Vehicle Holder Assembly With Deployable Fingers for Varying Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The variation in size of electronic devices makes it challenging to store devices of greater or lesser size in vehicles, as existing solutions often struggle to accommodate devices of different dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A device holder assembly for vehicles, featuring a body with a housing and a leg assembly that includes movable first and second legs, and rotatable fingers that can be deployed and retracted to accommodate devices of varying sizes, with a biasing member and locking mechanism for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-size holder is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate devices of varying sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the holder structure adjustable through movable legs and rotatable fingers that can be positioned at multiple angles. The legs can extend or retract, and the fingers can rotate to different positions, allowing the holder to dynamically adapt its shape and size to accommodate various device dimensions while maintaining structural integrity through controlled mechanical movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is divided into multiple independent segments including legs, fingers, and joints that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows each component to be independently positioned to match the specific dimensions of the device being held, transforming a single fixed structure into a modular, reconfigurable system that can adapt to different device sizes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjustable components are added, then adaptability improves, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder employs a nested arrangement where fingers are positioned within the framework of the legs, and smaller adjustment mechanisms are integrated within larger structural components. This nesting allows multiple adjustment functions to be compactly arranged, reducing overall complexity while maintaining the ability to accommodate various device sizes and orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The legs and fingers serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable positional adjustment, and offer locking capabilities. The same components that define the holder's shape also provide the adjustment range and stabilization functions, reducing the need for separate dedicated mechanisms for each function and thereby controlling overall complexity.
3Ease of operation
If movable legs and rotatable fingers are used, then positioning flexibility improves, but stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The holder incorporates preliminary positioning features such as pre-configured finger angles and leg positions that guide the device into the correct orientation before final securing. This preliminary arrangement ensures that once the adjustable components are positioned, the device is already properly aligned for stable retention, reducing the risk of instability from improper positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable legs and rotatable fingers are designed to self-lock or self-stabilize at positioned configurations through gravitational alignment, friction-based locking, or mechanical interlocking features. This self-service mechanism maintains stability without requiring continuous active control, allowing the flexible positioning structure to reliably hold devices once adjusted.
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 holder assembly effectively retains a range of devices in various positions, ensuring secure storage and easy access for devices of different sizes, enhancing usability and convenience in vehicle environments.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member is coupled to the third finger, and the biasing member provides a biasing force that directs the third finger towards the retracted position; the biasing member comprises a spring coupled to a rear portion of the third finger
Implementation Method 2
a locking mechanism is coupled to the first finger, and the locking mechanism is movable between an engaged condition and a disengaged condition, and the leg assembly is in a static state when the locking mechanism is in the engaged condition
Data Source
AI summary
A device holder assembly that includes a body with a housing coupled to the body. A leg assembly is coupled to the housing. The leg assembly includes a first leg and a second leg that are movable between a recessed position and an extended position. A first finger is rotatably coupled to the first leg. A second finger is rotatably coupled to the second leg. The first leg and the second leg and both movable between a deployed position and a retracted position. A third finger is disposed between the first finger and the second finger. The third finger is rotatably coupled to a center portion of the housing. The third finger is rotatable between a deployed position and a retracted position.