Seatback Holder with Retractable Arm and Rotating Brackets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic device holders for vehicles, such as aircrafts and trains, fail to provide stable and comfortable device support for various formats like smartphones and tablets while minimizing space usage and avoiding uncomfortable projections, and they do not adequately address the need for adaptability and protection during vibrations and jerks.

Innovation Solution

A plate-like holder with an extendable arm and rotating holding elements, featuring locking teeth, that can adapt to different device formats by adjusting its position to ensure maximum stability and protection, and remains virtually invisible when not in use by minimizing projections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If projecting hooks and resting bases are used to hold the device, then the device can be securely held, but the holder becomes uncomfortable and undesirable when the device is not in use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice holding stabilityVSAvoiduser comfort when device is not in use
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The holder employs dynamic elements including a retractable arm that can extend to support the device and retract when not in use, and rotating holding elements that can pivot between a vertical adhered position and a rotated operational position. This allows the holder to adapt its configuration based on whether the device is being used, eliminating unwanted projections when the device is removed while maintaining secure holding capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the holder structure is made more complex to accommodate various device formats, then adaptability improves, but the holder occupies more space and becomes more visible when not in use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different device formatsVSAvoidspace occupied by the holder
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The holder integrates the retractable arm within the plate-like holder body, allowing the arm to be stored inside or alongside the holder structure when not in use. This nesting approach enables the holder to maintain a compact profile while providing extended functionality when needed, accommodating various device formats without permanently occupying additional space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotating holding elements can pivot between a vertical adhered position (minimal profile) and a rotated operational position (device-supporting configuration). This dynamic transformation allows the holder to adapt its structure for different device formats while maintaining a compact, minimal appearance when not in use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Weight of moving object

If the holder structure is made lighter to reduce weight, then weight control is improved, but the holder may have reduced stability during vehicle movements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholder weightVSAvoidstability during vibrations and jerks
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is constructed from composite materials that provide high strength-to-weight ratio, enabling the structure to remain lightweight while maintaining sufficient stability to resist vibrations and jerks during vehicle movements. The adhesive plate provides a stable base, while the strategically positioned holding elements deliver targeted support with minimal mass.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Area of stationary object

If the holder is designed to be minimal and invisible when not in use, then space is minimized, but it may be difficult to ensure maximum stability when in use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace occupied when not in useVSAvoidstability and protection during use
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The holder transforms from a minimal plate-like structure to a fully functional support system through the rotation of holding elements and extension of the arm. When in use, the holding elements pivot to create a stable cradle with multiple contact points, while the extendable arm provides additional support. This dynamic transformation enables the holder to achieve maximum stability during use while maintaining a minimal profile when not in use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 holder effectively supports various electronic device formats with a lightweight structure, ensuring maximum stability and protection during vehicle movements, while maintaining a minimal and unobtrusive design that does not interfere with cables or cause user discomfort.

Implementation Method 1

an electronic device holder (1) of the type suitable to be fastened to the back of a seat seatback... with a plate-like shape which adheres to a holding surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

an elastic element arranged to push the holding element to rotate and return to its initial position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

which is provided with a friction brake to prevent from rotating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3812215B1Electronic device holder
Publication Date: 2022.08.10 GEVEN
  • EP3812215B1 patent drawingFigure 1~1A
  • EP3812215B1 patent drawingFigure 2~2B
  • EP3812215B1 patent drawingFigure 3~3B

AI summary

An electronic device holder (1) of the type suitable to be fastened to the back of a seat seatback or to a holding surface in front of a user, allows to adapt to any format of electronic device, smartphone, tablet or other, with a light structure and without producing unwished projections when not in use, and it has a platelike shape adhering to said holding surface and which includes in its thickness an extendable arm (9) projecting from the upper edge thereof, which can be extracted vertically, and it has: a first holding element (13) capable of rotating from a vertical position adhered to the extendable arm (9) or to the holder (1) to a position rotated upwards; a second holding element (23) capable of rotating from a vertical position adhered to the extendable arm (9) or to the holder (1) to a position wherein it acts as resting bracket, said first and second holding elements (13, 23) being arranged to receive respective edges of an electronic device (S, T) and being provided with a respective first and second locking tooth (16, 29), wherein the second holding element (23) is hinged to the lower end of a pivoting arm (21), in turn hinged in proximity of the outlet hole of said extendable arm (9) from the holder (1), which is capable of rotating from a position adhered to the holder (1) to a tilted position.