Vehicle Device Dock Clutch Mechanism for Secure Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable device holders for vehicles are limited in size and shape compatibility, lack proper security and accessibility, and have complex designs that increase costs, with unsightly power cables and poor visibility for device users.
Innovation Solution
A portable electronic device dock with a hingedly coupled lid and slide assembly, biased to open and clamped positions using a clutch mechanism, providing adjustable support for various device sizes and orientations within a vehicle's instrument panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a portable device is placed in the vehicle console or on the dashboard, then the device is easily accessible, but the device is not properly secured and not properly visible to vehicle occupants
Solution Approach 1:
The device holder is segmented into a base portion mounted on the dashboard and a removable lid that can be opened and closed. This segmentation allows the device to be securely held in the base while providing easy access through the removable lid, resolving the contradiction between security and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid is designed to be dynamically movable between open and closed positions, allowing the system to transition between secure storage and easy access states. This dynamic element resolves the contradiction by providing both security when closed and accessibility when opened.
2Reliability
If known device holder assemblies are designed with complex mechanisms for positioning and retention, then the device can be securely held, but the complexity adds unnecessary costs to the assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The complex retention mechanism is extracted from the main body and concentrated into a simple latch assembly that engages with a cam mechanism. This extraction simplifies the overall assembly by using a focused, minimal mechanism rather than a distributed complex system, reducing costs while maintaining secure device retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism provides self-latching functionality where the lid's closing motion automatically engages the latch without requiring separate actuators or complex control systems. This self-service mechanism reduces assembly complexity and costs while ensuring reliable device retention.
3Ease of operation
If the lid is biased to the open position, then the device is easily accessible and visible, but the lid may not remain securely closed to hold the device
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing mechanism is designed to provide preliminary force that keeps the lid ready to open, while the latch mechanism provides counteracting force to maintain closure when engaged. This preliminary anti-action between the biasing spring and latch system resolves the contradiction by allowing easy accessibility when the lid is opened while ensuring secure closure when latched.
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 dock securely holds and displays electronic devices of different sizes, ensuring easy access and visibility while integrating with vehicle systems, reducing clutter and complexity, and enhancing the user experience.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing member is operably coupled to the slide assembly at a first end and further coupled to the storage compartment at a second end. The biasing member is adapted to bias the lid to the open position by driving the slide assembly to a retracted position.
Implementation Method 2
A clutch assembly is gearingly engaged with the slide assembly and is adapted to retain the lid in a clamped position.
Implementation Method 3
A lid is hingedly coupled to the storage compartment.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable electronic device dock includes a storage unit and a lid, wherein the lid is adapted to clamp a portable electronic device between a portion of the lid and a portion of the storage unit to retain the portable electronic device in a user-accessible display position. The device dock includes a slide assembly adapted to bias the lid to an open position and a clutch assembly adapted to retain the lid in a clamped position on the portable electronic device. The slide assembly is coupled to an axle member, which is further coupled to support arms disposed on the lid. The slide assembly is further coupled to the clutch assembly on an opposite end such that the clutch assembly can limit movement of the slide assembly to further limit movement of the lid.