Mounting Assembly Radial Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting assemblies for electronic devices face challenges in achieving a robust and reliable locking mechanism between the arm and base, particularly with sleek materials like metal, where friction-induced solutions are difficult to implement and maintain, and may obstruct conductive paths.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism using a radially displaceable locking protrusion and grooves, coupled with an adjustment element, provides a mechanical lock that reduces reliance on friction, is resistant to wear, and allows for conductive materials to maintain a conductive path between components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tight arrangement is made between the arm and base to achieve sufficient friction force, then the rotational movement is restricted, but the arrangement becomes difficult to achieve and may come loose over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the friction-based mechanical locking system with a positive locking mechanism using a locking protrusion on the arm that engages with a locking groove in the base. This substitution eliminates the need for tight friction-based arrangements while providing reliable locking through geometric interlocking, thereby improving reliability without compromising ease of manufacture.
2Reliability
If friction-increasing material is applied to the interface between parts, then the friction force increases, but the material is difficult to apply and requires high quality control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for friction-increasing materials by implementing a positive locking mechanism where the locking protrusion and groove provide mechanical interlocking. This substitution removes the dependency on material application quality and friction coefficients, thereby improving reliability while significantly reducing manufacturing precision and quality control requirements.
3Reliability
If friction-increasing material is used in the interface, then the friction force increases, but the material wears off over time and is difficult to detect and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces friction-based locking with a positive locking mechanism using interlocking geometric features. This substitution eliminates wear of friction materials since the locking relies on the geometric engagement of the protrusion and groove rather than frictional contact. The locking mechanism maintains its effectiveness throughout the service life without requiring detection or maintenance of friction material condition.
4Reliability
If friction-inducing material is used to lock the arm, then the locking force increases, but the material creates a nonconductive barrier that obstructs the conducting path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces friction-based locking with a positive locking mechanism that does not require friction-inducing materials at the interface between the arm and base. This substitution eliminates the creation of nonconductive barriers, allowing conductive paths to be maintained through the mounting assembly. The locking reliability is achieved through geometric interlocking rather than friction, thereby avoiding conductive path obstruction.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mounting assembly (10) for an electronic device (11) is disclosed. The mounting assembly (10) comprises an attachment part (12), a base (16), and an arm (14). The attachment part (12) is coupled to the arm (14) and the arm (14) is coupled to the base (16) such that the arm (14) is lockingly rotatable relative the base (16) about a rotational axis (18). The arm (14) comprises a housing and a locking member (20) being provided with a locking protrusion (30). The locking member (20) is coupled to the housing such that the locking protrusion (30) is radially displaceable in relation to the rotational axis (18). The base (16) is provided with a set of radially extending locking grooves (22). The locking protrusion (30) is received by one locking groove (22a) in response to a displacement of the locking member (20), whereby the arm (16) is rotationally locked.