Adjustable Mobile Holder With Threaded Cradle Force Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile device holders secure mobile devices based on spring force dependent on device size, leading to issues such as difficulty in inserting larger devices and inadequate securing of smaller devices, with springs potentially wearing out due to excessive force.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable mobile device holder with a threaded rod system that decouples spring force from width adjustment, allowing independent control of cradle width and spring force through a cradle adjustment knob and cam-lock mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring is used to adjust cradle width and secure the mobile device, then the mobile device can be secured within the cradle, but the spring force becomes dependent on device size causing larger devices to be secured too tightly and smaller devices too loosely
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the securing mechanism into two independent components: a width adjustment mechanism (threaded rod and cradle portions) that controls cradle size, and a spring mechanism that provides consistent securing force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction between reliable securement and adaptability to different device sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the spring force function from the width adjustment function. The spring is positioned to exert force independently of the cradle width adjustment mechanism, allowing the spring to provide consistent securing force regardless of the device size being accommodated. This separation eliminates the dependency between cradle width and spring force.
2Reliability
If spring force increases to secure larger mobile devices, then larger devices can be held securely, but excessive force is applied causing difficulty in inserting and removing devices and decreasing spring life
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the cradle width dynamically adjustable through the threaded rod mechanism while maintaining a consistent spring force. The cam-lock mechanism allows the user to dynamically adjust the cradle width to match the device size, and the spring automatically provides the appropriate securing force without requiring excessive force for larger devices. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction between securing larger devices and ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a threaded rod system is introduced to decouple spring force from width adjustment, then independent control of cradle width and spring force is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded rod and cradle portions serve multiple functions: they adjust the cradle width to accommodate different device sizes and simultaneously position the spring to exert appropriate force. The cam-lock mechanism provides both locking functionality and force regulation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving independent control.
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 secure holding of mobile devices of varying sizes with consistent spring force, preventing wear and tear on the spring mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a spring may be disposed in the second slot, and the spring may exert a force as the first cradle portion and the second cradle portion are tightened against the mobile device
Implementation Method 2
rotation of the cradle adjustment knob in one direction may cause the threaded rod to advance within the second slot and thread into the threaded fastener and rotation of the cradle adjustment knob in an opposite direction may cause the threaded rod to retreat within the second slot and thread out of the threaded fastener
Implementation Method 3
The cam-lock may be coupled to the threaded rod. The cam-lock may be configured to at least maintain the force exerted by the spring when engaged and to reduce the force exerted by the spring when disengaged
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable device holder may include a first cradle portion coupled to a second cradle portion. A connector, such as a threaded rod, may be partially disposed within a first slot in the first cradle portion and a second slot in the second cradle portion. A fastener and a spring may be at least partially disposed in the second slot. A cradle adjustment knob may be coupled to the threaded rod such that rotation of the cradle adjustment knob in one direction may thread the threaded rod into the threaded fastener and rotation of the cradle adjustment knob in an opposite direction may thread the threaded rod out of the threaded fastener. The cradle adjustment knob may tighten the cradle portions against the device or spread the cradle portions apart. The spring may exert a force as the cradle portions are tightened against the device.