Self-centering clamping mechanism for electronic devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-centering mechanisms and clamping devices for electronic devices are often bulky, complex, and difficult to use, especially when trying to align and retain a range of differently sized objects or devices, and there is a lack of compact and portable solutions that integrate both self-centering mechanisms and clamping devices effectively.
Innovation Solution
A self-centering mechanism and clamping device that utilize a main body with pivot axes and tangential members, allowing for easy user actuation and alignment, with a compact design that can engage a variety of object sizes and shapes, and an adapter that integrates these features for optical applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional self-centering mechanisms are used to align objects of various sizes, then alignment capability is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism divides the self-centering function into two independent segments: a self-centering adapter with arms that pivot about vertical axes for alignment, and a separate clamping mechanism with arms that pivot about horizontal axes for retention. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized independently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter arms serve multiple functions: they provide self-centering alignment for various object sizes, act as structural support for the clamping mechanism, and enable both alignment and clamping operations through a single integrated device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate alignment and clamping devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional self-centering mechanisms are used to retain electronic devices, then retention capability is achieved, but the device becomes difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping arms are biased by springs to automatically engage with the electronic device when the adapter is inserted. The self-centering motion of the arms automatically positions them to contact the device, and the spring bias maintains clamping pressure without requiring user adjustment, making the device self-adjusting and easy to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring bias pre-positions the clamping arms in a ready-to-clamp state before the electronic device is inserted. When the device is placed in the adapter, the arms are already positioned to engage, eliminating the need for manual positioning or adjustment by the user.
3Volume of moving object
If compact design is implemented for self-centering mechanisms, then portability is improved, but the range of object sizes that can be accommodated is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter arms are designed to pivot about vertical axes, allowing them to dynamically adjust their angular position to accommodate objects of various sizes. The arms can swing outward to accommodate larger objects and inward for smaller objects, providing a wide size range within a compact footprint. The dynamic pivoting action enables the mechanism to adapt to different object dimensions without requiring a large fixed structure.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention comprises a self-centering mechanism for retaining an object, a clamping device for retaining an electronic device or an electronic device in a case, and means to integrate the devices in an adapter form. The structure of the self-centering mechanism allows for a compact device that is capable of fitting a wide range of differently sized and shaped objects. The clamping device allows for means to retain an electronic device or an electronic device in a case that is capable of fitting a wide range of differently sized and shaped electronic device. The self-centering mechanism and clamping device can also be integrated into the form of an adapter for various applications.