Mobile Holder Clamp With Nonlinear Serpentine Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile device holders are complicated, expensive to manufacture, and prone to failure due to numerous components, failing to accommodate a wide range of devices effectively.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device holder with nonlinear resistance provided by serpentine or zigzag shaped extension resistances, allowing for adjustable clamping and ejection mechanisms using edge clamps and ejection protrusions, optimized for various device sizes and thicknesses, and featuring monolithic elastomer construction for robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If linear spring elements are used to provide clamping force, then the holder can accommodate various device sizes, but the separation resistance increases excessively at greater separation distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the force-displacement parameter from linear to nonlinear by using serpentine or zigzag shaped extension resistances. This geometric configuration provides a nonlinear force characteristic where the separation resistance increases at a lower rate for larger separation distances, while still providing sufficient clamping force for smaller devices. This resolves the contradiction by adapting the force parameter to match the varying separation distances required for different device sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension resistances are formed with serpentine or zigzag curved geometries instead of linear configurations. These curved form elements inherently provide nonlinear elastic behavior, where the force required to extend the element increases at a diminishing rate. This curved geometry directly addresses the technical contradiction by providing appropriate clamping force for small devices while preventing excessive separation resistance for larger devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable mechanisms are added to accommodate device variations, then the holder becomes more versatile, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the clamping mechanism and the spring element into a single integrated component. The edge clamp and extension resistance are formed as one piece, eliminating the need for separate adjustable mechanisms, multiple springs, and complex assembly systems. This monolithic design provides versatility through geometric flexibility while dramatically reducing component count and manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The serpentine or zigzag shaped extension resistance serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the clamping force, acts as the spring element, and accommodates various device sizes through its nonlinear geometric configuration. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate adjustable mechanisms while maintaining versatility across different device dimensions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are used to achieve adjustability, then the holder can accommodate diverse devices, but the reliability decreases due to more potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components into a single monolithic edge clamp structure. By integrating the clamping surface, spring element, and adjustment mechanism into one piece, the number of potential failure points is dramatically reduced. The serpentine or zigzag geometry is formed as a continuous structure without joints or connections, eliminating failure modes associated with component interfaces while maintaining adaptability to diverse devices.
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 provides a simple, robust, and easy-to-use solution that accommodates diverse devices with minimal manufacturing complexity and reduced risk of failure, ensuring secure clamping and effortless ejection with ergonomic force requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more extension resistances comprise one or more serpentine or zigzag shaped form elements formed and arranged to provide a region of nonlinear resistance to separation of the first and second edge clamps
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a holder (100) for a mobile device (200). Due to the wide variation of devices, conventional mounting devices that seek to hold many different devices have become complex and expensive. By providing rotatable edge clamps (110, 115) along with one or more serpentine extension resistances (120), a region of nonlinear resistance is provided to separate the first edge clamp (110) and the second edge clamp (115). This has the advantage of a lower rate of increase in separation resistance at greater separation distances compared to using a linear element, such as a coil spring.