Telescoping Electronics Mount With Rotation-Independent Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lengthwise locking mechanisms for telescoping poles fail when rotated, leading to unlocking and instability in mounting platforms for accessory devices in vehicles, which compromises security and positional flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping electronics mounting platform with an internal locking mechanism featuring cooperating frame members, an interlocking mechanism with expandable locking and disengaging mechanisms, including wedge members and a compression compensator, to securely hold and adjust accessory devices while allowing for rotational compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional lengthwise locking mechanism is used in a telescoping pole, then the mechanism can hold the pole at a fixed length, but the locking mechanism fails when the pole is rotated, causing unlocking and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a locking member with locking surfaces, a drive member with inclined surfaces, and an actuator. This segmentation allows the locking function to be isolated from the rotational movement, enabling the pole to rotate without affecting the locking engagement while maintaining reliable lengthwise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of allowing rotation to directly affect the locking mechanism (which causes failure), the design inverts the relationship by making the locking mechanism independent of rotational movement. The locking member engages with the pole segment through surfaces that are not affected by rotation, while a separate drive member translates actuator movement into locking engagement without requiring rotational coupling.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mounting platform allows rotational freedom for flexibility, then positional adaptability is improved, but the locking mechanism becomes unreliable and the device may become unstable during vehicle motion
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting platform separates the rotational adjustment function from the locking function. The platform can rotate freely to achieve desired positioning angles, while the locking mechanism independently secures the platform at the selected position. This segmentation allows full rotational freedom for adaptability while maintaining secure locking for reliability during vehicle motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member acts as an intermediary between the rotating platform and the fixed mounting structure. It mediates between the need for rotational freedom and the requirement for secure positioning by engaging with the platform through surfaces that translate rotational position into a stable locked state, preventing unwanted movement during vehicle motion while allowing intentional rotation.
3Device complexity
If a simple locking mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the mechanism cannot provide secure locking under vibration and shock conditions in a moving vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts the vibration-resistant locking function from a complex integrated mechanism and places it in a dedicated locking member with specifically engineered locking surfaces. This extracted component works in conjunction with a separate drive member, providing secure locking under vibration and shock conditions while keeping each individual component relatively simple and the overall mechanism maintainable.
4Reliability
If the locking mechanism is made more secure to prevent unlocking during rotation, then reliability is improved, but the mechanism becomes more complex and harder to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into a locking member, drive member, and actuator, where the actuator provides a simple user interface for engagement and disengagement. This segmentation hides the complexity of the locking surfaces and drive mechanics from the user, maintaining ease of operation while achieving high locking security through the specialized geometry of the locking and inclined surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined surfaces of the drive member and locking member create a self-locking effect where the locking force automatically increases with applied load, such as the weight of the mounted device or forces during vehicle motion. This self-service characteristic enhances locking security without requiring additional complex components or user intervention, while the actuator remains simple to operate.
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 secure, adjustable, and vibration-resistant mounting for accessory devices, ensuring they remain locked during vehicle motion and allowing for easy installation and removal without jamming issues.
Implementation Method 1
a first wedge locking mechanism including a first pair of cooperating wedges that are relatively fixed against one another to prevent lengthwise movement of the inner telescoping pole segment
Implementation Method 2
cooperating wedges that are relatively fixed against one another
Implementation Method 3
a second wedge locking mechanism including a second coupler that is extended through the inner telescoping pole segment and that is structured to be driven by the actuator
Implementation Method 4
a resilient member that is coupled to engage each of the first and second wedge locking mechanisms for urging the inner and outer telescoping pole segments to approach one another
Data Source
AI summary
A telescoping electronics mounting platform having a pair of cooperating frame members. An interlocking mechanism is coupled between the frame members and includes: relatively slidable male and female members coupled to the different frame members, a reaction surface formed relative to the second frame member, an actuator coupled to the male member and having a drive surface that is positioned adjacent to the reaction surface of the second frame member wherein the male member is responsive to a motion of the drive surface of the actuator relative to the reaction surface for moving relative to the female member, and an expandable locking mechanism coupled to between the male and female members, wherein the expandable locking mechanism is responsive to the motion of the actuator relative to the reaction surface for expanding within the female member.