Retractable Vehicle Device Holder With Rack-Driven Support Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing device holder assemblies in vehicles often compromise on accessibility and interior space due to bulky housings, limiting interactive and space-saving use of electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A device holder assembly featuring a body, housing, drive assembly, and leg assembly with rack gears and fingers that translate between recessed and extended positions, allowing for adaptive securing of devices while maintaining a compact footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bulky housing is used to hold electronic devices in vehicles, then device security and stability are improved, but interior space is reduced and accessibility is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device holder is divided into separate functional components: a base portion that attaches to the vehicle surface, and one or more leg portions that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows the holder to secure devices effectively while maintaining a compact overall footprint that preserves interior space.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg portions are designed to be adjustable between extended and retracted positions, transforming the holder from a static bulky structure to a dynamic compact mechanism. When not in use, the legs can be retracted to minimize space occupation while still providing device security when extended.
2Reliability
If fixed device holders are installed in vehicles, then device stability is improved, but accessibility and interactive use are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable leg portions enable the holder to transition between different configurations, allowing passengers to easily access and interact with devices while maintaining stability during use. The legs can be extended to secure devices for stable viewing and retracted when accessibility is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder design allows users to independently adjust the leg portions to their desired position without requiring complex mechanisms or assistance, enabling easy accessibility while maintaining device stability through the adjustable support structure.
3Volume of moving object
If compact device holders are used to save interior space, then space efficiency is improved, but device security and stability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the holder into a compact base and extendable leg portions, the design achieves a small footprint when legs are retracted while providing adequate support and security when legs are extended to the appropriate length for device placement.
Data Source
AI summary
A device holder assembly that includes a body and a housing coupled to the body. A drive assembly is rotatably coupled to the housing. A leg assembly that includes a first leg and a second leg is coupled to the housing. A first rack gear is coupled to the first leg and the drive assembly. A second rack gear is coupled to the second leg and the drive assembly. The drive assembly permits instantaneous movement of the first leg and the second leg. A first finger is rotatably coupled to the first leg and a second finger is coupled to the second leg. The first finger has a first finger outer surface and the second finger has a second finger outer surface that are generally coplanar with the body outer surface when the first finger and the second finger are in a retracted position.