Gear-Driven Adjustable Phone Bracket for Multi-Device Retail Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing security mount systems for portable electronic devices are not adaptable to new device models quickly enough, leading to costly and time-consuming replacements in retail stores due to changes in device dimensions, resulting in increased overhead for retailers.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable security mount system with retractable and extendable arms, utilizing circular gears and a lock mechanism that allows for tool-free operation, ensuring the device is securely fastened to a display surface without requiring access to the underside, accommodating various device dimensions and preventing theft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If customized security mounts are designed for each specific device model, then the security mount can securely fit the device, but the lead time increases to weeks or months and replacement costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The security mount uses adjustable arms with gear mechanisms that can be reconfigured to accommodate multiple device sizes and shapes. The arms can be extended or retracted using the gear system, allowing a single mount design to securely hold various portable electronic devices without requiring model-specific customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The security mount incorporates movable arms that can be dynamically adjusted to different positions and configurations. The gear mechanisms enable the arms to be easily extended or retracted, transforming the mount from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, adaptable structure that can quickly accommodate new device models.
2Reliability
If customized security mounts are designed for each specific device model, then the security mount can securely fit the device, but the manufacturing and distribution time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The security mount uses adjustable arms with gear mechanisms that can be reconfigured to accommodate multiple device sizes and shapes. The arms can be extended or retracted using the gear system, allowing a single mount design to securely hold various portable electronic devices without requiring model-specific customization.
3Reliability
If multiple customized security mounts are purchased for different device models, then each device can be secured, but the overhead cost for the retail store increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The security mount uses adjustable arms with gear mechanisms that can be reconfigured to accommodate multiple device sizes and shapes. The arms can be extended or retracted using the gear system, allowing a single mount design to securely hold various portable electronic devices without requiring model-specific customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The security mount design allows retail stores to retain and reuse the same physical mount hardware across different device models. Instead of discarding old model-specific mounts and purchasing new ones, the adjustable arms can be reconfigured to accommodate new devices, recovering the value of the existing mount investment.
4Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is provided, then the device is securely fastened, but the mechanism requires access to the underside which may compromise security
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism uses an intermediary shaft that passes through the main body of the mount. This shaft can be inserted from the top side through a hole in the main body to engage and disengage the locking mechanism, providing secure locking without requiring direct access to the underside where theft attempts might occur.
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 provides secure and adaptable display solutions for a range of portable electronic devices, reducing the need for frequent security mount replacements and minimizing theft risks by ensuring the device is securely fastened to the display surface without requiring access to the underside.
Implementation Method 1
a spring located between the first circular gear and the second circular gear to normally bias the first circular gear and the second circular gear apart from one another
Implementation Method 2
a threaded shaft that extends along the common axis of rotation to contact an end of the pinion such that turning the threaded shaft causes the pinion to move along the common axis of rotation
Implementation Method 3
the threaded shaft has a knurled portion for turning the threaded shaft by hand, the knurled portion configured to be located below the tabletop of the display table
Implementation Method 4
A first circular gear engages the left arm and the right arm for extension and retraction of the left arm and the right arm in tandem
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses for physically securing a portable electronic device to a tabletop of a display table or to another display surface are disclosed. In an embodiment an apparatus includes a main body with left, right, front, and upper arms that are retractable and extendable relative to the main body. A first circular gear engages the left arm and the right arm. A second circular gear engages the lower arm and the upper arm. A lock mechanism is provided to lock the first circular gear to the second circular gear and prevent independent rotation of the first circular gear and the second circular gear.