Portable Electronic Device Mount With Vacuum Attachment And Collapsible Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable electronic device mounts often fail to provide a secure and reliable attachment to surfaces, offer limited positional flexibility, and are bulky, with loose connections causing rattling issues.
Innovation Solution
A portable electronic device mount with a secure attachment mechanism that includes a deformable membrane for vacuum sealing, a collapsible arm system, and vibration dampers, allowing for precise positioning and easy carrying, along with a locking mechanism for secure device orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid mounting structure is used to ensure stability, then the mount provides secure attachment, but it becomes bulky and difficult to store
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is divided into multiple segments including a base, an adjustable arm with multiple sections, and a device holder. These segments can be folded together into a compact configuration for storage while providing a stable extended structure during use. The segmented design allows the mount to reduce to a small form factor when not in use while maintaining structural integrity when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable arm sections are designed to nest within each other when folded, similar to a telescoping structure. The arm can be collapsed into a compact configuration where smaller components fit within larger ones, significantly reducing the overall volume for storage while maintaining the full extension capability when mounted.
2Reliability
If a fixed position mount is used to ensure stability, then the attachment is secure, but the positional capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mount incorporates an adjustable arm with multiple degrees of freedom that allows dynamic repositioning. The arm can be extended, retracted, and angled to various positions while maintaining secure attachment at the base. This dynamic structure enables the mounted device to be positioned at multiple locations and orientations while the base remains firmly attached to the surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting base is designed with a universal attachment mechanism that can securely attach to various surfaces including windshields, dashboards, and other flat surfaces. The same base structure supports multiple arm configurations and device orientations, making the mount adaptable to different installation locations and viewing angles while maintaining reliable attachment in each configuration.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple connection mechanism is used to reduce complexity, then the mount is easier to manufacture, but the connection is unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting base incorporates a vacuum cup mechanism that uses atmospheric pressure to create a secure connection to the surface. By forming a vacuum seal through a simple rubber or silicone cup, the mount achieves reliable attachment without complex mechanical fasteners. The vacuum cup can be attached and detached with simple pressure application, making it easy to manufacture while providing strong, reliable attachment.
4Reliability
If a rigid connection is used to prevent device movement, then the attachment is secure, but mechanical rattling occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Vibration dampers are incorporated into the mounting structure to cushion against mechanical vibrations and rattling before they can cause harmful effects. These dampers, positioned at connection points between the arm sections and the base, absorb vibrations and prevent the transmission of rattling sounds while maintaining the structural integrity and secure attachment of the mount.
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 solution provides a reliable, secure, and versatile mounting system that reduces mechanical rattling and allows for convenient storage and use, ensuring a stable and adjustable attachment to various surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
A piston lever is coupled to the piston and, when depressed, displaces the piston and draws the membrane into the chamber. The result is a vacuum seal against the mounting surface (e.g., the windshield).
Implementation Method 2
A spring in the socket biases the ball against the socket to help the mount retain the position set by the user.
Implementation Method 3
The vibration dampers on the backrest may help reduce mechanical rattling when the device is inserted into the mount.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable electronic device mount provides a secure attachment point for a personal navigation device, or other electronic device. The mount provides access to the device electronics through interface ports and feature connectors. The mount connects to an attachment mechanism that firmly and reliably attaches the mount to a windshield or other surface. The mount also includes a flexible linkage through which the mounted device may be securely oriented over a wide range of positions. In addition, extendible and retractable extension arms help achieve a compact form factor for convenient carrying and storage of the mount.