Quick Release Support Channel With Variable Width Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support systems for portable devices often lack a balance between quick and easy release mechanisms and stable support, especially in harsh or unstable environments, and can be difficult to align and reengage.
Innovation Solution
A quick release support system featuring a channel with a variable width opening and overarching wings, coupled with a rotatable clasp that constrains the mounting assembly in all three orthogonal directions, allowing for easy alignment and secure engagement, and can be released by pulling the clasp outward.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a permanent affixation support is used, then stability is improved, but ease of release deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into separate components: a mounting assembly that can be permanently affixed to a surface, and a portable device holder that can be quickly attached and detached. This segmentation allows the mounting base to provide stable permanent affixation while the detachable holder enables easy release and repositioning of the portable device.
2Ease of operation
If a temporary support system is used, then ease of release is improved, but stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clasp mechanism transitions from a static permanent connection to a dynamic controllable connection. The clasp can be quickly actuated to release the portable device holder, providing ease of release, while when engaged it creates a stable rigid connection that prevents accidental detachment during normal use.
3Ease of operation
If a release structure is added to enable quick release, then ease of release is improved, but alignment difficulty worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly and channel feature asymmetric geometric profiles with complementary shapes. The mounting assembly has a specific profile that matches the channel's variable width opening, creating a self-aligning mechanism that guides proper insertion without requiring precise manual alignment, thus maintaining ease of operation while enabling quick release.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick release support system for a holder of a portable device includes a channel coupled to the holder, a clasp rotatably coupled to the channel and optionally biased to a closed position, and a mounting assembly configured to slide along the channel and be aligned with the clasp in an open position and engage with the clasp in a closed position. The channel can include a variable width opening to progressively align the mounting assembly as the mounting assembly slides along the channel and overarching wings over sides of the channel. Upon engagement with the clasp, the mounting assembly is constrained in all three orthogonal directions. The clasp can be pulled outward from the channel to release the mounting assembly, and the holder with the clasp can be disengaged from the mounting assembly and moved to another location, leaving the mounting assembly in a position for subsequent engagement.