Handheld Device Holder with Tilt Clamping and Counterweight Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing apparatuses for holding handheld devices in vehicles often require users to adjust the viewing angle after clamping, especially when ambient light interferes with screen visibility, and fail to securely hold devices during vehicle movements on winding roads.

Innovation Solution

A clamping apparatus with a receiving base, upper cover, locking unit, resilient unit, and weight allocation unit that clamps on both edges of the device to provide a tilt angle, light-shielding, and stability through friction, allowing easy adjustment and secure holding during vehicle motion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the apparatus clamps on both sides of the device to affix to a fixed position, then the device is securely held, but the user cannot adjust the viewing angle of the device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice holding stabilityVSAvoidviewing angle adjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic clamping mechanism where the upper cover can rotate relative to the receiving base, allowing the device to be held at multiple angles. The locking unit enables the system to transition between fixed positions while maintaining secure holding, thus achieving both reliability and adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Weight of moving object

If the apparatus is made lightweight for portability, then it is easy to carry, but it cannot steady the apparatus from movement on the dashboard

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapparatus weightVSAvoidapparatus stability on dashboard
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a weight allocation unit that adds counterweight to balance the apparatus on the dashboard. This counterweight mechanism prevents the lightweight apparatus from moving or tipping over, achieving stability without significantly increasing the overall weight

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Ease of manufacture

If the locking unit structure is simplified for easier operation and manufacturing, then the apparatus is easier to manufacture, but the device may not be securely locked in place

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking unit manufacturing simplicityVSAvoiddevice locking reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking unit is designed with a resilient unit that automatically engages and disengages the locking mechanism. This self-service design allows the locking unit to secure the device reliably without complex manual operation, achieving both ease of manufacture and locking reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables clear viewing of device screens by adjusting the tilt angle and providing light-shielding while securely affixing devices to prevent movement during vehicle use, with a simplified structure and reduced manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

the resilient unit provides a force to lift the upper cover to the maximum opening position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the friction between the apparatus and the flat surface above the dash board will steady the apparatus from movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS8444102B2Apparatus for holding handheld devices
Publication Date: 2013.05.21 FAN EAGLE
  • US8444102B2 patent drawing
  • US8444102B2 patent drawing
  • US8444102B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus for holding handheld devices is provided, including a receiving base, an upper cover, a locking unit, at least a resilient unit and at least a weight allocation unit. The receiving base has a shell forming an accommodation space with an upward opening, and at least a concealing space inside. One side of the upper cover is coupled to the receiving base. The locking unit is responsible for affixing the closing, opening or holding positions between the upper cover and the receiving base. When the locking unit is in unlocked state, the resilient unit provides a force to lift the upper cover to the maximum opening position. The weight allocation unit is housed inside the concealing space. The electronic device can be held between the upper cover and the receiving base with a tilt angle.