Jaw Grip Mount Combination Lock for Smartphone Theft Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clamping jaw holders for smartphones or tablets lack anti-theft protection, allowing devices to be easily removed by unauthorized individuals, especially in unattended moments like when customers are shopping.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a combination locking mechanism that locks the release button, requiring input of a specific combination to unlock and allow the movable jaw to return to the open position, thereby securing the device against theft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a release button with ratchet mechanism is used to allow easy opening of the clamp, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security against unauthorized removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The combination lock mechanism is nested within the release button assembly. The release button is integrated with the combination lock such that the lock mechanism is housed inside or alongside the button structure, allowing the security feature to be incorporated without adding a separate external locking component that would complicate the overall design.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination lock acts as an intermediary mechanism between the release button and the ratchet mechanism. Instead of directly connecting the release button to the ratchet, the combination lock is introduced as a mediating element that controls whether the release button can disengage the ratchet, thereby providing security while maintaining the intended ease of operation for authorized users.
2Reliability
If a combination locking mechanism is added to prevent theft, then the security against theft is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release button is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the operational release mechanism for authorized users and as part of the combination lock security system. By making the release button multi-functional rather than adding a completely separate locking device, the patent reduces overall structural complexity while still providing security against theft.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination lock mechanism is merged with the existing release button and ratchet assembly rather than being implemented as a separate independent system. The patent integrates the security feature into the operational mechanism, combining the release button's function with the combination lock's security function, thereby minimizing additional structural complexity.
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 combination locking mechanism effectively prevents unauthorized removal of devices from the holder, providing a secure solution for applications like shopping carts where users need to keep their hands free while ensuring the device remains secure and visible.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanism is provided for this purpose which preloads the movable jaw into an open position by way of spring force
Implementation Method 2
with a ratchet mechanism blocking the return to the open position
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a jaw grip mount equipped with theft protection for smartphones or tablets comprising: a body which forms a support surface for the smartphone or tablet; two jaws designed to grip the smartphone or tablet at two opposite edge regions and to receive the edge region in an interlocking manner, at least one jaw movable between an open position and a variable locking position and can be locked in the locking position; and a release button for unlocking the lock on the moving jaw in the closed position thereof. The invention further provides at least one actuating mechanism which can be moved between a plurality of defined and marked positions and which includes a key element which can interact only in a specific position with a complementary key element of the release button so that it is only possible to actuate the release button in this position.