Electronic Holder Clamp Mechanism for Gradual Quiet Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional holding devices for electronic apparatuses generate noise and are inconvenient, particularly when releasing small devices, as the clamping pieces snap loudly and may cause small devices to fall off due to a wide pre-determined open position.
Innovation Solution
A holding device with a manual gradual open mode using a gear set, stop unit, and manual unit to control the clamping pieces, allowing for synchronized sliding inward but only manual activation for outward opening, ensuring secure holding and noise reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the release unit unlocks the stop pieces from the locking position, then the clamping pieces can open to release the electronic apparatus, but the spring forces the clamping pieces to snap loudly and stop at a pre-determined position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the automatic spring-driven snapping mechanism with a manual rotation operation. The user rotates the release unit gradually, which through the gear set drives the clamping pieces to open slowly and controllably, eliminating the sudden snapping motion that generates noise. This transforms a dynamic automatic mechanism into a controlled manual process.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear set acts as an intermediary between the manual release unit and the clamping pieces. By introducing this mechanical transmission system, the user's rotational input is converted into controlled linear motion of the clamping pieces, allowing gradual opening without direct spring action, thus reducing noise while maintaining the release function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pre-determined position allows larger space between clamping pieces, then electronic apparatus of various sizes can be held, but small-sized electronic apparatus may fall off due to the wide-apart position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the clamping piece spacing dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed at a wide pre-determined position. Users can rotate the release unit to adjust the spacing according to the size of the electronic apparatus being held, or leave it at a tighter position for small devices. This dynamic adjustment capability maintains both versatility and holding security.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear set provides mechanical feedback through its toothed engagement, allowing users to sense and control the exact spacing of the clamping pieces during rotation. This feedback mechanism enables precise positioning to match different device sizes while maintaining secure holding, as users can stop at the appropriate spacing rather than being forced to a wide pre-determined position.
3Productivity
If the clamping pieces are opened widely to release the clamped electronic apparatus, then the apparatus can be removed, but the clamping pieces snap loudly and may cause small devices to fall off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the rapid automatic snapping open motion into a controlled manual rotation process. Users can rotate the release unit at their own pace, enabling the clamping pieces to open gradually without sudden movements. This maintains release functionality while eliminating the noise and instability issues caused by rapid snapping.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear set serves as a mechanical intermediary that converts the user's rotational input into controlled linear motion of the clamping pieces. This intermediate mechanism allows for gradual, controlled opening rather than direct rapid movement, reducing noise and preventing device instability while still achieving the release function efficiently.
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 provides a self-lock mechanism for secure holding and reduces noise by allowing gradual opening of clamping pieces, preventing small devices from falling and minimizing loud snapping sounds.
Implementation Method 1
Inside the seat, a gear set, a stop unit and a manual unit are included so that clamping pieces can synchronously slide
Implementation Method 2
The holding device also includes springs to provide the force to move the two moveable clamping pieces transversely to each other
Implementation Method 3
The inward sliding movement of the clamping piece is not hampered, while the automatic outward sliding movement of the clamping piece is hampered, which can only be activated by manual unit
Data Source
AI summary
A holding device is provided, including a seat affixed with two clamping pieces. At least one of the clamping pieces can slide transversely towards or backwards from the other. Inside the seat, a gear set, a stop unit and a manual unit are included so that clamping pieces can synchronously slide. The slide-close movement of the clamping pieces is not hampered, while the automatic slide-open movement of the clamping pieces is hampered, which can only be activated by manual unit. In addition, a gradual open mode is used for opening the clamping pieces to release the clamped apparatus. The present invention provides a noise-free and convenient operation.