Indexed Mounting Joint for Secure Yet Easy Device Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting systems for mobile devices and other items are often complex, difficult to adjust, and lack flexibility, offering limited movement and compatibility with various surfaces and objects, and require multiple mounts for larger devices.
Innovation Solution
A modular mounting system with a fixed and movable portion, a lever for locking/unlocking, and an indexed adjusting system using semi-spherical projections and dimples for customizable resistance from smooth friction to fully locked hold, allowing secure and easy mounting on a variety of surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art mounting systems use complex locking mechanisms or magnetic connections, then secure connection is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates as they require additional tools and are difficult to adjust
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into modular components: a base with mounting surface, an adjustable arm with segmented sections, and a device holder. Each segment can be independently adjusted and locked, allowing secure connection while maintaining ease of operation through simple modular adjustments without tools
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms with movable joints that allow the arm and holder to be repositioned to various angles and positions. The joints transition between locked and unlocked states easily, enabling secure positioning when needed and simple repositioning when adjustment is required
2Device complexity
If prior art mounting systems offer limited joint adjustments with unlocked or locked positions only, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability deteriorates as they cannot accommodate unique or non-traditional mounting situations
Solution Approach 1:
The joints incorporate friction-based or detent-based mechanisms that allow continuous positioning within a range of motion, rather than fixed locked positions only. This enables the mounting system to adapt to unique angles and orientations while maintaining structural integrity through adjustable friction or indexing at any position along the movement arc
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is designed with universal mounting surfaces and standardized interfaces that can accommodate various device types and mounting locations. The adjustable arm and holder configuration can be adapted to handle smartphones, tablets, cameras, or other devices in diverse orientations and positions
3Ease of operation
If prior art mounting systems use simple friction or locked joints, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates as they cannot provide sufficient support for large devices like tablets
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple adjustable sections with individual locking points. Each segment can be independently positioned and secured, distributing the load across multiple contact points and providing stable support for larger devices while maintaining ease of adjustment at each segment
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system incorporates spherical or rounded joint surfaces that provide smooth friction-based adjustment throughout the range of motion. The curved surfaces maintain constant contact and distribute forces evenly, enabling reliable support for various device weights while allowing effortless repositioning through friction control
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
Enables secure, easy, and customizable mounting of devices on diverse surfaces with full range of motion, from smooth friction to locked positions, accommodating various items and surfaces without needing multiple mounts.
Implementation Method 1
A resilient member can be positioned in the recess
Implementation Method 2
an indexed adjusting system using semi-spherical projections and dimples for customizable resistance from smooth friction to fully locked hold
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting system for mounting a device to an object includes a mount having a fixed portion, and a movable portion slidingly engaged with the fixed portion. The fixed and the movable portions defining a base, and when engaged with one another defining a circular profile. A lever is pivotally mounted to the fixed portion so as to operably engage the movable portion in a locked position and disengage from the movable portion in an unlocked position. A connector is operably engaged with the fixed portion. An indexed adjusting system has a coin-shaped body having a series of circumferentially equally spaced semi-spherical projections on both sides of the body, and first and second series of circumferentially equally spaced dimples positioned on the fixed portion and on the connector, respectively. The semi-spherical projections on both sides of coin-shaped body engages the circumferentially equally spaced dimples positioned on the fixed portion and the connector, respectively. A fastener engage the fixed portion with the connector, such that a low torque on the fastener permits a smooth friction hold between the mount and the connector, a medium torque permits an indexed friction hold and a high torque is a fully locked condition of the mount and the connector.