Swivel Mount with Nested Stiffness Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for mounting electronic devices like tablet computers in public or shared environments often compromise between security and ease of access, as they either risk damage or theft when handled or are fixed in a static position, limiting user interaction.

Innovation Solution

A swivel mount that allows rotational freedom about a vertical axis, with adjustable stiffness and locking features, ensuring secure and accessible device interaction by multiple users, with all components housed within a sleek post to prevent snagging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the device is fixed in a static position, then security and stability are improved, but user accessibility and interaction ease deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice securityVSAvoiduser accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mount transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic system that allows rotation about a vertical axis. The device can be rotated to different angles and locked into position, providing both movement for accessibility and stability when locked, thus resolving the contradiction between security and ease of access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the device is allowed to rotate freely, then user accessibility is improved, but control over rotation range and position deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation freedomVSAvoidrotation control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mount includes adjustable parameters for rotation control: a stiffness adjustment mechanism that controls the looseness or firmness of rotation, and a locking mechanism that can fix the device at specific angular positions. These parameter adjustments allow the system to adapt between free rotation and controlled positioning as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If mounting components are exposed on the post, then adjustability is improved, but cosmetic appearance and snagging risk deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemount adjustabilityVSAvoidpost appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

All mounting components including adjustment mechanisms and locking features are housed within the envelope of the swivel post. The components are nested inside the post structure, allowing full adjustability functionality while maintaining a clean, smooth external surface that prevents snagging and provides aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS9599276B2Swivel mount

Publication Date: 2017.03.21 GCX CORP

AI summary

Some examples of a mounting post to support a housing of electronic equipment include a swivel base having a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to mount to a surface about which the mounting post swivels. The mounting post includes A swivel post having a third end and a fourth end. The third end is configured to support the housing of the electronic equipment. A lower sleeve is attached to the second end and an upper sleeve is attached to the fourth end. The upper sleeve is attached to the lower sleeve at a distance to create a moment arm to react to transverse forces applied to the mounting post.