Rail Control Panel Mounting Arm for Stable Mobile Device Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting devices for mobile devices are unsuitable for rail vehicles, leading to ergonomic issues, distractions, and safety hazards due to instability and incompatibility with control panel structures.
Innovation Solution
A modular holding device with a base element and adjustable holding arm that securely attaches to the control panel, featuring a curved underside for adaptation and adjustable inclination, ensuring the mobile device is firmly held and positioned for optimal viewing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mobile device is placed on open surface of control panel, then ease of access is improved, but ergonomic quality deteriorates and distraction risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device is divided into separate functional components: a base element for attachment to the control panel, a support arm for positioning, and a receiving element for holding the mobile device. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while working together as an integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting device elevates the mobile device from the horizontal control panel surface to a vertical or angled position in three-dimensional space. This dimensional change transforms the device from a flat surface placement to a suspended holding configuration, improving ergonomics by positioning the screen at an appropriate viewing angle and height for the driver.
2Ease of operation
If mobile device is placed flat on control panel, then ease of access is improved, but harmful reflections on windshield are generated
Solution Approach 1:
By mounting the mobile device vertically or at an angle rather than flat on the horizontal control panel, the device is repositioned in three-dimensional space. This angular reorientation prevents the screen from acting as a reflective surface that could distract the driver through windshield reflections, while still maintaining easy accessibility.
3Ease of operation
If conventional mounting devices are used, then mobile device can be held, but reliability deteriorates due to incompatibility with rail vehicle control panels
Solution Approach 1:
The base element is designed with a universally adaptable mounting interface that can attach to various control panel surfaces found in rail vehicles. The curved undersurface and bonding or screwing attachment methods provide multi-functional compatibility across different vehicle models and control panel configurations, ensuring reliable installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The base element features a curved undersurface that conforms to the typical contours of control panel surfaces. This curvature allows the mounting device to adapt to non-flat surfaces, improving contact area and attachment reliability while maintaining stability during vehicle acceleration, braking, and curving operations.
4Ease of operation
If mobile device is placed on control panel, then accessibility is improved, but device stability deteriorates during emergency braking
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device is extracted from the unstable flat surface placement and transferred to a suspended holding position by the mounting device. The support arm and receiving element create a mechanically stable structure that isolates the device from the vibrations and forces experienced during emergency braking, while keeping the device readily accessible to the driver.
Data Source
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AI summary
Mounting device (100) for mobile devices for attachment to a control panel of a rail vehicle, comprising: a base element (110) with a top (112) and a bottom (114) opposite the top, which is adapted at least partially to the surface contour of a control panel in order to fix the base element (110) to the control panel; a mounting arm (130) that can be fixed to the base element (110); a lower receiving element (120) fixed to the base element (110) that is designed to grip a first edge of a mobile device (150); an upper receiving element (140) arranged on the mounting arm (130) that is designed to grip a second edge of the mobile device opposite the first edge, wherein the mobile device can be clamped by means of the lower receiving element (120) and the upper receiving element (140) for the purpose of holding it.