Telescoping Mount With Auto-Locking Infinite Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting devices for computers and radios in vehicles lack adjustable and secure height settings, often requiring complex locking mechanisms and limited adjustability, which can lead to instability and difficulty in accommodating different vehicle configurations.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping mount with a locking mechanism that allows manual adjustment between extended and retracted positions, featuring a rotatable axle with a biasing element that automatically locks the position, providing infinite adjustability and secure fixation without the need for active user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the telescoping mount at various positions, then the stability and security of the mounted device is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism automatically engages and disengages based on the position of the telescoping members, without requiring manual intervention. The system uses the movement of the telescoping members themselves to trigger the locking action through the interaction between the cam surface and follower, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex multi-component locking systems with a simplified cam-and-follower mechanism. This mechanical substitution reduces the number of parts and assembly steps while maintaining reliable locking functionality at multiple positions along the telescoping range.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mounting device allows adjustment to multiple height positions, then the adaptability to different vehicle configurations is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in securing positions
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism automatically engages when the telescoping members are positioned at desired heights, eliminating the need for manual locking operations. The system self-activates based on the position of the members, making height adjustment and securing equally simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static, fixed-position system to a dynamic, continuously adjustable system. The cam surface is designed to work with the follower at any position along the telescoping range, enabling smooth adjustment to any height while maintaining secure locking capability throughout the entire range of motion.
3Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism is used to prevent movement, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex multi-component locking systems with a simplified cam-and-follower mechanism. This mechanical substitution reduces the number of parts and assembly steps while maintaining reliable locking functionality at multiple positions along the telescoping range.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam surface serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides the follower, determines locking positions, and enables automatic engagement. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed and simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining secure locking capability.
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 offers flexible height adjustment and secure positioning of devices, resisting movement during typical driving conditions while allowing for some flexibility under extreme conditions, enhancing usability and stability.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing element is coupled between the extension member and the cover member to bias the axle rotationally in the second, locking direction. A handle is fixed to the axle for rotation therewith such that turning of the handle by the user in the first, unlocking direction of rotation overcomes the bias of the biasing element and stores energy in the biasing element, and such that release of the handle by the user results in the stored energy in the biasing element automatically rotating the axle in the second, locking direction.
Data Source
AI summary
A telescoping mount includes an outer member, an inner member at least partially received in the outer member such that one member is movable relative to the other member between an extended position and a retracted position, a platform coupled to one of the outer and inner members for supporting a device, and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is operable to substantially lock the position of the outer and inner members relative to one another in a plurality of non-predefined positions between the extended position and the retracted position. The locking mechanism is movable manually by a user to an unlocked position allowing adjustment of the mount between the extended and retracted positions, and the locking mechanism is movable automatically, upon release of the locking mechanism by the user, to a locked position in which the outer and inner members are substantially prevented from moving relative to one another.