Lever-Actuated Holder for Portable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices, such as mobile phones and navigation devices, pose a risk of injury during vehicle travel and crashes due to their potential to fly around freely within the vehicle, necessitating a secure and easy-to-use holding apparatus.
Innovation Solution
A detachable holding apparatus featuring a lever mechanism with a fixing element and locking element, utilizing a spring for easy operation, detent elements for secure engagement, and a trigger for one-handed operation, ensuring the device is securely fixed and easily removable, even under high accelerations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a secure fixing mechanism is implemented to prevent device movement during crashes, then safety is improved, but the complexity of the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure means is designed to be movable relative to the receiving part, transitioning between open and closed positions. The lever mechanism dynamically adjusts the position of the fixing element, allowing the device to be easily inserted and removed while maintaining secure fixation when closed. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction by providing both security and simplicity through motion rather than complex static structures.
Solution Approach 2:
A spring element is integrated into the fixing element to automatically exert a retrieving force that presses the device against the base. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional actuators or complex control systems to maintain fixation pressure, thereby improving reliability while keeping the apparatus structure simple.
2Reliability
If a secure fixing mechanism with high holding force is implemented, then device security is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lever mechanism provides mechanical advantage, allowing the user to easily actuate the closure means with minimal force. The lever's rotational movement about the swivel pin transforms small input forces into larger forces that move the fixing element, enabling easy operation while maintaining secure fixation when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element automatically exerts a retrieving force on the fixing element, causing it to move toward the device and establish secure contact. This self-actuating mechanism ensures reliable fixation without requiring the user to apply additional force, thereby maintaining ease of operation while improving fixation security.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the device, then fixation reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged into the lever mechanism itself. The lever, when actuated, directly moves the fixing element into the closed position where it naturally secures the device against the base. This integration eliminates the need for separate locking components, maintaining fixation reliability while keeping the apparatus structure simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element provides automatic locking by continuously exerting force to press the fixing element against the device. This self-locking mechanism ensures reliable fixation without requiring additional locking components or complex control systems, thereby improving reliability while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 apparatus provides a secure and simple method to fix and remove portable electronic devices, ensuring they remain attached during crashes while allowing easy insertion and removal, enhancing user safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
the apparatus further comprises a first spring on the fixing element, wherein the first spring is designed to exert a retrieving force onto the fixing element in the direction of the base
Implementation Method 2
Due to the described lever mechanism, in which the lever is mounted rotatably on the fixing element by the first swivel pin, it is possible to reversibly implement an independent fixing of the device via the fixing element with low application of force
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for detachably holding a portable electronic device, the apparatus including a receiving part for the device and closure means, the receiving part including a base for supporting the device, wherein the closure means is movably mounted relative to the receiving part, the closure means including a lever and fixing element, the fixing element arranged on a side of the receiving part opposite the base, the fixing element designed to exert a holding force in the direction of the base onto the device to be held, the lever mounted rotatably on the fixing element via a first swivel pin, the apparatus further including a holding element fixed to the receiving part, a locking element coupled to the lever, and a stop for the locking element, the locking element designed to block the movement of the closure means relative to the receiving part and release movement of the closure means.