Mobile Clamp Holder Damping for One-Handed Quiet Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holders for mobile electronic devices in vehicles face challenges in securely restraining devices during acceleration while requiring easy one-handed operation, often resulting in noisy and durable issues due to sudden impacts against stops when clamping jaws open.
Innovation Solution
A holder design featuring displaceable clamping jaws with an elastic element, a locking mechanism, a release element, a stop element, and a damper element that reduces noise and wear by absorbing shocks, along with optional additional features like pad elements for protection and a holding element to prevent device fall, allowing for easy one-handed operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spring-loaded clamping jaws are used to securely hold the device, then the device is restrained reliably during acceleration, but two hands are needed to operate the holder making it difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The holder employs a self-latching mechanism where the clamping jaws automatically lock into position when the device is inserted, eliminating the need for manual latching. The spring force automatically engages the jaws to secure the device, and a simple release button triggers the unlocking sequence, allowing one-handed operation while maintaining reliable device retention
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent unintentional opening, then the device is held more securely, but the mechanism becomes more complex requiring additional components
Solution Approach 1:
A cam-shaped element acts as an intermediary between the simple release button and the clamping jaws. When the button is pressed, the cam element converts this simple linear motion into the complex sequence needed to disengage the locking mechanism and allow the spring to open the jaws. This intermediary component enables a sophisticated locking mechanism to be controlled by a simple interface
3Ease of operation
If the spring force is made strong to reliably force jaws apart when unlocked, then the release mechanism works effectively, but the stop element is exposed to increased load causing noise and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
A damper element is positioned between the stop element and the clamping jaw mechanism to absorb the impact energy when the jaws are forced open by the spring. This cushioning element reduces the peak forces and noise generated during the release operation, protecting the stop element from damage while maintaining the effectiveness of the spring-driven release mechanism
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 holder increases durability, reduces noise, and provides a higher quality impression by ensuring secure device retention without the need for two hands and minimizing damage from shock impacts.
Implementation Method 1
a damper element, which is mounted on the stop element and damps the stopping of the stop element against the entraining element
Implementation Method 2
damps the stopping of the stop element against the entraining element
Implementation Method 3
an elastic element connected at least to the first clamping jaw, its spring force being effective in forcing the first clamping jaw away from the second clamping jaw
Data Source
AI summary
A holder for a mobile electronic device includes first and second clamping jaws, at least the first clamping jaw being displaceable toward the second clamping jaw to clamp the mobile electronic device. The holder also includes a stop element and an entraining element connected to the first clamping jaw, the entraining element being shaped so that it is displaceable with respect to the stop element, namely jointly with the clamping jaw connected to it, in which case at least one extreme position corresponding to the maximum opening of the clamping jaw is defined in the displacement path by the impact of the stop element against the entraining element. The holder includes a damper element, which is mounted on the stop element and damps the stopping of the stop element against the entraining element.