Resilient Clamp Mounting for Variable-Size Mobile Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current mounting platforms are inefficient for securely and releasably cradling pocket-sized cellular telephones, personal computers, and other mobile electronic devices, as they fail to provide a flexible and adjustable solution that accommodates devices of varying sizes without obstructing display screens or keypads.
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, featuring a combination of slots, keyways, and resilient urging portions to accommodate devices of different sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current mounting platforms are used, then device holding function is provided, but secure and releasable cradling of pocket-sized devices is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly incorporates a resilient clamp member with spring-loaded fingers that can dynamically adjust to different device sizes and shapes. The resilient nature allows the clamp to maintain secure holding force while enabling easy release when force is applied, directly resolving the contradiction between secure cradling and ease of release operation
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting platform allows adjustment of the clamp assembly position along the longitudinal axis relative to the mounting surface. This parameter change enables optimization of the cradling position for different devices, improving both the security of holding and the efficiency of release operations
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed mounting platform is used, then device support is provided, but adaptability to different device sizes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting platform is segmented into modular components: a base member, a movable clamp assembly, and resilient fingers. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together to accommodate various device sizes without requiring complete redesign of the entire structure
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly with resilient fingers serves multiple functions: it can cradle different device sizes, provide secure holding through spring force, and allow easy release. The resilient fingers can bend and adapt to different device contours, making the single mounting platform structure universally applicable to various pocket-sized devices
3Ease of operation
If a rigid clamp structure is used, then holding force is provided, but adjustment to different positions is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp member is made resilient rather than rigid, allowing it to change its physical state between a relaxed position (for easy adjustment) and a engaged position (for strong holding). The spring-loaded design enables the clamp to provide strong holding force when positioned correctly while remaining easy to adjust to different positions
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 secure, adjustable, and versatile mounting system that effectively holds devices of various sizes without obstructing their interfaces, enhancing usability and compatibility with diverse electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
a substantially resiliently flexible clamp 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
Data Source
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.