Vehicle Windshield Mounting Suction Cup Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing holding means for electronic devices on vehicle windshields are limited to specific device sizes due to standardized electronic connections, making them incompatible with devices from different manufacturers.

Innovation Solution

A holding means with a suction cup for attaching electronic devices to the basic body, allowing devices of varying sizes from different manufacturers to be securely mounted, and a separate fastening unit with suction cups for attaching the holding means to the vehicle component, enabling easy attachment and detachment with mechanical demounting means.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If standardized electronic connections are used for holding means, then the device can be easily manufactured and assembled, but the holding means can only accommodate devices of specific sizes from certain manufacturers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The suction cup is designed to serve multiple functions: it can attach the holding means to the windshield and simultaneously hold the electronic device. This universal attachment mechanism eliminates the need for device-specific adaptations, allowing the same holding means to accommodate electronic devices of various sizes from different manufacturers.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the attachment function from the electronic connection interface and implements it through a separate suction cup mechanism. This separation allows the holding means to be independent of device-specific connection standards, providing versatility while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If device-specific adaptations are made for different manufacturers, then the holding means can fit specific device sizes, but the complexity of the holding means increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By making the suction cup the universal attachment element, the patent eliminates the need for multiple device-specific adapters or mechanisms. The same basic body with suction cup can hold various devices without modification, thereby maintaining simplicity while achieving broad adaptability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of adapting the holding means to each device type, the patent inverts the approach by using a universal suction cup interface that accommodates different device sizes. The device adapts to the holding means rather than the holding means adapting to each device, reducing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a suction cup is used for attaching the electronic device to the basic body, then devices of varying sizes can be securely mounted, but the attachment mechanism becomes less stable at high temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the attachment function into two separate suction cup systems: one for attaching the holding means to the windshield and another for attaching the electronic device to the basic body. This segmentation isolates the device attachment suction cup from direct exposure to extreme windshield temperatures, improving reliability while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The basic body acts as an intermediary between the windshield attachment and the electronic device. The suction cup on the basic body provides a temperature-buffered attachment point for the device, protecting it from the harsh thermal environment at the windshield while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 the use of a single holding means for electronic devices of different manufacturers and sizes, providing secure attachment and easy removal without requiring complex device-specific adaptations, thus enhancing versatility and user convenience.

Implementation Method 1

a suction cup (21) is provided on the basic body (6) for attaching the electronic device (1) to the basic body (6)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

a separate fastening unit with suction cups for attaching the holding means to the vehicle component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP2714471B1A holding means for holding an electronic device to a vehicle component, in particular a windscreen of a vehicle
Publication Date: 2015.07.01 VALEO SCHALTER & SENSOREN GMBH
  • EP2714471B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2714471B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2714471B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a holding means (5) for holding an electronic device (1 ) to a vehicle component (4), in particular to a windscreen of a vehicle. The holding means (5) comprises a basic body (6) designed for bearing the electronic device (1 ). A fastening unit (1 1 ) serves for fastening the basic body (6) to the vehicle component (4). On the basic body (6) a suction cup (21 ) is arranged, which serves for attaching the electronic device (1 ) to the basic body (6).