Vent Grille Mounting Claw Adjustment for Secure Device Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening devices for vehicles, such as those using screws or suction cups, face challenges like difficulty in attachment and removal, damage to surfaces, and reduced suction power over time, while existing strap-based solutions struggle with secure attachment to ventilation grilles.

Innovation Solution

A fastening device with pivotably mounted claws and levers, featuring adjustable teeth and multiple claws arranged oppositely for secure engagement with ventilation openings, along with a PUR foam coating for safety and a ball head for attaching small devices, allowing for stable and damage-free attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If screws are used to mount devices to the center console or dashboard, then the attachment is secure, but the surface is damaged and the device is difficult to remove

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidsurface damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mounting device with a mounting element that acts as an intermediary between the screw and the dashboard surface. The mounting element is inserted into a recess in the dashboard, allowing the screw to fasten the navigation device without directly damaging the dashboard surface. The mounting element can be removed and reused, leaving no permanent damage to the surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting device is divided into separate components: a mounting element that interfaces with the dashboard recess, a screw for fastening, and a navigation device holder. This segmentation allows the mounting element to be inserted into the recess first, providing a damage-free interface, while the screw provides secure fastening without直接接触 the dashboard surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If suction cups are used to attach small devices to glass panes or dashboard, then the attachment is damage-free, but the suction power decreases over time and the device falls off

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface damageVSAvoidattachment durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting element serves as an intermediary that provides a mechanical interlocking solution rather than relying on suction force. The mounting element is inserted into a recess in the dashboard, creating a physical anchor point that maintains its holding power over time without degradation like suction cups.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting device allows for easy installation and removal by the user, with the screw providing adjustable fastening force. The mounting element can be inserted and removed from the recess multiple times without losing its effectiveness, providing dynamic adaptability while maintaining reliable attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If fastening straps are used to attach devices to ventilation grilles, then the attachment is relatively easy, but the secure attachment is difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment easeVSAvoidsecure attachment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting element acts as an intermediary that engages with the ventilation grille structure through its recess interface. This provides a secure mechanical interlock that is more reliable than strap-based solutions while maintaining ease of installation through the simple insert-and-screw process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting element is designed to fit into the specific geometry of the ventilation grille recess, creating a precise mechanical fit. This geometric compatibility ensures secure attachment while allowing easy installation and removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Stability of the object's composition

If multiple fastening claws are used to prevent slippage in ventilation openings, then the attachment stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoidfastening mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting device uses multiple mounting elements (typically two) that are distributed across the navigation device housing. Each mounting element independently engages with the ventilation grille recess, providing stable attachment. This segmentation of the fastening function into multiple simple elements achieves stability without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2119599B1Attachment device for attaching components
Publication Date: 2012.01.04 TORMAXX
  • EP2119599B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2119599B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4

AI summary

The mounting device (1) has a mounting claw, which is arranged at a carrier (12). An adjustment device is arranged at a side of the carrier opposite to the claw. The position of the claw is adjusted relative to the carrier with the adjustment device (13). The mounting device is pivoted, and is partially coated with polyurethane foam. An independent claim is included for a method for mounting objects in vehicles.