Vent Grill Mount with Ball Joint for Vehicle Dashboard

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mounting assemblies for portable electronic devices in vehicles lack adaptability to different dashboard types and are not flexible enough to allow for desired orientation adjustments with one hand.

Innovation Solution

A multi-positional mount with articulatable attachment plates and joints, including ball joints, allows for secure attachment to various surfaces and devices, enabling adjustable and versatile positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a simple bracket fitting into dashboard seams is used, then no fasteners are required, but a different bracket is required for each vehicle model

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveno fasteners requiredVSAvoidcompatibility with different vehicle models

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting assembly uses a universal bracket design that can accommodate multiple vehicle models by interfacing with standard ventilation grill structures rather than vehicle-specific dashboard seams. The ball and socket joint provides multi-functional positioning capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The ball and socket joint enables dynamic adjustment of the mounting angle and orientation, allowing the device to be positioned at various angles while maintaining a secure fit across different vehicle configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If screws are used to fasten the bracket into the dashboard, then the mounting is secure, but the device may not fit all vehicles and the screw end may not clear the ribs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure mountingVSAvoidfitment across different vehicles

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilation grill ribs serve as an intermediary mounting surface, providing standardized attachment points that work across different vehicle models. The hooks engage with these ribs to provide secure mounting without requiring vehicle-specific modifications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting assembly is designed to interface with the universal ventilation grill structure found in most vehicles, making it adaptable to different vehicle models while maintaining secure mounting through the hook-and-rib engagement mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If a metal clip with stabilizer legs is used, then the device is extremely adjustable, but it may come loose under severe vibration

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidresistance to vibration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The ball and socket joint uses spherical geometry to provide secure, vibration-resistant mounting while maintaining adjustability. The spherical ball engages with the socket to create a mechanically stable connection that resists loosening under vibration while allowing positional adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Adaptability or versatility

If a vent hanging bracket with hooks and metal clip is used, then the fit is self-adjusting and compliant, but no width adjustment is provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveself-adjusting fitVSAvoidwidth adjustment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The ball and socket joint provides dynamic adjustment capability in multiple directions, including width adjustment, while maintaining the self-adjusting and compliant fit characteristics of the vent hanging bracket design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10583790B2Adjustable electronic device mount

Publication Date: 2020.03.10 COTTON DANIEL

AI summary

A mount for an electronic device, including two attachment plates on either end, both secured to a joint, so as to articulatably attach the mount to a surface on one end and an electronic device on the other end.