Sliding portable device support with improved strength

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing support devices for portable electronic devices on vehicle dashboards vibrate significantly when the vehicle is in motion, causing discomfort for passengers trying to use the devices.

Innovation Solution

A retractable support system with non-parallel slides that absorb the weight and vibration forces, providing enhanced rigidity and inertia to reduce vibrations, allowing the device to be securely and comfortably used during vehicle movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the support device is designed to be retractable in a dashboard recess, then the ease of operation and space utilization are improved, but the structural strength and vibration resistance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveretractabilityVSAvoidvibration resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a single-slide linear support structure to a dual-slide angular configuration. The slides are arranged at angles to each other, creating a triangular support geometry that provides structural stability while maintaining linear retractability. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the support to resist vibrations from multiple directions while preserving the ease of extension and retraction operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs asymmetric angular arrangement of the two slides rather than a symmetric parallel configuration. The slides are positioned at specific angles (e.g., 30-60 degrees) to each other, creating an asymmetric triangular structure that optimizes both the mechanical strength for vibration resistance and the smoothness of retractable operation. This asymmetric geometry distributes stress more effectively during vehicle motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Ease of manufacture

If parallel slides are used for simple manufacturing, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the rigidity and inertia against perpendicular forces deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveslide configurationVSAvoidrigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces angular positioning of slides in a second dimension (angular orientation) while maintaining the basic linear slide structure for ease of manufacture. Instead of complex non-parallel geometries, the solution uses standard slides arranged at specific angles, creating triangular support structures that significantly improve rigidity and resistance to perpendicular forces without requiring custom-manufactured slide components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 significantly reduces vibrations of the portable electronic device, enhancing user comfort by stabilizing the device and ensuring clear screen visibility even when the vehicle is rolling.

Implementation Method 1

the holder will vibrate due to the vibrations transmitted by the vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

the assembly of the two slides offers good inertia with respect to the forces in the directions perpendicular to the X axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInertia: Inertia

Data Source

PatentEP4182188B1Sliding portable device support with improved strength
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 STELLANTIS AUTO SAS
  • EP4182188B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4182188B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Mobile support (2) for securing a portable device in a motor vehicle, comprising a plate (21), a first and a second slide (23) that are secured to the plate so as to allow the plate (21) to slide between a stowed position and a deployed position allowing installation of the portable device, characterized in that the first slide (23) and the second slide (23) each extend respectively in a first plane of extent and a second plane of extent, the two planes of extent and the two slides (23) being substantially parallel to the X axis, the planes of extent not being parallel to each other.