Vehicle Seat PED Mounting Assembly with Pivot Tab
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passengers in vehicles often prefer to use their personal electronic devices (PEDs) instead of onboard entertainment systems, and there is a need for a way to securely mount and connect these devices for hands-free viewing and data/power access without altering the appearance of passenger seats.
Innovation Solution
A personal electronic device support assembly comprising a case with a pivotally coupled tab and interface for secure mounting and power/data connectivity, featuring a rotatable cover for screen protection and adjustable viewing angles, compatible with various PED sizes and types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a PED mounting system is added to passenger seats, then hands-free viewing and connectivity functionality is improved, but the cosmetic design and appearance of the passenger seats is altered
Solution Approach 1:
A case assembly serves as an intermediary component between the PED and the passenger seat. The case assembly includes a tab that interfaces with the seat, while the PED interfaces with the case assembly, thereby mediating the connection without directly modifying the seat's cosmetic design. The case assembly acts as a buffer that preserves the seat's appearance while enabling PED mounting functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is segmented into separate functional components: the case assembly that houses the PED, the tab that mounts to the seat, and the PED itself. This segmentation allows the mounting functionality to be added without permanently altering the seat structure. The tab can be independently attached and removed, preserving the seat's cosmetic integrity while providing hands-free viewing capability.
2Reliability
If a secure mounting mechanism is implemented, then the PED is held securely in place, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex mounting mechanism is extracted from the PED itself and placed in the case assembly. The tab, which contains the mounting functionality, is separated from the PED and integrated into the case assembly. This extraction allows the PED to remain simple while the case assembly handles the complexity of secure mounting through the tab interface with the passenger seat.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a cover is added to protect the screen, then screen protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The screen protection function is merged with the case assembly's cover rather than being a separate component. The cover is integrated into the case assembly structure, providing screen protection while maintaining a unified, simple design. The cover rotates with the tab, combining multiple functions (protection and angle adjustment) into a single integrated component, thereby minimizing added complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the tab is made rotatable for angle adjustment, then viewing angle flexibility is improved, but the mounting reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The tab is designed with rotational capability that allows it to dynamically adjust between a mounted position (when engaged with the seat) and an adjusted position (when providing angle flexibility). The hinge mechanism enables controlled movement while maintaining secure engagement. The tab can rotate to different angles while remaining mounted, providing dynamic adaptability without compromising the fundamental mounting reliability through the hinge connection.
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, hands-free use of personal electronic devices with adjustable viewing angles and connectivity to onboard systems, maintaining the cosmetic integrity of passenger seats.
Implementation Method 1
the friction hinge is configured to maintain a constant friction force through a rotation path of the tab
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Described herein are personal electronics device mounting assemblies including a passenger seat and a case assembly comprising a case configured to receive a personal electronic device and a male structure pivotally coupled to the case. The personal electronic device mounting assemblies may also include a mounting assembly comprising a female slot structure and a support bracket structure, the female slot structure may be configured to releasably receive the male structure and the support bracket structure may be configured to attach to the passenger seat. The mounting assembly may be configured to provide support to the case when the male structure is in an extended position and the female slot structure has received the male structure.