Configurable Mobile Device Holder for RF-Transparent Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for mobile device holders and positioners that do not interfere with the transmission and reception of signals to and from mobile device antennas, as existing solutions often use metallic components that can affect radio frequency (RF) performance.

Innovation Solution

A configurable mobile device holder with non-metallic components, including a body with cavities and multiple assemblies with moveable arms, sliders, and screws, designed to be coupled to different portions of the device without obstructing antennas, ensuring RF transparency and adaptability to various device sizes and shapes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If metallic components are used in mobile device holders, then structural strength and stability are improved, but radio frequency signal transmission and reception are interfered with

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidRF signal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes metallic components from the holder structure and replaces them with non-conductive materials such as plastic or ceramic. This extraction of the harmful metallic element eliminates RF signal interference while maintaining the holder's structural function through appropriately designed non-conductive support elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material construction for the holder, combining non-conductive materials (plastic, ceramic) with potentially conductive materials in a controlled manner where conductive elements are isolated or positioned to avoid RF interference zones. This allows structural strength to be maintained through material composition without compromising RF signal transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If fixed-position holders are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different mobile device sizes and shapes is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to device variations
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is divided into multiple independent adjustable segments or components, each capable of individual positioning. This segmentation allows the holder to be configured for different device sizes and shapes while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing of each individual segment, as each piece can be produced using standard processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a static fixed-position holder to a dynamic adjustable holder where components can be repositioned along rails or guides. This dynamic capability enables adaptation to various mobile device configurations while the underlying structure remains based on simple, manufacturable elements like linear guides and adjustable clamps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable components with multiple parts are used, then adaptability to different devices is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to device configurationsVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs adjustable components that serve multiple functions simultaneously - for example, a single mechanism that provides both positioning and clamping functions, or a rail system that enables both lateral adjustment and vertical positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate parts needed compared to dedicated components for each function.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple adjustment functions into integrated mechanisms, such as merging the positioning rail with the clamping structure, or combining rotation and translation capabilities in a single degree-of-freedom mechanism. This merging reduces overall structural complexity while maintaining full adjustability for different device configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4189948B1Mobile device positioner and configurable mobile device holder
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP4189948B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4189948B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4189948B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A mobile device holder (100) that includes a body (110) having a plurality of cavities (112). The mobile device holder (100) includes a first assembly (101), a second assembly (102), and a third assembly (103). The first assembly (101) is coupled to the body (110). The first assembly (101) is configurable to be coupled to different portions of the body (110). The first assembly (101) includes a first arm (120a) configured to be coupled to the body (110), a first slider (140a) coupled to the first arm (120a), where the first slider (140a) is configured to move along the first arm (120a), a first cap (150) coupled to the first arm (120a), and a first screw (170a) coupled to the first cap (150), where the first screw (170a) is configured to move the first slider (140a) along the first arm (120a) and towards the body (110). All the assemblies have the same structure and each assembly can be connected to the body (110).