Magnetic Clip Support for Adjustable Device Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support devices for portable electronic devices are bulky, cumbersome, and limit the range of environments in which they can be used, often requiring a flat surface and causing damage to the device or underlying structures, while also restricting orientation adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A multi-part clip with a magnetic attachment and a pivotable hook-like appendage that allows for secure engagement with electronic devices, enabling adjustable positioning and orientation without damaging the device or underlying surfaces, and allowing use in various environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional support device is used to hold a portable electronic device, then the device can be positioned for viewing and interaction, but the support device becomes bulky and cumbersome, limiting portability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is divided into two main segments: a clip portion that attaches to the portable electronic device and a support portion that provides structural support. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the clip can be small and lightweight while the support portion provides necessary stability, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The clip portion is designed to nest within or attach compactly to the support portion when not in use. The clip can be stored in a recess or attached in a space-saving manner, making the entire support device compact and portable while maintaining full functionality when deployed
2Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional support device is used, then positioning is provided, but it requires a flat surface and limits the range of environments where it can be used
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is designed with universal applicability - the clip portion can attach to various surfaces (walls, ceilings, furniture, windows) and the support portion can hold devices in multiple orientations. This multi-functionality allows the device to be used in diverse environments without requiring a flat surface, enhancing adaptability while maintaining ease of operation through consistent attachment and support mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The support device incorporates adjustable and flexible elements that allow it to adapt to different mounting surfaces and device orientations. The dynamic design enables the support portion to be positioned at various angles and the clip to conform to different surface geometries, increasing versatility across environments
3Reliability
If a traditional support device is used, then support is provided, but it may cause damage to the device or underlying structures
Solution Approach 1:
The clip portion acts as an intermediary between the portable electronic device and the support portion. It provides a secure attachment mechanism that distributes stress evenly and avoids direct contact between the device and potentially damaging surfaces. The clip can be made of soft, non-marring materials that protect the device while maintaining reliable attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The support device incorporates protective elements in advance - the clip is designed with cushioning or protective coatings that prevent damage to the device during attachment and use. The mounting surfaces and attachment points are pre-engineered to distribute loads and prevent stress concentration, eliminating harmful factors before they can cause damage
4Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional support device is used, then positioning is provided, but it restricts orientation adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The support device incorporates dynamic, adjustable elements that allow orientation changes. The support portion can be rotated or tilted to different angles, and the clip attachment may allow for orientation adjustments. This dynamic design provides adaptability for different viewing and interaction orientations while maintaining reasonable device complexity through simple rotational or articulation mechanisms
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 multi-part clip provides stable, adjustable support for portable electronic devices, enabling easy orientation changes and use in diverse settings without causing structural damage, enhancing usability and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic element disposed within the internal volume and configured to form, through the second surface, a magnetic attachment to a magnetic element of a portable electronic device
Implementation Method 2
the recess is configured to receive a portion of an electronic computing device such that the multi-part clip is balanced atop the electronic computing device according to a gravitational force being imparted on the multi-part clip
Data Source
AI summary
This application relates to accessory support devices for supporting portable electronic devices in relation to other electronic computing devices. A multi-part clip includes a housing having a first housing part having a first surface, a second housing part coupled to the first housing part and having a second surface, and an internal volume. The multi-part clip has a circular, ring-shaped magnetic element disposed within the internal volume and forms, through the second surface, a magnetic attachment to a magnetic element of a portable electronic device. The multi-part clip includes a hook-like appendage pivotably coupled to the first surface and has a recess such that, in an actuated configuration, the hook-like appendage extends away from the first surface and the recess is configured to receive a portion of an electronic computing device. The multi-part clip is balanced atop the electronic computing device according to a gravitational force imparted therein.