.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction-based mounting system is self-installing and self-removing without requiring external tools or complex procedures. The user can directly engage or disengage the mounting apparatus from the support surface through simple manual actions, making the repositioning process immediate and tool-free.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a broad flexible base is used to conform to contoured surfaces, then the mounting apparatus can adapt to various surface contours, but it is not well adapted to fit into small areas or around protrusions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mounting base into multiple discrete friction elements or contact points rather than using a single continuous broad base. This segmentation allows the mounting apparatus to fit into small spaces and navigate around protrusions while maintaining adequate friction contact at each segment to ensure secure mounting on contoured surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional broad surface contact approach to a three-dimensional distributed contact point approach. By positioning multiple friction contact points at different locations and orientations, the mounting apparatus can adapt to complex surface geometries and fit into confined spaces that a single flat base could not accommodate.
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 apparatus securely holds electronic devices in small or heavily populated areas, prevents surface damage, and allows for convenient and frequent location changes within vehicles, enhancing usability and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
a body (16) including a bottom surface (28) composed of a soft material for contacting a surface (14) of a vehicle and resisting movement relative to the surface (14)
Data Source
AI summary
A friction mount apparatus for supporting an electronic device (10) on a surface (14). The apparatus (10) includes a body (16), anchors (18,20,22), and a receiving member (24). Body (16) includes a recessed surface (30) on the bottom thereof into which a foam layer (36) is secured, wherein the foam layer (36) contacts a mounting surface (14) and resists moving relative to the surface (14). The anchors (18,20,22) are connected to the body (16) via flexible necks (38,40,42) and have bottom surfaces formed of soft material and weighted cores to press the bottom surfaces against the mounting surface to resist movement relative to the mounting surface (14) and thus further stabilize the apparatus (10). The receiving member (24) is secured to a top surface of the body (16) and is adapted to releasably retain an electronic device (12).