Swivel mount for electronic devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a swivel mount system that securely mounts and locks electronic devices to a desk or table top, allowing them to rotate about a vertical axis for multiple users to view and interact with the device without risking damage or theft.
Innovation Solution
A swivel mount assembly comprising a mounting portion, a swivel tube assembly with rotational movement, a rotation limiting assembly using a stop plate and keyed stop washer, and a securing assembly with frictional washers and jam nuts to limit rotation to less than 360°, ensuring secure and controlled device interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the device is made portable and light-weight for easy transport, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability and security of the device deteriorates as it becomes vulnerable to damage and theft
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the device into two functional components: the portable electronic device itself and the mounting mechanism. The device remains light-weight and movable, while the mounting system provides the security function through separate components including the swivel tube assembly, rotation limiting assembly with stop plate, and securing assembly with frictional washers and jam nuts.
Solution Approach 2:
The swivel tube assembly acts as an intermediary between the electronic device and the mounting surface. It provides a controlled interface that allows the device to be securely mounted while maintaining the ability to rotate and reposition, thus mediating between portability and security requirements.
2Reliability
If the device is locked securely to prevent theft and damage, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as users cannot easily reposition or share the device
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a static locked position to a dynamic controlled rotation system. The rotation limiting assembly with stop plate and keyed stop washer allows the device to rotate within defined angular limits, providing both security when locked and repositionability when needed. The frictional washers and jam nuts maintain security while allowing controlled movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of rotational freedom from completely fixed to controlled rotation within specific angular boundaries. The stop plate with multiple swivel limiting position holes and keyed stop washer create discrete rotational positions, allowing the device to be securely mounted yet repositioned to different angles for multiple users.
3Ease of operation
If the device is allowed to rotate freely for multiple users to view, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates as cables may become damaged or disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation limiting assembly acts in advance to prevent excessive rotation that could damage cables. The stop plate and keyed stop washer establish predetermined rotational boundaries before cable damage can occur, proactively protecting the cable connections while still allowing sufficient rotation for multiple users to access the device.
4Reliability
If a chain is used to secure the device, then the security is improved, but the device stability and precision of positioning deteriorates as the chain allows excessive movement
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of movement restriction from loose chain attachment to precise angular positioning. The stop plate with multiple swivel limiting position holes and keyed stop washer define specific rotational positions, providing both security and precise positioning control that a chain cannot achieve.
Data Source
AI summary
A swivel mount assembly (SMA) for rotational mounting an electronic device onto a substantially stationary apparatus is provided comprising: a mounting portion adapted to mount the SMA to an electronic device; a swivel tube assembly attached to the mounting portion, and adapted to be inserted through a hole in the substantially stationary apparatus, and wherein the swivel tube is further adapted to provide rotational movement of the electronic device in regard to the substantially stationary apparatus; a rotation limiting assembly; and a securing assembly adapted to secure the swivel tube assembly to the substantially stationary apparatus in a securing but rotational manner.