Vehicle Mount Control Device Automatic Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle-mounted electronic device supports require manual locking, which can lead to user error and increased risk of the device being unintentionally moved or ejected, especially during impacts, due to the need for user intervention to secure the device.

Innovation Solution

A support system with a control device that automatically locks the electronic apparatus in place upon installation and unlocks manually, utilizing a locking device and actuating mechanism that transitions between active and inactive positions based on the position of the second edge, ensuring secure retention without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual locking is used to secure the electronic apparatus, then the device can be locked in place, but the user may forget to lock it or make locking errors, reducing reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidlocking operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support system automatically locks the electronic apparatus when placed on it, eliminating the need for manual user intervention. The locking mechanism is triggered automatically by the presence and weight of the device, ensuring reliable locking without requiring user action or memory.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs the locking action in advance, before the user needs to retrieve or use the electronic apparatus. By automatically locking upon placement, the system ensures the device is secured before any potential movement or impact occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If automatic locking is implemented, then locking reliability improves and user intervention is eliminated, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidsupport system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is integrated into the support structure itself, combining the support function and locking function into a single unified system. This reduces overall complexity by eliminating separate locking components and simplifying the mechanical design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex electronic control systems with a purely mechanical automatic locking mechanism that uses the weight and position of the electronic apparatus to trigger locking through mechanical linkages and spring-loaded components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10106091B2Support for a portable electronic apparatus, particularly in a vehicle, set comprising such a support and an electronic apparatus, associated retention process

Publication Date: 2018.10.23 FAURECIA INTERIEUR IND

AI summary

A support for a portable electronic apparatus. The support includes a first edge and a second edge, a locking device movable between a locking position, in which it prevents the translation of the first edge relative to the second edge, and an unlocking position, and an actuating device for actuating the locking device movable between an inactive position and an active position in which the actuating device keeps the locking device in its unlocking position. Movement of the second edge from an idle position to a maintaining position drives the actuating device from its active position to its inactive position. The support includes a control device that, when moved from a released position to a disengagement position, causes the actuating device to go from its inactive position to its active position while keeping the second edge in its maintaining position.