Rotatable Steering Wheel Holder for Golf Cart Electronics

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a lack of a secure and convenient location on golf carts to mount smartphones or tablets, which can lead to devices being misplaced or obstructing the view when mounted on the windshield, and existing solutions are either insecure or aesthetically unpleasing.

Innovation Solution

A rotatable bracket or case is mounted to the golf cart steering wheel, providing a weatherproof enclosure with locking mechanism, allowing the device to be positioned for optimal use without obstructing the view, and can be part of a replacement steering wheel or a separate attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If electronic devices are stored in golf bags, then devices are protected from damage, but it is inconvenient to use them for keeping score during play

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of using electronic device for keeping scoreVSAvoidsecurity of electronic device

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A mounting bracket serves as an intermediary between the golf cart steering wheel and the electronic device, providing a secure attachment point that allows the device to be easily accessible while maintaining safety and security

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If electronic devices are mounted on the windshield, then devices are easily accessible, but they obstruct the golfer's view of the course

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of electronic deviceVSAvoidview obstruction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting bracket positions the electronic device on the steering wheel assembly, utilizing the vertical and radial dimensions of the steering wheel structure to place the device in a location that is accessible yet does not block the forward view of the course

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If a rotatable bracket is mounted to the steering wheel, then the device can be positioned for optimal use, but the device may still be vulnerable to theft or damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning flexibility of deviceVSAvoidtheft and environmental damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A weatherproof case with sealing elements encloses the electronic device, providing protection from environmental factors such as rain and dust while maintaining access to the device functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

A locking mechanism serves as an intermediary security feature that prevents unauthorized removal or theft of the electronic device from the mounting bracket

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10632931B2Apparatus for holding an electronic device on a golf cart

Publication Date: 2020.04.28 TIRER STEPHEN

AI summary

A holder for an electronic device is mounted on a golf cart steering wheel. The holder preferably is rotatable relative to the golf cart steering wheel. The holder may include a weatherproof cover to protect the electronic device from the elements. The holder may also include a lock to releaseably secure the electronic device within the holder.