Adapter Unit for Tablet VESA Mount Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Tablet computers cannot be directly attached to standardized VESA mounts used in cash register systems, requiring both devices to operate in parallel, leading to high costs and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising two adapter units, where one unit is designed to attach securely to the tablet computer and another to the VESA mount, allowing for a detachable and re-establishable connection, enabling easy attachment and removal of the tablet computer from the mount.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If tablet computers are used to replace flat screens in cash register systems, then device complexity is reduced and portability is improved, but the ability to attach to standardized VESA mounts is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoidmount compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an adapter unit as an intermediary component that connects the tablet computer to the VESA mount. The adapter unit has a first connection element that attaches to the tablet computer's holder and a second connection element that interfaces with the standardized VESA mount, thereby enabling compatibility without modifying the tablet computer itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting solution is divided into separate modular components: the adapter unit, the holder attached to the tablet computer, and the VESA mount. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables easy replacement or reconfiguration of the mounting system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If both flat screens and tablet computers are operated in parallel, then functionality is maintained, but costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidnumber of devices
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter unit provides universal compatibility, allowing the tablet computer to function in the role previously filled by flat screens in cash register systems. The standardized VESA mount interface enables the same mounting infrastructure to support different display devices, making the system multi-functional and future-proof.

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

3Ease of operation

If tablet computers are made portable and easy to use, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to securely attach to mounts is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidattachment security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the adapter unit and VESA mount is designed to be dynamically adjustable. The holder can be easily attached and detached from the tablet computer, allowing the device to transition between portable and mounted states. When mounted, the connection provides sufficient security for the application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2686750B1Device for fastening a tablet computer to a VESA mount
Publication Date: 2018.10.31 WINCOR NIXDORF INT GMBH
  • EP2686750B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2686750B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2686750B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (10) for fastening a tablet computer (18) to a standardized mount (20, 22) for flat screens, in particular a VESA mount (20, 22). The device (10) comprises a first adapter unit (12) that can be rigidly connected to the mount (20, 22) and a second adapter unit (14) that can be rigidly connected to the tablet computer (18). The first adapter unit (12) has an accommodating unit (32), in which the second adapter unit (14) can be at least partially accommodated in order to establish a connection between the two adapter units (12, 14) that can be severed and reestablished.