Portable Device Holder Clamp With Rotating Arms for Universal Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spring-driven clamps are limited in their ability to provide a universal mounting solution for portable devices as they require a narrow and rigid external mounting surface, and are restricted to the standard ¼ inch-20 threaded connection, which limits their usability with devices like portable phones and iPads.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a spring-driven quick release clamping mechanism that allows for mounting on various surfaces without the need for a narrow and rigid external mounting surface, using rotationally movable arms that can grip portable devices securely, allowing for universal positioning and easy release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standard spring-driven clamp with 1/4 inch-20 threaded connection is used, then the clamp can securely grip cameras, but the mounting surface must be narrow and rigid, which limits versatility with portable devices
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed with a universal mounting surface interface that can accommodate various portable devices (phones, tablets, cameras) rather than being limited to a specific device type. The mounting surface is made adaptable through a standardized interface that works with diverse device form factors, eliminating the need for narrow rigid surfaces while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp mechanism parameters are modified to change from a fixed threaded connection system to a spring-driven system with adjustable grip force. This allows the clamp to adapt to different device sizes and mounting surface characteristics, providing both security and versatility without requiring narrow rigid surfaces.
2Reliability
If the clamp arms are designed to receive cameras with standard threaded connections, then camera mounting is secure, but the clamp cannot effectively grip smaller portable devices like phones and tablets
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp arms are designed with rotational movement capability around a central post, allowing dynamic adjustment of the grip configuration. This rotational freedom enables the arms to adapt to different device dimensions while maintaining secure contact, transforming a static camera-specific grip into a dynamic system that reliably secures various portable device sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp structure is divided into separate functional components: the mounting surface interface, the rotational arm mechanism, and the gripping fingers. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the mounting surface provides stable attachment while the segmented arms can rotate and adjust to accommodate different device sizes, maintaining reliable grip across diverse form factors.
3Ease of operation
If the mounting surface is made narrow to accommodate the clamp arms, then the clamp can function with the original design, but it cannot be mounted on broader surfaces commonly found on portable devices
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting mechanism transitions from requiring a narrow one-dimensional surface to accommodating two-dimensional mounting surfaces. The clamp arms rotate around a central post, allowing the mounting interface to expand from a narrow strip to a broader area, enabling attachment to various surfaces including the backs of portable devices without compromising operational functionality.
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 and versatile mounting of portable devices on diverse surfaces, including those not previously suitable, without the constraint of a narrow projecting surface or specific threaded connections, enhancing the usability of the clamp for a wider range of devices.
Implementation Method 1
resiliently urging together the rotated apart opposing arms, whereby opposing fingers are urged into compressive contact with the portable device
Data Source
AI summary
A method of mounting a hand-held portable telephone or other normally hand-held portable device, wherein the method includes: mounting a body of a portable device holder on a mounting surface external of the portable device holder with a base surface thereof facing substantially away from the mounting surface; rotating opposing arms apart around a central post interior of the body, whereby substantially upright opposing fingers adjacent to ends of the arms are rotated apart; inserting a portable device between the rotated apart opposing fingers; and resiliently urging together the rotated apart opposing arms, whereby opposing fingers are urged into compressive contact with the portable device.