Releasable cushion-type support arrangement for an item such as a user interface device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user input or interface devices lack a versatile and cost-effective support solution that can be easily integrated into various surfaces and devices, providing adjustable positioning and orientation while maintaining a secure engagement.
Innovation Solution
A releasable cushioned support arrangement featuring magnetically attractive or non-magnetically attractive connection members that allow for secure engagement between a user interface device and a cushion member, enabling adjustable positioning and orientation on irregular surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cushion support arrangement is provided for a user interface device, then the device stability and user convenience are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support arrangement is divided into separate components: a cushion member with connection members that can be independently attached to surfaces, and a user interface device with corresponding connection members. This segmentation allows the support function to be added without redesigning the entire device system, reducing overall complexity while improving stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion member acts as an intermediary between the surface and the user interface device. It provides a flexible, conformable interface that absorbs irregularities in the supporting surface, thereby stabilizing the device without requiring direct rigid attachment, which would increase complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a releasable connection arrangement is used to engage the item with the cushion member, then the ease of operation and adjustability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection arrangement replaces complex mechanical fastening systems with simpler attachment mechanisms such as adhesive pads, magnetic connectors, or snap-fit components. These simplified mechanisms provide releasable engagement while minimizing the number of parts and assembly steps, thus improving ease of operation without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection members are designed to allow easy changes in positioning parameters (location, orientation, angle) through simple attachment and detachment actions. By enabling rapid reconfiguration of the support arrangement, the system achieves high adjustability with minimal operational complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cushion member is designed to conform to irregular surfaces, then the adaptability and versatility are improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion member is constructed from flexible materials such as foam, rubber, or fabric that can naturally conform to irregular surfaces through elastic deformation. This flexibility allows the cushion to adapt to various surface geometries without requiring precision-machined or custom-formed components, thereby maintaining high adaptability while minimizing manufacturing precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion member is designed to be dynamically adaptable rather than statically fixed. Its flexible structure allows it to change shape and conform to different surface contours based on the applied load and surface geometry, providing versatility without needing multiple precision-manufactured variants for different surfaces.
4Ease of manufacture
If magnetically attractive connection members are used, then the ease of manufacture and cost-effectiveness are improved, but the reliability of engagement may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection members utilize composite structures combining magnetic materials with mechanically strong substrates or housing. This composite approach allows easy manufacture of the magnetic component while ensuring reliable engagement through the combined magnetic attraction and mechanical interlocking, thus resolving the trade-off between ease of manufacture and engagement security.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, versatile support system that securely holds user interface devices on various surfaces, allowing for adjustable positioning and orientation, enhancing user convenience and device stability.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second connection members may be in the form of magnetically attractive connection members
Data Source
AI summary
A support for an item such as a user interface device includes a cushion member defining an exterior and an interior. A releasable connection arrangement between the item and the cushion member includes a first connector carried by the item and a second connector carried by the cushion member. The connectors are releasably engageable for releasably engaging the item with the cushion member. The first connector may be located within an interior defined by the item, and in one form may be a portion of an internal structure of the item. Alternatively, the item may define an exterior surface, and the first connector may be secured to the exterior surface of the item. The cushion member may define an exterior, and the second connector may be located on the exterior of the cushion member. The first and second connectors may be magnetically attractive connectors or mechanical connectors, e.g. hook-and-loop connectors.