Resilient Clamp Mounting for Flexible Device Cradling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mounting platforms are inefficient for securely and releasably cradling pocket-sized cellular telephones, personal computers, and other mobile electronic devices.

Innovation Solution

A flexible portable device mounting apparatus with a frame that includes resilient clamps and keyways, allowing for adjustable positioning and secure attachment to various surfaces, using a combination of slots, keyways, and resilient urging portions to accommodate devices of different sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current mounting platforms are used, then devices can be mounted, but they are inefficient for securely and releasably cradling pocket-sized cellular telephones, personal computers, and other mobile electronic devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidmounting efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp assembly incorporates resilient clamps with spring-loaded fingers that can dynamically adjust to different device sizes and shapes. The clamps are biased by resilient urging portions to maintain constant contact pressure, allowing the mounting apparatus to adapt to various devices while ensuring secure attachment. This dynamic adjustment mechanism improves both reliability and efficiency compared to fixed-position mounting platforms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting apparatus uses adjustable clamp positions along the frame, allowing the clamping force and position to be varied according to the specific device being mounted. The resilient clamps can be positioned at different locations on the frame members, and the spring pressure can be adjusted to accommodate different device weights and dimensions, thereby improving mounting efficiency for various pocket-sized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable positioning is implemented to accommodate devices of varying sizes, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice size accommodationVSAvoidmounting structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting apparatus is divided into modular components: a frame with multiple clamp assemblies, where each clamp consists of separate resilient fingers and urging portions. The frame members contain passages that allow clamps to be positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows versatility through configuration variation while keeping individual components simple and easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp assembly is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple device types and sizes. The same basic clamp structure, with its resilient fingers and urging portions, can be positioned at different locations on the frame to secure various pocket-sized devices including cellular telephones, personal computers, and other mobile electronic devices, thereby achieving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 apparatus provides a secure and adjustable mounting solution that effectively cradles devices of varying sizes without obstructing displays or keypads, ensuring reliable attachment and easy adjustment for optimal positioning.

Implementation Method 1

a substantially resiliently flexible urging portion coupled between the leg portion and the finger portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9568148B2Finger grip mounting apparatus
Publication Date: 2017.02.14 NP LIQUIDATING CO INC
  • US9568148B2 patent drawing
  • US9568148B2 patent drawing
  • US9568148B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A flexible portable device holding and cradling apparatus that overcomes limitations of the prior art by providing a flexible portable device mounting apparatus provided by a frame that is structured for being coupled to an external mounting device, the frame having a mounting surface and a plurality of first and second passages provided adjacent to each of opposing side edges thereof; a plurality of substantially resiliently flexible clamps each having a leg portion, a finger portion extended from the leg portion, and a substantially resiliently flexible urging portion coupled between the leg portion and the finger portion; and coupling means operating between different ones of the first and second passages of the frame and the leg portion of each of different ones of the clamps for coupling the leg portion relative to the mounting surface.