Wearable Sled Mounting with Adjustable Straps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wearable sled systems for mobile computer devices lack versatility and comfort in mounting options, particularly for use on the user's arm or belt, with limited adaptability to different applications and user shapes.

Innovation Solution

A wearable sled system featuring a rigid sled housing with a removable end cap, a mounting assembly with interfitting locking formations, and an attachment device such as a strap assembly or belt clip, allowing secure and adjustable mounting on either the arm or belt, with elastomeric straps for customizable fit and protection of the mobile computer device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rigid mounting structure is used to secure the mobile computer device, then device stability and protection are improved, but adaptability to different body shapes and mounting locations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to different body shapes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is divided into separate modular components: a rigid sled housing for device stability, a flexible mounting plate, and adjustable straps. This segmentation allows the rigid portion to protect the device while the flexible portions adapt to different body shapes and mounting locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system incorporates adjustable straps with buckles that can be dynamically configured to fit different arm circumferences and belt sizes. The straps can be tightened or loosened to accommodate various user body shapes while maintaining secure mounting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the sled housing is made completely enclosed for device protection, then device security is improved, but access to input screen and peripherals deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice securityVSAvoidaccess to input screen
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sled housing is segmented into a main enclosed body for device security and an open front side that exposes the input screen and peripheral connectors. This allows the device to be protected from impacts and environmental factors while maintaining accessibility to controls and interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If a fixed mounting position is used to simplify the design, then device complexity is reduced, but versatility for different applications deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting system complexityVSAvoidversatility for different applications
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is designed with universal features including adjustable straps that can accommodate different body shapes, multiple mounting location options (arm or belt), and compatibility with various mobile computer devices. This allows a single mounting system to serve multiple applications and users without requiring complex customization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If elastomeric straps with multiple adjustment points are used for customizable fit, then comfort and adaptability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomizable fitVSAvoidmanufacturing difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The strap system uses standard buckle and aperture configurations that provide multiple adjustment points for customizable fit. By varying the strap length and number of apertures rather than creating complex adjustable mechanisms, the system achieves adaptability while maintaining relative manufacturing simplicity through standardized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables secure, adjustable, and comfortable mounting of mobile computer devices on various body parts, accommodating different applications and user shapes, while protecting the device and providing access to input screens or peripherals as needed.

Implementation Method 1

The latch member has a spring locking tab that is selectively engaged with a slot on the corresponding side edge of the end cap

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring mechanism: Spring

Implementation Method 2

two spaced pairs of elastomeric coacting straps that extend from the body portion, the straps being configured and arranged to encircle the user's forearm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

The end cap is received in snap fitting relation at the top end of the sled housing to form a substantially complete enclosure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSnap fitting: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3035151B1Wearable sled system for a mobile computer device
Publication Date: 2019.02.20 HAND HELD PRODS INC
  • EP3035151B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3035151B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3035151B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A wearable sled system (10) for a mobile computer device includes an open-ended sled housing (14), a removable end cap (16), and a mounting assembly (18) for mounting the sled housing onto a user's arm or belt. A mobile computer device is slidably received into the sled housing (14), and the end cap (16) is received on the sled housing's open end to form a complete enclosure. The mounting assembly includes a rigid mounting plate (40) having a front side configured to receive the back side of the sled housing. The mounting plate (40) and the sled housing (14) include locking formations for selectively securing the sled housing to the mounting plate. The mounting assembly further includes an attachment device secured to the back side of the mounting plate for removably mounting the system on the user.