Universal Mounting Apparatus With Spring-Loaded Clamping Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mounting platforms are inefficient for securely and releasably cradling and electrically interfacing a variety of pocket-sized personal computers and other mobile electronic devices, as they often fail to accommodate devices of different dimensions and interfere with operational controls.
Innovation Solution
A universal mounting apparatus featuring a spring-loaded clamping mechanism with adjustable upright posts and angularly inclined clamping surfaces, allowing for secure and easy mounting of devices while maintaining access to operational controls, and an electrical interface connector for various device types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed mounting platform is used, then the device is securely held in position, but it cannot accommodate devices of different dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting platform incorporates movable fence posts that can be adjusted along the longitudinal axis to accommodate devices of different lengths. The fence posts can be repositioned within slots and secured at various positions, transforming a static structure into a dynamic, adaptable one that maintains security while accommodating dimensional variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting platform is divided into modular components including adjustable fence posts, a base plate with slots, and independent clamping elements. This segmentation allows each component to be adjusted independently to fit different device dimensions while maintaining the overall structural integrity and security of the mounting system.
2Reliability
If a tight clamping mechanism is used, then the device is securely held, but operational controls become inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping force is applied locally at specific points through the fence posts and clamping mechanism, concentrating the securing action at the device edges and corners. This localized clamping maintains secure holding while leaving the central operational areas of the device accessible and unobstructed for user interaction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a universal mounting platform is designed to accommodate various devices, then versatility is improved, but the securing mechanism becomes less effective
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable fence posts and clamping mechanism allow the platform to dynamically adapt its configuration to each specific device. By repositioning the fence posts to match the device dimensions and adjusting the clamping force accordingly, the system maintains effective securing across different device types and sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The fence posts are pre-positioned in slots at various intervals along the longitudinal axis, allowing quick adjustment to the appropriate position before clamping. This preliminary arrangement of possible positions enables rapid adaptation to different device dimensions while ensuring secure clamping once the correct position is selected.
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 apparatus securely and easily mounts a range of mobile devices, accommodating different dimensions and ensuring electrical connectivity without interfering with device controls, enhancing usability and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is coupled for biasing the movable clamp structure toward the integral stop structure of the base plate along the first axis thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A universal mounting apparatus formed of a device cradle that is configured with a base plate having a device mounting surface with an integral stop structure adjacent to a first end thereof and projected thereabove, and a linear drive channel arranged along a first axis thereof. The universal mounting apparatus including a clamping mechanism having a linear drive shaft structured to slidingly engage the linear drive channel with a movable clamp structure projected above the device mounting surface adjacent to a second end of the base plate, the movable clamp structure has clamping surfaces inclined toward the device mounting surface and the integral stop structure projected thereabove. A spring is coupled for biasing the movable clamp structure toward the integral stop structure along the first axis.