Flexible retention systems for portable electronic devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable electronic devices are prone to falling from articulating work surfaces, which can cause damage, and existing solutions do not effectively secure devices of varying dimensions and orientations.

Innovation Solution

A retention system comprising an elongated member that couples with the work surface and a device clip that slidably engages with the elongated member, allowing secure attachment to the device's edge, with optional features like cable management and adjustable positioning to accommodate different device sizes and orientations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the work surface is made articulating to improve adjustability, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because objects can fall from the work surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvework surface adjustabilityVSAvoiddevice security

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An elongated retention member is introduced as an intermediary between the work surface and the portable device. This retention member extends across the work surface and couples with both the surface and the device, creating a secure connection that prevents the device from falling while the work surface articulates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The retention system is divided into separate functional components: the elongated retention member that provides the securing function, the device clip that attaches to the portable device, and the coupling mechanism that attaches to the work surface. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as a system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If existing security devices are used to improve device security, then the reliability is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates because they cannot accommodate devices of varying dimensions and orientations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice securityVSAvoiddevice size and orientation accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device clip incorporates a resilient arm that can flex and adapt its position. This dynamic component allows the clip to engage with devices of various sizes and orientations by adjusting its configuration, rather than requiring a fixed rigid structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The retention system allows for adjustment of the device clip position along the elongated member and enables the resilient arm to change its physical state (flexed vs. unflexed). These parameter changes enable the same mechanism to accommodate different device dimensions and orientations while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3593027B1Flexible retention systems for portable electronic devices

Publication Date: 2022.04.20 ERGOTRON INC

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AI summary

A retention system for securing a portable electronic device to the work surface can include an elongated member. The elongated member can be adapted to couple with a work surface. The retention system can include a device clip. The device clip can be coupled to the elongated member. The device clip can be slidably engaged with the elongated member. The device clip can be adapted to engage with an edge of the portable electronic device located on the work surface.