Rotational Coupling Mechanism for One-Hand Device Mount Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locking mechanisms for securing electronic devices to mounting platforms require separate actions for securing and locking, which can limit flexibility and usability, especially in environments where the device is difficult to reach or must be operated with one hand.
Innovation Solution
A rotational coupling mechanism that allows a device to be securely locked and unlocked with a single rotational action, using a retainer plate assembly and a grooved-flange mounting platform, enabling the device to toggle between locked and unlocked positions through clockwise or counterclockwise rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional double-action locking mechanism is used to secure an electronic device to a mounting platform, then the device can be securely locked in place, but the operation requires separate actions for securing and locking, reducing flexibility and ease of use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the securing function and locking function into a single integrated rotational action. The retainer plate with cam surface and corresponding cam groove allows the device to be secured and locked simultaneously by one rotational movement, eliminating the need for separate securing and locking actions while maintaining secure attachment
2Reliability
If a conventional double-action locking mechanism is used, then the device can be securely mounted, but it requires multiple distinct actions to unlock and remove, limiting flexibility in difficult-to-reach environments
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational coupling mechanism merges unlocking and removal into a single rotational action. By rotating the device counterclockwise, both the unlocking and release functions are performed simultaneously, providing operational flexibility in environments where only one hand can operate the device or where the device is difficult to reach
3Strength
If separate forces are applied for securing and locking actions, then the device can be firmly attached, but the mechanism requires different directional forces, increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the securing and locking functions into a single rotational movement that generates both attachment and locking forces simultaneously. The cam surface geometry converts the rotational motion into the necessary force components, simplifying the mechanism while maintaining strong attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism uses dynamic force transformation through the cam surface, where a single rotational input generates multiple force components (securing force and locking force) throughout the rotation arc, replacing the need for separate static force applications in different directions
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes a rotational coupling mechanism for releasably coupling a device to a mounting platform. In one example, a user may nest a device within the mounting platform and perform a single rotation of the nested device to toggle between a locked position and an unlocked position. The user may continue the single rotation of the nested device, in the same clockwise or anticlockwise direction, to toggle the device from the unlocked position and back to the locked position. In a locked position, the device is restricted from translation relative to the mounting platform, however, the device may continue to rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to toggle between a locked and unlocked position. In an unlocked position, the device may disengage freely from the mounting platform and is thus subsequently free to move in any translational direction or about any rotational axis.