Indexable Vent Mount With Louver-Capturing Retainer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vent mounts for handheld electronic devices lack a secure and adjustable mechanism to attach to vehicle air vents, failing to provide stable positioning and easy installation.
Innovation Solution
A vent mount with a base and head, featuring an indexable connector that allows selective rotation of the body relative to the back plate, enabling secure attachment to vehicle air vents through a retainer that moves between extended and retracted positions, and a clip that traps the vent louver, along with a driver mechanism for easy adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional fixed mount is used, then the device is securely attached to the vent, but the mount cannot be adjusted to different positions or orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The indexable connector enables the body to rotate relative to the back plate between multiple indexed positions. The detent mechanism with lugs and recesses provides discrete rotational positions while maintaining stability at each position, transforming a static connection into a dynamically adjustable one.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: the indexable connector for rotation control, the detent mechanism for position locking, and the retainer for vent attachment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together as a unified system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex adjustment mechanism is added to allow rotation and positioning, then the mount becomes more versatile, but the installation process becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The detent mechanism automatically locks the body into indexed positions as it rotates, without requiring manual intervention or additional tools. The lugs engage with recesses to maintain position, and the spring-loaded retainer automatically secures the mount to the vent louver, making the complex mechanism self-regulating and easy to install.
Solution Approach 2:
The indexable connector allows smooth rotation between positions while the detent mechanism provides automatic positioning. This dynamic design enables the user to simply rotate the body to the desired position and the mechanism self-locks, eliminating complex manual adjustment procedures.
3Ease of operation
If the body is rigidly fixed to the back plate, then the structure is simple and strong, but the mount cannot be rotated or repositioned
Solution Approach 1:
The indexable connector provides a controlled dynamic connection between the body and back plate. It allows rotation when needed while maintaining structural integrity at each indexed position through the detent mechanism, achieving both ease of operation and structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The detent mechanism with lugs and recesses is designed to absorb and distribute the forces generated during rotation and positioning. This pre-engineered cushioning ensures that the structural stability is maintained even as the mount transitions between different indexed positions.
4Reliability
If a simple attachment mechanism is used, then the mount is easy to install, but it cannot securely capture the vent louver
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is designed as a spring-loaded movable component that automatically engages with the vent louver. When the mount is installed, the retainer is compressed and then releases to snap onto the louver, providing secure attachment through a simple dynamic action rather than a complex multi-step process.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer mechanism is self-actuating through spring force. Once installed, it automatically maintains pressure against the vent louver to ensure secure attachment without requiring additional adjustment or complex control mechanisms. The spring-loaded design provides reliable engagement through passive mechanical means.
Data Source
AI summary
A vent mount including a base and a head coupled to the base. A retainer of the base is movable between an extended position for insertion into a vehicle air vent and a retracted position to capture a louver of the vehicle air vent to hold the vent mount on the vehicle air vent. The head is configured to engage with a case for positioning a handheld electronic device relative to the vehicle air vent.