Universal Smartphone Mount Angled Clamp for Uneven Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current smartphone and tablet mounts are inadequate for attaching to uneven surfaces, edges, and tight spaces, and often difficult to operate with one hand, as they are designed primarily for flat surfaces and lack optimal single-handed functionality.
Innovation Solution
The universal mount features an angled clamp, extension arm with an adjustment controller, quick-release device, and pull-assist mechanism, allowing secure attachment to various surfaces and enabling one-handed operation by incorporating a tension spring for secure device holding and a quick-release mechanism for easy detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current smartphone and tablet mounts are designed for flat surfaces, then they can be easily manufactured and operated, but they cannot securely attach to uneven surfaces, edges, and tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: attaching to flat surfaces, uneven surfaces, edges, and tight spaces. The angled clamp with adjustable arms can adapt its configuration to match the geometry of the target surface, making a single device suitable for diverse mounting locations without requiring multiple specialized mounts
Solution Approach 2:
The mount incorporates adjustable arms and movable clamp components that can change position and angle to match the target surface geometry. The extension arm can be positioned at different angles, and the clamp jaws can open and close to accommodate various surface profiles, transforming a static mount into a dynamically adaptable attachment system
2Ease of operation
If current mounts are designed with standard operation mechanisms, then they are simple to manufacture, but they are difficult to operate with one hand
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp incorporates a spring-loaded mechanism that automatically returns to the closed position after being opened. When the user releases the clamp handles, the spring automatically closes the jaws, eliminating the need for the user to manually reset the clamp and enabling one-handed operation without requiring complex manual resetting procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The operation mechanism is divided into separate functional components: release handles for opening, spring mechanism for closing, and positioning elements for securing. This segmentation allows the user to operate the mount with simple hand movements on the handles while the other components automatically perform their functions, reducing the cognitive and physical complexity of operation
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 secure and versatile attachment of smartphones and tablets to diverse surfaces, including uneven ones, and facilitates easy one-handed operation, enhancing usability in tight spaces and varied environments.
Implementation Method 1
the second side wall comprises a tension spring and wherein: when the pulling force is applied, the tension spring extends allowing the holder to receive the mobile device; and when the pulling force is removed, the tension spring returns the second side wall back towards the initial starting position and thereby exerts a force that secures the mobile device to the holder
Implementation Method 2
pull-assist mechanism, allowing secure attachment to various surfaces and enabling one-handed operation
Data Source
AI summary
Universal mounts for mobile devices such as, but not limited to, smartphones and/or tablets are provided. In one embodiment, a universal mount for a mobile device is provided, the universal mount comprising: a holder that receives a mobile device, the holder comprising a center portion, a first side wall, and a second side wall, wherein the center portion, first side wall, and the second side wall secure the mobile device to the holder; an extension arm that connects to the holder and to a clamp, wherein the extension arm comprises an adjustment controller for adjusting and locking the extension arm; and the clamp for mounting the universal mount to an object, the clamp comprising a first handle and a second handle, a first lip and a second lip, wherein the first and second lips open when pressure is applied to the first and second handles.