Snap-Fit Holder for Tracking Devices with Adhesive Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved means of attaching and protecting electronic tracking accessories, such as AirTags or Tile trackers, to items or objects, as existing solutions lack secure and durable attachment methods.
Innovation Solution
A holder or attachment device comprising a first and second shell with protrusions for spacing and orienting the tracking accessory, optionally made from thermoplastic elastomer or polyurethane, which includes adhesive material for secure attachment and a snap-fit connection for easy removal and reuse, providing impact resistance and enhanced sound channeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard self-adhesive materials are used to attach tracking accessories, then the attachment process is simple, but the attachment security and durability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device is divided into a base portion and a cover portion that can be separately assembled. The base portion contains adhesive material for secure attachment to surfaces, while the cover portion provides protective enclosure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, achieving reliable attachment without requiring a completely complex integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive material is pre-applied to the base portion during manufacturing, and the tracking accessory is pre-positioned within the holder using protrusions and recesses. This preliminary action ensures that when the device is deployed, the attachment and positioning are already prepared, eliminating the need for complex assembly steps by the user and ensuring consistent attachment quality.
2Strength
If the tracking accessory is enclosed in a protective holder, then protection from damage is improved, but sound projection may be blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The cover portion is designed with specific local characteristics: it is substantially opaque for protection but includes sound openings that allow acoustic waves to pass through. The interior surface is substantially reflective to enhance sound projection. This local quality differentiation allows the same structure to simultaneously provide protection and maintain sound functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective interior surface, which might seem to trap sound, is actually designed to bounce sound waves outward through the sound openings, enhancing projection. The enclosure that could block sound is converted into a sound-focusing structure that directs audio output effectively while maintaining protective coverage.
3Manufacturing precision
If protrusions are added to space and orient the tracking accessory, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking accessory is nested within the holder portion, with protrusions extending from the base and recesses in the cover that mate together. This nesting arrangement allows precise positioning to be achieved through simple geometric interlocking rather than complex mechanical assemblies, keeping the overall structure relatively simple while ensuring accurate orientation and spacing.
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 offers a secure, removable, and reusable attachment method that protects the tracking accessory from damage while ensuring clear sound projection, allowing for interchangeable use between multiple objects and improved attachment security compared to standard self-adhesive materials.
Implementation Method 1
The mounting device further comprises an adhesive material for attaching the mounting device to a tracked item or object
Implementation Method 2
The second shell comprises one or more apertures for channeling sound from the tracking accessory
Data Source
AI summary
A holder or mounting device for attaching or affixing an electronic tracking device such as an Apple™ AirTag™ or Tile™ to a tracked item or object. In example embodiments, the holder or mounting device may include an adhesive, a cord, a clip, a strap or other attachment means.