Quick-Release Bracket and Case Latch for Rigid Device Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detachable support systems for portable devices often lack rigidity, especially in harsh environments, and have difficulty in quick and easy alignment and reengagement of release structures.
Innovation Solution
A quick release support system comprising a case with a ramp, ramp engagement surface, tab guides, and a latch lock mechanism, which includes a bracket with a ramp tab, tabs, and a latch lock that biases to facilitate easy engagement and disengagement with the case, allowing for secure and stable positioning of portable devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a permanent affixation support system is used, then stability and rigidity are improved, but ease of operation for quick release and reengagement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into separate components: a portable device, a case with a latch lock port, and a bracket with a latch lock mechanism. This segmentation allows the device to be easily detached and reattached while maintaining stability when connected, resolving the contradiction between permanent stability and easy operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch lock mechanism transitions between locked and unlocked states dynamically. The latch lock can be engaged to provide stable permanent connection or disengaged for quick release, allowing the system to adapt between stability and ease of operation based on user needs.
2Ease of operation
If a temporary support system is used, then ease of operation for release is improved, but rigidity and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The latch lock mechanism is pre-configured with a latch surface that automatically engages with the latch lock port when the bracket is brought into position. This preliminary alignment action ensures that even temporary support maintains rigidity and stability, eliminating the weakness of simple temporary systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch lock mechanism automatically engages and locks when the bracket is properly positioned against the case. The system self-secures without requiring additional fastening actions, providing both ease of operation and rigid stable support simultaneously.
3Ease of operation
If a latch lock mechanism with bias force is used, then ease of operation for engagement is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bias force mechanism is extracted as a separate functional element within the latch lock assembly. The latch surface is designed to overcome the bias force in a single directional motion, simplifying the engagement process while containing the complexity within a compact integrated mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the user to actively lock the mechanism against resistance, the bias force is configured to automatically engage the latch lock when the bracket is positioned correctly. The user simply needs to overcome the bias force in one direction to disengage, inverting the traditional locking approach and simplifying operation.
4Reliability
If release structures require alignment is used, then stability during operation is improved, but ease of operation for reengagement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp and ramp engagement surface are designed with asymmetric geometry that guides the bracket into proper alignment during the engagement process. The asymmetric ramp surface naturally directs the latch lock toward the latch lock port, ensuring reliable engagement while eliminating the need for precise manual alignment by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp acts as an intermediary element between the bracket and case during engagement. It mediates the alignment process by providing a guided path that automatically positions the latch lock and latch lock port in correct alignment, ensuring reliability without requiring user skill or precision.
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 system provides a secure, stable, and easy-to-use solution for attaching and detaching portable devices from fixed locations, ensuring rigidity and ease of use even in unstable environments.
Implementation Method 1
The latch lock engagement surface is biased in a second direction. The latch surface is adapted to overcome the bias in a direction opposite the second direction to overcome the bias force and allow insertion of the latch lock engagement surface into the latch lock port and to be released by the bias force to engage the latch lock engagement surface with the latch lock port.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick release support system for a case for a portable device is provided. In one embodiment, for example, the quick release system comprises a case and a bracket. The case comprises a ramp, a ramp engagement surface disposed at a proximal edge of the ramp, at least one tab guide displaced from the ramp engagement surface, and a latch lock port. The at least one tab guide and the latch lock port is defined by the case. The bracket comprises a ramp tab extending from the bracket in a first direction the ramp tab adapted to engage the ramp engagement surface of the case. The bracket also comprises at least one tab and a latch lock. The at least one tab extends from the bracket in the first direction, and the at least one tab is adapted to extend into the at least one tab guide. A latch lock of the bracket comprises a latch lock engagement surface and a latch surface. The latch lock engagement surface is biased in a second direction. The latch surface is adapted to overcome the bias in a direction opposite the second direction to overcome the bias force and allow insertion of the latch lock engagement surface into the latch lock port and to be released by the bias force to engage the latch lock engagement surface with the latch lock port.