Mobile Unit Cradle With Auto-Locking Hoop for Single Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cradles for mobile units often cause damage or wear to the housing during insertion and removal due to the need for physical force, and the two-state insertion process is cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A cradle design with a single insertion process utilizing a cup portion, a backing portion, a hoop portion, a latch, and a plunger mechanism that allows secure engagement and disengagement without damaging the mobile unit's housing, enabling easy electronic connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single insertion process is used with a rigid frame and latch, then the insertion operation is simple and quick, but the mobile unit housing may be damaged or worn due to the force required
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two independent parts: a movable locking component that creates insertion space and a stationary latch that secures the mobile unit. This segmentation allows the locking component to move independently to accommodate the mobile unit without forcing it, thereby preventing damage while maintaining simple operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking component is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to transition between a first position (for insertion) and a second position (for securing). This dynamic behavior enables the cradle to adapt to the mobile unit during insertion, reducing the force needed and preventing housing damage while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a two state insertion process is used with a movable locking component, then damage to the mobile unit is reduced, but additional user actions are required to secure the unit
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is designed to automatically engage with the movable locking component when the mobile unit is inserted. The movable locking component's position during insertion automatically triggers the latch to secure the unit, eliminating the need for additional user actions while maintaining protection against housing damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch and movable locking component are integrated into a unified securing system where the latch automatically responds to the locking component's position. This merging of functions allows the cradle to both protect the mobile unit during insertion and automatically secure it, reducing process complexity while maintaining damage prevention.
3Productivity
If sufficient force is applied to move a rigid component during single insertion, then the insertion is quick, but wear and cosmetic marks appear on the mobile unit housing
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the positional parameter of the locking component between two states: a first position that provides clearance for insertion and a second position that secures the mobile unit. This parameter change allows rapid insertion without requiring force that would cause wear or cosmetic marks on the housing.
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 cradle securely holds the mobile unit with a single insertion process, preventing damage and allowing easy electronic connections while maintaining accessibility without additional user actions.
Implementation Method 1
a hoop portion movably coupled to a second end of the backing portion for movement between a securing position in which an end of the hoop portion extends over a second portion of the MU to secure the MU within the cradle and a receiving position in which the hoop portion is moved relative to the backing portion out of engagement with the second portion of the MU, the hoop being biased toward the securing position
Data Source
AI summary
A cradle locks a mobile unit (MU) therein with a single insertion process. The cradle includes a cup shaped to receive a first portion of the MU. The cradle includes a backing portion including a first end coupled to the cup portion. The cradle includes a hoop portion movably coupled to a second end of the backing portion for movement between a securing position and a receiving position, the hoop being biased toward the securing position. The cradle includes a latch releasably securing the hoop portion in the receiving position. The cradle includes a plunger extending out of the backing portion in a first direction so that, when engaged by the MU, the plunger is moved in a second direction opposite the first direction moving the latch to release the hoop portion so that the hoop portion moves under its bias into the securing position.