Vacuum Suction Mount With Safety Lever for Secure Device Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for mounting electronic devices like tablets and smartphones to smooth surfaces lack a mechanism to ensure the suction cup is fully engaged before the device is placed, risking the device's safety from falling due to inadequate suction.
Innovation Solution
A device with a suction cup and safety lever mechanism that prevents the electronic device from being placed on the holder until the suction cup is securely attached to the surface, featuring a pivotally attached safety lever that ensures a vacuum seal before allowing device placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a suction cup is used to mount electronic devices to smooth surfaces, then the device can be removably attached to various surfaces, but there is no mechanism to ensure the suction cup is fully engaged before the electronic device is placed on the mount, risking device damage from falling
Solution Approach 1:
The safety lever mechanism performs a preliminary check to ensure the suction cup is fully engaged with the mounting surface before allowing the electronic device to be placed on the holder. The lever must be in the engaged position (indicating proper suction) for the device to be safely mounted, preventing premature placement that could cause device damage.
2Strength
If the suction cup is pressed against the surface with limited suction, then the device can be initially attached, but additional suction must be created by actuating a lever which pulls the center of the suction cup away from the surface, complicating the mounting process
Solution Approach 1:
The safety lever mechanism serves a dual function: it both creates the enhanced suction connection by pulling the center of the suction cup away from the surface, and simultaneously indicates when the suction is sufficient for safe device placement. This self-indicating mechanism eliminates the need for separate verification steps, simplifying the overall process despite the two-stage suction creation.
3Productivity
If the suction cup is not fully actuated before placing the electronic device on the mount, then the mounting process is faster, but the entire mount may pull away from the surface due to insufficient suction, potentially damaging the electronic device
Solution Approach 1:
The safety lever acts as an intermediary mechanism between the suction cup and the electronic device placement. It mediates the connection by providing a visible and tactile indication of proper suction engagement, ensuring that the device is only placed when the suction cup is fully actuated and can safely support the device weight without pulling away from the surface.
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
Ensures a secure and reliable attachment of electronic devices to smooth surfaces, preventing accidental falls and damage by ensuring the suction cup is fully engaged before the device is mounted.
Implementation Method 1
a suction cup wherein a vacuum connection is created by way of a lever
Data Source
AI summary
A device for mounting an electronic device to a surface comprising a main body, an electronic device holder, a mounting apparatus and a lever. The electronic device holder comprises a planar member affixed to the main body and holds the electronic device. The mounting apparatus is affixed to the main body, and securely attaches the device to the surface. The lever includes a first end pivotally attached to the main body and in communication with the mounting apparatus, and a second end for engagement by a user. The lever is movable from a first position where the lever is vertically oriented causing the mounting apparatus to engage the surface, and a second position where the lever is horizontally oriented and extends through a slot in the planar member of the electronic device holder into where the electronic device is mounted causing the mounting apparatus to release from the vertical surface.