Portable Device Tray Latch With Selectable Security Levels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support apparatus for portable electronic devices lack a flexible security mechanism that allows for varying levels of security, as they either permanently secure or fail to secure the device without user intervention, lacking automatic latching and tamper-proofing features.
Innovation Solution
A support apparatus with a latching element that automatically latches and includes a plunger-type security mechanism with a lock element, allowing for adjustable security levels by fixing the latching element in either extended or retracted configurations, and requiring a combination or key for unlocking, along with a resilient biasing element for automatic operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism permanently secures the device until disengaged by a correct combination or key, then device security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to quickly release
Solution Approach 1:
The latching element is designed to be dynamically adjustable between two security states: a first configuration where the device is permanently secured requiring a combination or key for release, and a second configuration where the device can be quickly released without the combination. This dynamic reconfigurability allows the system to adapt its security level based on user needs, resolving the contradiction between permanent security and ease of release.
2Ease of operation
If a latching element is resiliently biased toward the latched position for automatic latching, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional biasing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The latching element incorporates a resilient biasing mechanism that provides automatic latching functionality without requiring external actuation. When the device is inserted into the support apparatus, the biasing mechanism automatically urges the latching element into the latched position, securing the device without user intervention. This self-service capability improves ease of operation while the integration of the biasing mechanism into the existing latching structure minimizes the increase in device complexity.
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 a flexible and secure mechanism that automatically latches devices while allowing adjustable security settings, ensuring secure retention and easy removal, with enhanced tamper-proofing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The latching element is optionally resiliently biased toward the latched position for automatically latching the portable electronic device in the support apparatus
Implementation Method 2
The plunger-type security mechanism includes a resilient biasing element that is optionally configured for biasing the plunger element either toward the extended configuration or the retracted configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A support apparatus having a variable security level, including a tray structured for receiving a portable electronic device, the tray having a mounting interface structure on an outside backing surface thereof. An unsecurable retainer mechanism is structured for releasably retaining the portable electronic device in the tray. A variable level security mechanism is structured for securably retaining the portable electronic device in the tray, the variably securable latching element including: a latching element that is movable between a latched configuration relative to the tray for securably latching the portable electronic device in the tray, and an unlatched configuration, a plunger-type security element that is movable between a secured configuration for alternatively securing the latching element in the latched and unlatched configurations thereof, and an unsecured configuration, and a lock element that is coupled to the security element for alternatively locking the security element in the secured and unsecured configurations thereof.