Vehicle Device Support With Rotational Arm And Segmented Jaw
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing device supports for vehicles, such as those using translation or rotational movements, face limitations in accommodating a wide range of device dimensions and orientations, leading to increased dashboard height and limited adjustability, which affects the incline and usability of devices like smartphones and tablets.
Innovation Solution
A support system with a sheath and arm mechanism that allows translational and rotational movement, featuring a locking mechanism and maneuvering member, enabling adjustable incline and orientation of devices, while maintaining a compact design and easy integration into the dashboard.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a translation movement mechanism is used to adjust jaw distance, then the support can accommodate different device dimensions, but the dashboard height and occupied volume increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a vertical translation mechanism to a rotational mechanism. The arm rotates about a horizontal axis, changing the dimension of movement from vertical to rotational, which reduces the vertical space required while maintaining the ability to adjust jaw distance for different device dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The support mechanism uses a rotational arm that can dynamically adjust its angle to accommodate different device sizes. The arm rotates between a retracted position (minimum jaw distance) and an extended position (maximum jaw distance), providing dynamic adaptability without requiring significant vertical space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotational arm mechanism is used to adjust jaw distance, then the support can accommodate different device dimensions, but the device incline becomes dependent on device dimension
Solution Approach 1:
The arm is divided into two segments: a proximal segment that rotates about a horizontal axis to adjust jaw distance, and a distal segment that rotates about a vertical axis to independently adjust device incline. This segmentation allows independent control of jaw distance and incline, decoupling the two functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a second rotational degree of freedom by rotating the distal segment about a vertical axis. This adds a dimensional element that allows independent incline adjustment regardless of the jaw distance setting, enabling consistent device incline across different device dimensions.
3Device complexity
If the arm length is fixed, then the mechanism is simple, but the distance amplitude between jaws remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The arm transitions from a fixed-length structure to a dynamically adjustable structure through rotational movement. The proximal segment rotates to extend or retract the arm, dynamically changing the effective length and thus the jaw distance amplitude while maintaining mechanism simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A support for receiving and holding a device, such as a smart phone, in a vehicle. The support includes a first jaw, able to receive a first edge of the device, and a second jaw, able to receive a second edge of the device. The support also includes a sheath and an arm, the arm being able to translate relative to the sheath. The arm includes two segments, articulated to one another using a rotation axis such that the distal segment is urged to rotate relative to the proximal segment in the direction bringing the second jaw closer to the first jaw.