Pivotable Electronic Device Holder With Spring Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle users face challenges in finding secure and convenient storage spaces for personal electronic devices within vehicles, as existing solutions often result in damage or rattling due to improper fit in spaces not designed for electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A stowable electronic device holder is designed with a support member pivotable between two positions, featuring a guide and spring mechanism that secures the device in place, allowing it to be stowed when not in use, and easily accessible when needed, using a housing with pivot arms and a locking assembly to maintain the device's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stowable support member with pivot arms is used to provide secure storage, then device security and positioning are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is designed to be pivotable between multiple positions (stowed and extended) rather than fixed, allowing it to adapt between storage and usage states. This dynamic capability provides secure positioning when needed while maintaining a simple stowed configuration, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is divided into discrete functional components: support member, pivot arms, guide mechanism, and spring assembly. Each segment performs a specific function and can be independently analyzed or manufactured, making the complex system manageable while maintaining overall reliability through modular design.
2Manufacturing precision
If a guide and spring mechanism is used to secure the device in place, then positioning accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism automatically biases the guide to engage with the support member at precise positions without requiring external actuation or complex control systems. The guide features grooves that automatically align and secure the support member in predetermined positions, achieving positioning accuracy through self-aligning geometric features rather than complex manufacturing processes.
3Volume of moving object
If the support member is made stowable within the housing, then space utilization is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring acts as a counterweight mechanism, providing continuous biasing force that automatically returns the support member to its stowed position within the housing. This eliminates the need for complex motors or actuators, allowing simple manual operation while ensuring reliable return to storage position, thus maintaining ease of operation despite the stowable design.
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 device holder provides a secure and convenient storage solution for electronic devices, preventing damage and rattling by ensuring proper positioning and easy access, enhancing user experience and safety within vehicle interiors.
Implementation Method 1
a spring configured to bias the guide upward and positioned within the housing
Implementation Method 2
first and second arms extending from the support member, a guide configured to define the first and second positions of the support member
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device holder is provided that comprises a support member operably coupled to a housing and pivotable between first and second positions. The support member includes first and second arms defining a slot. The electronic device holder further comprises a locking assembly disposed within a cavity. The locking assembly is configured to secure the support member in one of the first and second positions.