Reconfigurable Biasing Mechanism for Quick Release Vehicle Mount
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current device mounting platforms in vehicles are limited in their ability to provide a full range of device mounting capabilities, particularly in accommodating portable electronic devices and ensuring secure mounting while allowing quick installation and retrieval in a vibration and shock environment.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable biasing mechanism is integrated into a device mounting platform apparatus, featuring a frame member with a clamp member that can be slidably interconnected, allowing the biasing mechanism to urge the clamp member to either expand or retract, providing adjustable mounting configurations for secure device retention and easy access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a spring biased mounting platform is used to open for quick retrieval, then device retrieval speed is improved, but the ability to provide full range of device mounting capabilities deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing mechanism is made reconfigurable between at least two configurations: a first configuration that biases the clamp member to open for quick device retrieval, and a second configuration that biases the clamp member to close for secure device retention. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt its behavior based on operational needs, resolving the contradiction between quick retrieval and secure mounting capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the biasing parameter (direction and magnitude of spring force) by reconfiguring the biasing mechanism. By adjusting which side of the actuator portion the biasing member engages with, the system can switch between providing opening bias and closing bias, thereby changing the operational state from retrieval-oriented to mounting-oriented
2Adaptability or versatility
If a reconfigurable biasing mechanism is implemented, then adaptability of mounting capabilities is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single reconfigurable biasing mechanism performs multiple functions: it can bias the clamp to open, bias the clamp to close, and provide controlled resistance during insertion. By making one component multi-functional through reconfiguration, the system achieves full range of mounting capabilities without adding multiple separate mechanisms, thus limiting the increase in complexity
3Productivity
If the clamp member is biased to close quickly, then device insertion speed is improved, but ease of retrieval deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing mechanism dynamically switches configurations based on operational phase: during insertion, the second configuration (bias to close) is engaged to accelerate clamp closure and device securing; during retrieval, the first configuration (bias to open) is engaged to facilitate quick clamp opening and device removal, thus resolving the contradiction between insertion speed and retrieval ease
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 reconfigurable biasing mechanism enables secure and adjustable mounting of portable devices, ensuring they are securely held in place while allowing for easy installation and retrieval, addressing the limitations of existing platforms in handling vibration and shock.
Implementation Method 1
a resiliently compressible biasing member coupled between the frame and clamp members. The biasing member is repositionable between different ones of first and second reaction portions fixed relative to either the frame or the clamp members
Data Source
AI summary
A device mounting platform apparatus having a reconfigurable biasing mechanism. The device mounting platform apparatus includes a frame member capable of being mounted in a vehicle and having a device mounting surface facing generally upward. A clamp member is slidably interconnected to the frame member along a first direction. A biasing mechanism is coupled between the frame and clamp members. The biasing mechanism is reconfigurable for urging a jaw portion of the clamp member along the first direction heading either toward or away from the frame member. The biasing mechanism is thus reconfigurable for either urging the clamp member open or urging it closed.