Side Arm Clamp Assembly With Sliding Retention Clip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current side arm clamp assemblies for mounting portable devices in vehicles are costly due to their single-piece design, which increases manufacturing expenses and limits flexibility in accommodating variously shaped devices within limited vehicle spaces.
Innovation Solution
A novel side arm clamp assembly featuring a molded body with a clip receiver slot and a retention clip that includes a sliding insertion portion and a detent mechanism, allowing for secure attachment to a mounting platform using surface features like striations, and utilizing fasteners for stability, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and enhancing adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-piece side arm clamp design is used, then structural simplicity is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The side arm clamp is divided into multiple separate components including a clamp body, retention arm, and spring element rather than being manufactured as a single integrated piece. This segmentation reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining structural integrity through precise assembly of the segmented parts.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single-piece side arm clamp design is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but adaptability to various device shapes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The retention arm is designed with spring-loaded flexibility that allows it to dynamically adapt to different device shapes and sizes. The spring element enables the retention arm to flex and conform to various contours while maintaining secure contact, providing versatility without requiring multiple specialized clamp designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp incorporates adjustable parameters including spring tension and retention arm positioning that can be modified to accommodate different device geometries. These parameter changes allow the same clamp structure to adapt to various device shapes while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a single-piece side arm clamp is used, then the structure is more rigid, but the ability to provide quick release functionality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is segmented into a fixed clamp body and a movable retention arm connected by a spring mechanism. This segmentation allows the retention arm to be quickly released by overcoming the spring force, enabling easy installation and removal while the clamp body maintains structural rigidity for stable mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded retention mechanism operates in periodic cycles of engagement and disengagement. The spring stores energy during engagement and releases it during disengagement, enabling quick release functionality while maintaining firm holding during the engaged state.
Data Source
AI summary
A side arm clamp assembly is formed of a molded body having a clip receiver slot, a retention clip formed of a retention portion and an insertion portion that is slidingly receivable into the clip receiver slot. A detent is provided between the clip receiver slot and the insertion portion of the retention clip received thereinto. Means are provided for securing the molded body relative to an electronics platform with the retention portion of the retention clip projected over a mounting surface thereof.