Tablet Holder Clamping Lock With Hidden Anti-Theft Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tablet holders lack effective anti-theft protection and require visible, easily recognizable locking mechanisms that can be tampered with, posing a risk of unauthorized device removal.

Innovation Solution

A tablet holder with a clamping device featuring synchronous jaws and a locking mechanism that uses a separate, portable locking tool integrated into the holder, allowing secure blocking of the movement mechanism without external visible locks, utilizing a blocking element that engages with the movement mechanism's toothed elements and driven by a helical gear for secure operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a visible locking mechanism is used to prevent unauthorized removal, then security is improved, but the locking mechanism becomes easily recognizable and tamperable

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidtampering risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a blocking element as an intermediary component that mediates between the jaw and the movement mechanism. This blocking element can be positioned to block the movement mechanism's toothed elements, preventing unauthorized movement while remaining integrated and less visible than external locks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking function is extracted from a visible external lock and integrated into the internal movement mechanism through the blocking element. The blocking element is part of the internal mechanism rather than an external attachment, making it less visible and more integrated into the holder's structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If a separate locking tool is integrated into the holder, then security is improved through non-visible locking, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking element serves multiple functions: it acts as both a security lock and an integral part of the movement mechanism. The same component that enables jaw movement also provides the locking function when positioned to block the toothed elements, eliminating the need for completely separate locking mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking function is merged with the movement mechanism itself. The blocking element is integrated into the existing jaw and movement mechanism structure, combining the security function with the operational mechanism rather than adding a completely separate system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the blocking element engages with toothed elements of the movement mechanism, then security against unauthorized removal is improved, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidoperation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking element is designed to be movable and can be positioned by the user through the same operational movements used to open and close the jaws. The user's normal operation of the holder automatically positions the blocking element to engage or disengage from the toothed elements, eliminating the need for separate locking actions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 provides enhanced security by preventing unauthorized removal of the tablet, as the locking mechanism is not visible from the outside and requires a specific tool for operation, thus deterring theft while allowing easy use and adjustment.

Implementation Method 1

driven by a helical gear for secure operation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHelical gear mechanism: Gear

Implementation Method 2

The jaws are coupled to each other via a movement mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring mechanism: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3199857B1Tablet holder for holding a mobile terminal
Publication Date: 2023.11.22 DURABLE HUNKE & JOCHHEIM GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3199857B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3199857B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3199857B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A holder (1) for holding a mobile terminal device (ME) is described, with a clamping device (2) with two jaws (4, 5) mounted on a guide carriage (3) so that they can be displaced in relation to one another in a longitudinal direction (L). The jaws (4, 5) are coupled to one another via a movement mechanism (6) in such a way that when one of the jaws (4, 5) moves relative to the guide carriage (3), the opposite jaw moves synchronously relative to the guide carriage (3). The clamping device (2) has a closing device (10) with an adjustable blocking element (11) which blocks the movement mechanism (6) in a blocking position (I), and a closing mechanism (13) with a closing tool holder (18) to hold the blocking element (11) by means of a closing tool (SW) received in the closing tool receptacle (18) out of or into the blocking position (I).