Vehicle Mounting Bracket With Rotating Retainer and Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mounting systems for electronic devices on vehicles, such as GPS receivers, are prone to shock and vibration, leading to inaccurate position information and require two-handed installation, which is inefficient and potentially hazardous.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system featuring a symmetrical bracket with an engaging member and keeper, a retainer that rotates around the engaging member, and a latch with a rotor to secure the device, allowing one-handed installation and reduction of shock and vibration through the use of isolators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cantilevered mounting system is used to mount electronic devices on vehicles, then the device can be easily positioned and installed, but the device is susceptible to high levels of shock and vibration which adversely affects position information accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating vibration isolation elements (such as elastomeric mounts or dampers) between the mounting bracket and the vehicle surface. These elements are pre-installed to cushion and absorb shock and vibration before they can affect the electronic device, thereby protecting the device's position information accuracy while maintaining ease of installation.
2Reliability
If a complex mounting system with multiple components is used to reduce shock and vibration, then the accuracy of position information is improved, but the installation process requires two hands and becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated mounting bracket design. The bracket combines vibration isolation features, securing mechanisms (such as snap-fit elements or integrated fasteners), and positioning features into one component that can be installed with a single hand. This integration maintains reliability by reducing shock and vibration while simplifying installation by eliminating the need for complex multi-component assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a symmetrical mounting bracket design is used, then the bracket can be rotated 180 degrees and reattached to the vehicle, but the engaging member and keeper must be designed to maintain uniform size and shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry in a controlled manner by designing the engaging member and keeper with asymmetric features that nevertheless maintain overall symmetry for rotation. The engaging member has an asymmetric profile that mates with a corresponding asymmetric keeper, but the pair is designed so that rotating the entire bracket 180 degrees allows the same components to engage again. This achieves reusability while managing design complexity through deliberate asymmetric feature pairing.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mounting system (11) for mounting an electronic device (22) on a vehicle includes a mounting bracket (12) that can be attached to a vehicle. The mounting bracket (12) has an engaging member (18, 118) and a keeper (16, 116). The mounting system (11) also includes a retainer (14, 114) attached to the electronic device (22) and capable of engaging and rotating around the engaging member (18, 118). Additionally, the mounting system (11) includes a latch (15) associated with the electronic device (22). The latch (15) comprises a rotor (17) capable of engaging the keeper (16, 116) and securing the electronic device (22) to the mounting bracket (12) after the retainer (14, 114) has engaged the engaging member (18, 118).