Adjustable Tablet Mount With Solar Charging for Mobile Use

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tablet mounting and charging systems lack flexibility and adaptability to support various sizes and configurations of tablets, especially in outdoor and mobile environments, and do not provide continuous charging when disconnected from a hard-wired power supply.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable and portable mounting system with a tablet enclosure, adjustable solar panel support, and a table stand that allows 360-degree rotation of the solar panel, enabling continuous trickle charging and versatile mounting options, including table and tripod configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed mounting system is used for tablets, then the structure is simple and stable, but it cannot adapt to various sizes and configurations of tablets

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to various tablet sizes and configurationsVSAvoidmounting system structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system employs adjustable beam members with sliding mechanisms that allow dynamic reconfiguration of the tablet enclosure dimensions. The beam members can be extended or repositioned to accommodate different tablet sizes, transforming a static structure into a dynamically adaptable one without requiring complex interchangeable components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system is designed with universal mounting features including multiple attachment points, adjustable beam members, and standardized connection interfaces that can accommodate various tablet configurations and sizes. This multi-functional design allows a single mounting system to serve multiple purposes across different device types

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If a hard-wired power supply is used for charging, then the charging is stable and reliable, but the system lacks portability and cannot charge in mobile environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveportability and mobile charging capabilityVSAvoidcharging stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The solar panel array serves as an intermediary energy source between the natural environment and the tablet device. It converts solar energy into electrical energy through photovoltaic cells, providing a portable charging solution that bridges the gap between fixed power supplies and mobile device needs without requiring grid connectivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system incorporates integrated solar panels that automatically generate electrical energy from sunlight to charge the tablet device. This self-service capability allows the system to sustain itself in outdoor environments without external power sources, enabling continuous operation during data collection missions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the solar panel is fixed in position, then the mounting structure is simple, but it cannot optimize charging efficiency under varying light conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidsolar panel positioning mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The solar panel assembly is mounted on adjustable supports that allow dynamic repositioning of the panels relative to the tablet device. The panels can be tilted and angled to optimize their orientation toward the sun, maximizing energy capture efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical adjustment mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows adjustment of the solar panel positioning parameters (angle, orientation, distance from tablet) to optimize charging efficiency under varying light conditions. By changing these geometric parameters, the system adapts to different environmental conditions without requiring complex automated tracking mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system provides reliable and continuous charging for tablets in various environments and configurations, maintaining battery charge levels and supporting long-running data processing tasks without the need for a hard-wired power supply, while allowing for flexible positioning and protection of the tablet.

Implementation Method 1

an adjustable solar panel support, which is pivotally attached to the tablet enclosure and where a solar panel mounted within the solar panel support can be configured to provide a continuous trickle charge to the tablet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolar energy conversion: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9634519B2Adjustable and portable mounting system for a tablet computing device and solar based charging system
Publication Date: 2017.04.25 THE MITRE CORPORATION
  • US9634519B2 patent drawing
  • US9634519B2 patent drawing
  • US9634519B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An adjustable and portable mounting system for a tablet computing device and solar based charging system is described. An example mounting system for a tablet computing device includes a tablet enclosure with a plurality of gripping portions adjustable to hold tablets with different sizes and shapes, and each gripping portion is configured to grip a corner of the tablet computing device. The mounting system further includes an adjustable solar panel support, which is pivotally attached to the tablet enclosure and where a solar panel placed within the support can be configured to provide trickle charging to the tablet and to orient 360 degrees about three axes of rotation. The mounting system also includes a table stand, which is mounted to the tablet enclosure and provides support of the tablet computing device on a flat surface with a wide range of viewing angles. The mounting system also includes a connector configured to couple to a tripod stand mount, or a similar device.