Adjustable GPS/Sonar Display Mounting for Glare and Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current GPS/sonar display mounting systems on marine craft are not adjustable, making them prone to glare, theft, and obstructive, with limited compatibility with different manufacturers' displays and unstable in choppy conditions.
Innovation Solution
A modular mounting assembly with adjustable arms and interchangeable washers allows for tilting, rotational, and lateral adjustments, enabling easy removal and secure positioning of displays, accommodating various manufacturers' equipment and maintaining stability in adverse conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flush mounting is used, then the display is securely mounted on the dashboard, but the display cannot be adjusted for glare and is difficult to remove for security
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate components: a console plate that remains fixed on the dashboard, and a display mounting assembly that can be adjusted and removed. This segmentation allows the console plate to provide secure mounting while the display assembly maintains adjustability and removability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting arms are designed with adjustable features that allow dynamic repositioning of the display in multiple directions. The quick-disconnect fasteners enable the display to transition between fixed and removable states, providing both security during use and ease of removal when needed.
2Ease of operation
If the display is fixed in position, then it provides stable viewing, but it cannot be adjusted for different viewing angles and sunlight conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting arms incorporate adjustable joints and fasteners that allow the display to be positioned at various angles and locations. Once adjusted to the desired position, the quick-disconnect fasteners lock the display in place, providing both adjustability and position stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If quick-disconnect fasteners are used, then the display can be easily removed for security, but the mounting may become loose in choppy water conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-disconnect fasteners are designed to provide a secure locked position during normal operation, preventing the display from becoming loose in choppy water. When needed, these same fasteners allow for easy removal of the display. The system transitions between a firmly locked state and an easily removable state.
4Ease of manufacture
If a single mounting position is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but it blocks the user's view when the steering wheel is in certain positions
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system separates the fixed console plate from the adjustable display assembly, allowing the display to be positioned in multiple locations. This maintains simple manufacturing of individual components while enabling flexible positioning to avoid obstruction by the steering wheel.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable mounting arms allow the display to be repositioned to optimal viewing locations that are not obstructed by the steering wheel, while the console plate remains fixed for simple installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A GPS/sonar display mounting assembly is provided which is mountable to a dashboard console of a vehicle, which may include but is not limited to boat, automobile, aircraft or the like. The mounting structure provides that mounting assembly may be utilized with displays and GPS/sonar equipment of various manufacturers while being adjustable in at least three directions to allow for comfortable use of the display by a user. Further, the mounting assembly provides for retention of the display in a desired position once set by the user despite choppy conditions which typically cause prior art mounting assemblies to slip and move from a preferred position.