Rotating Mount Friction Clamping for Tablet Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bases for portable computing devices lack a secure and adjustable mechanism to mount and position tablets, failing to provide sufficient friction to maintain the device's angle and orientation without user intervention.
Innovation Solution
A base with a clamp and shaft system that frictionally engages the shaft, allowing the mount to rotate freely when unengaged but securely couple to the shaft when a portable computing device is placed, using a combination of cylindrical and non-cylindrical portions to enhance friction and prevent rotation, and an engagement actuator to ensure stable positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the mount is designed to rotate freely when unengaged, then ease of operation is improved, but stability of the mounted device deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mount dynamically changes its friction characteristics based on engagement state. When unengaged, the shaft rotates freely within the clamp allowing easy adjustment. When engaged, the friction clutch increases rotation friction to maintain stable device positioning. This dynamic transition resolves the contradiction between ease of adjustment and stability of device position.
2Stability of the object's composition
If friction engagement is increased to secure the device, then stability of the object's composition is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is segmented into multiple portions with different geometric characteristics (first cylindrical portion for friction engagement, second cylindrical portion for free rotation, non-cylindrical portion for engagement element interaction). This segmentation allows different sections to perform different functions, enabling both stable positioning and ease of adjustment without compromising either property.
3Reliability
If a secure mounting mechanism is implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The friction clutch, engagement actuator, and shaft coupling system work together as one unified assembly that provides secure mounting. This merging reduces the need for separate complex components while achieving reliable device attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement actuator automatically activates the friction clutch when the portable computing device is placed in the mount. The system self-regulates the friction engagement based on device presence, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex control systems while ensuring reliable mounting.
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 stable and adjustable mounting system that maintains the portable computing device's position with greater friction than the device's weight or torque, allowing users to easily adjust the angle and orientation as needed.
Implementation Method 1
The clamp may frictionally engage the shaft. The frictional engagement may allow the shaft to frictionally rotate within the clamp.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A base for a portable computing device may comprise a keyboard, a frame, a shaft, a mount, and a shaft engagement element. The keyboard may be configured to communicate with the portable computing device. The frame may surround the keyboard. The shaft may be rotationally attached to the frame. The rotational attachment of the shaft to the frame may have a friction greater than a force of gravity on the portable computing device. The mount may be configured to hold the portable computing device. The mount may define a shaft recess through which the shaft extends and in which the shaft freely rotates. The shaft engagement element may be configured to rotationally couple the mount to the shaft in response to the portable computing device being placed on the mount.