Handheld Cradle Mount With One-Handed Clamp and Angle Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional holders for handheld electrical devices, such as data collectors and cellular phones, face issues with stability, ease of use, and convenience, particularly when mounted on surveying poles or tripods, as they often require two hands to adjust and can cause vibration or damage due to inadequate contact and overtightening, and are not user-friendly for left-handed individuals.
Innovation Solution
A cradle system with a base and adjustable arms that allows for secure, one-handed placement and removal of devices without disturbing the mounting surface, featuring a coupler that allows for easy angle adjustment and secure attachment on either side of the pole or tripod for left- or right-handed users, preventing damage from overtightening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the support positively connects to the data collector to securely hold it, then the data collector is prevented from falling, but it becomes difficult to manually enter survey data and may cause vibration or movement of the tripod or pole
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp mechanism transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic system that can be easily released and re-engaged. The release button allows the clamp jaws to open and close, enabling the support to dynamically adjust between securing the device firmly and allowing easy removal for data entry.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded clamp mechanism provides automatic self-tightening when the release button is pressed and the device is inserted. The spring force automatically secures the device without requiring manual tightening, while the release button provides simple one-handed operation for removal.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the connection between support and clamp is released or loosened to adjust the angle, then the support can be adjusted to the desired angle, but the process is time-consuming and may result in undesired movement of the pole or tripod
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between support and clamp is made dynamic through the release button mechanism. The support can be quickly detached from the clamp and reattached at different angles without requiring loosening and tightening of screws, enabling rapid angle adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is segmented into separable components (clamp, support, and device holder) that can be independently adjusted. The support can be detached from the clamp and repositioned at various angles, allowing flexible configuration without moving the entire assembly.
3Reliability
If conventional C-clamps with screw knobs are used to secure the holder, then the holder can be attached to the pole or tripod, but the small contact area requires hard pressing and the screw mechanism is prone to overtightening causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional screw-knob tightening mechanism is replaced with a spring-loaded clamp system actuated by a release button. This substitution eliminates the risk of overtightening while maintaining secure attachment through spring force that automatically adjusts to the pole or tripod surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping force parameter is changed from being manually controlled (screw tightening) to being automatically controlled by spring force. The spring provides consistent, controlled pressure that prevents overtightening damage while ensuring reliable attachment.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the holder is designed for right-handed users only, then the data collector is retained in an upright position, but left-handed surveyors must reach across their bodies which is inconvenient when simultaneously holding the pole
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp and support assembly is designed with asymmetric features that allow it to be mounted on either the left or right side of the pole or tripod. The release button and clamp mechanism can be positioned to accommodate both right-handed and left-handed surveyors while maintaining the upright positioning of the data collector.
Data Source
AI summary
A cradle for a handheld electrical device comprises a base constructed to support the device such that the device can be freely placed on and removed from the base. At least one arm is operatively connected to the base for movement relative to the base and the device. An actuator moves the arm between a release position wherein the arm is spaced from the device, allowing the device to be freely removed from and placed on the base, and a hold position wherein the arm engages and holds the device in the cradle. The cradle is adapted for attachment to an object in a first orientation on a right-hand side of the object and in a second orientation on a left-hand side of the object. The cradle is arranged to hold the device in an upright position in both orientations.