Adjustable Laptop Security Bracket With Switchable Arm Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laptop security brackets are often customized for specific laptop sizes and take weeks to months to become available after a new model is released, leading to increased costs and overhead for retail stores due to the need for frequent replacements.
Innovation Solution
A laptop security apparatus with a main body, extendable and retractable arms, and a gear mechanism that allows for bidirectional or unidirectional operation, accommodating various laptop sizes and thicknesses, and includes ratcheting buttons for secure attachment to display surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If customized laptop security brackets are manufactured for each specific laptop model, then the security bracket fits the laptop perfectly, but the lead time becomes weeks to months and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The security bracket is designed with adjustable arms and modular components that can accommodate multiple laptop sizes and models using a single universal design, eliminating the need for custom manufacturing for each laptop model while maintaining secure fit
Solution Approach 2:
The security bracket incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable components that can be dynamically adapted to different laptop dimensions, allowing the same bracket to be customized on-demand for various models without requiring pre-manufacturing for each specific size
2Reliability
If customized security brackets are manufactured for each new laptop model, then the bracket is optimized for that specific model, but the frequency of replacement increases and overhead costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal security bracket design can secure multiple different laptop models through its adjustable components, reducing the frequency of replacement when new laptop models are released while maintaining model-specific optimization through on-demand adjustment
3Ease of operation
If adjustable arms are made bidirectional, then the arms can be extended for installation, but they can be accidentally rotated back during use
Solution Approach 1:
The gear stop is pre-configured to engage with the gear mechanism, automatically preventing backward rotation of the arms once extended. The spring-loaded gear stop is positioned in advance to engage when the arms reach their extended position, eliminating the risk of accidental rotation during use
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 quick adaptation to new laptop models without customization, reducing costs and overhead by allowing universal fitting and secure attachment to display surfaces, thereby preventing theft.
Implementation Method 1
The gear stop includes a spring configured to normally bias the gear stop in the first position against the gear
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses for physically securing a laptop in an open position to a display surface are disclosed. Such an apparatus comprises a main body from which fastener(s) extend downward, and left and right arms that are extendable and retractable relative to the main body. The left and right arms comprise, respectively, left and right braces. A tab extends through an opening in a bottom of the main body and is configured to transition the apparatus from a unidirectional configuration to a bidirectional configuration in response to being pressed. When the apparatus is in the unidirectional configuration the left and right arms are retractable in tandem relative to the main body, and the left and right arms are prevented from being extended relative to the main body. When the apparatus is in the bidirectional configuration the left and right arms are both retractable and extendable relative to the main body.