Pistol Grip Adapter for Mobile Device Single-Handed Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile device adapters do not effectively enhance ergonomics and functionality, particularly in providing a comfortable grip and integrated data acquisition capabilities for users.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device adapter featuring a handle portion with a trigger switch and a cradle portion that aligns the device's display with the handle's axis, coupled with a data acquisition device such as a laser scanner or RFID reader, allowing for single-handed operation and data capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mobile device is held in the palm with two-handed operation, then the device is stable and comfortable to hold, but the device cannot be operated with one hand and data acquisition is not integrated
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device is nested within the cradle portion of the adapter, which itself is integrated into the handle portion. This nested structure allows the compact integration of multiple functions (holding, operating, and data acquisition) within a single handheld unit, enabling one-handed operation while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter merges multiple functions into a single device: the handle portion provides ergonomic gripping and houses the trigger switch, the cradle portion secures the mobile device, and the data acquisition device is integrated into the cradle. This combination eliminates the need for separate devices and enables one-handed operation with integrated data capture.
2Ease of operation
If a pistol grip adapter is added to a mobile device, then ergonomics and single-handed operation are improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is segmented into distinct functional portions: the handle portion with trigger switch for ergonomic gripping and control, the cradle portion for securing the mobile device, and the integrated data acquisition device. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides ergonomic pistol-grip handling, secures the mobile device in an optimal viewing position, enables one-handed operation via the trigger switch, and integrates data acquisition capabilities. This multi-functionality justifies the added structural complexity by consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate devices.
3Ease of operation
If the display is aligned with the handle axis for optimal viewing, then the user can view the display comfortably during single-handed operation, but the adapter design becomes more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter extends the device orientation into a new spatial dimension by aligning the display plane with the long axis of the handle portion. This dimensional reorientation allows the display to be viewed comfortably at various angles during one-handed operation, optimizing ergonomics while the cradle portion accommodates different device orientations.
Data Source
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AI summary
An adapter for a mobile device is described. The adapter includes a handle portion having a trigger switch that is accessible to an index finger of a hand of the user when the handle portion is held in the hand of the user. A cradle portion is positioned above the handle portion for receiving at least a portion of the mobile device such that a plane of a display of the mobile device is substantially aligned with a long axis of the handle portion and the display is viewable by the user when the mobile device is positioned in the cradle portion and the handle portion is held in the hand of the user. A data acquisition device is coupled to the cradle portion. The data acquisition device acquires data from an object upon actuation of the trigger switch.