Telescoping Ball Joint Holder for Vehicle Panel Concealment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
After-market electronic device holders for vehicles are often one-size-fits-all and unsightly when not in use, requiring inconvenient storage and retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping ball joint support with a cradle and clamping feature that allows for adjustable positioning and concealment behind a vehicle panel, enabling easy deployment and stowing of electronic devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If after-market electronic device holders are used, then electronic devices can be held at convenient locations, but the devices become unsightly when not in use and require inconvenient storage and retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle is designed to nest within a recess in the vehicle's trim panel when not in use. The telescoping support arm retracts into the panel housing, and the cradle folds flat against the panel surface, creating a clean integrated appearance. When needed, the cradle telescopes outward from the recess to provide device holding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm incorporates telescoping sections that allow dynamic adjustment of the cradle's position and extension. This enables the cradle to transition between a retracted state (flush with panel), a partially extended state (for device placement), and a fully extended state (for optimal viewing angle), adapting to different usage scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-position cradle is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate different sizes of electronic devices
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm incorporates telescoping sections that allow dynamic adjustment of the cradle's position and extension. This enables the cradle to transition between a retracted state (flush with panel), a partially extended state (for device placement), and a fully extended state (for optimal viewing angle), adapting to different usage scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm is divided into multiple telescoping segments that can extend and retract independently. The cradle itself is segmented into a base portion and an adjustable holding portion, allowing independent adjustment of each component to accommodate various device dimensions and shapes.
3Ease of operation
If the cradle is always visible and accessible, then it is convenient to use, but it creates an unsightly appearance when the electronic device is not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle is designed to nest within a recess in the vehicle's trim panel when not in use. The telescoping support arm retracts into the panel housing, and the cradle folds flat against the panel surface, creating a clean integrated appearance. When needed, the cradle telescopes outward from the recess to provide device holding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm incorporates telescoping sections that allow dynamic adjustment of the cradle's position and extension. This enables the cradle to transition between a retracted state (flush with panel), a partially extended state (for device placement), and a fully extended state (for optimal viewing angle), adapting to different usage scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided for holding an electronic device. That apparatus includes a telescoping ball joint support and a cradle carried on the telescoping ball joint support. The apparatus is displaceable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. A related method of holding an electronic device adjacent a panel of a motor vehicle is also disclosed.