For someone with a disability mounting assistive technology can be an essential requirement for proper access to their device. We mount devices so that we can position them for optimal use. This information resource considers the various options to mount portable assistive technologies such as tablets, communication devices, mobile phones and adaptive switches. We look at the mainstream options which are available such as the Ram mounts portable mounts, 3D printing options, Loc-line system and camera mounting systems.
Did you know that it’s possible to buy affordable mainstream mounting systems for your Tablet or Phone?
Here’s a good place to start….we’ve summarised some of the main low cost mounting options in this short Video
RAM mounts
Ram Mounts manufacture vehicle mounts for portable devices. They typically consist of a clamp, ball and socket arm and a cradle for devices such as a mobile phone, PDA, tablet etc. It’s made of marine-grade aluminum. Ram Mounts have different ball base sizes for different applications ranging from light duty to heavy duty mounts. Many of their clamps fit the circular tubing of a wheelchair. Preferably buy from the UK site to avoid import duties.
TOUGH-CLAW™ MOUNT WITH UNIVERSAL X-GRIP PHONE HOLDER
The RAM® Tough-Claw™ base is designed to quickly clamp to round, square, and odd-shaped rails and bars ranging from .625″ to 1.5″ in outer diameter; rubber pads provide stable gripping and protection of mounting surface. The Spring-loaded ‘X’ design has rubber caps which securely hold a mobile phone.
Part Number: RAM-HOL-UN7-400
Price: £62.99
Here is a Videothat illustrates how this mount works
V-Base Strap Mount with GoPro® Camera Ball Adapter
The RAM-B-108-GOP1U consists of a strap hose clamp ball base, double socket arm and 1″ diameter ball with custom GoPro® Hero adapter. This fits any rail diameter from 1″ to 2.1″.
RAM-B-108-GOP1 £47.99
Loc-Line mounting for wheelchairs
Loc-Line is a mainstream product that is used in many different industries with applications and more recently to mount cameras and Assistive Technology equipment. It has a ball and socket design that is hand adjustable in both position and length. The Loc-Line system available from modularhose.com comes in four different hose diameters along with a multitude of nozzles, fittings and accessories. The sizes available are 1/4″, 1/2″, 3/4″ and 2 1/2″ diameter as well as in different colours. http://www.modularhose.com/
|
Phone Holder with Mini Clamp – 12 inch
ModularHose.com Phone Holder with Mini Clamp, 12″
arm Features Mini clamp with an adjustable phone holder that fits most phones/music players with or without a case. Mini clamp is designed for round tubing up to 2 inches. Designed for devices 2.25″ to 4″ wide. $47.00 more information |
Tablet Holder – Two Arm Kit
The two-arm kit is great for wheelchairs, tables, and other locations where the tablet could be moved into multiple positions. This kit is a flexible solution for holding up a tablet where you need it. Features dual spring clamps with 2″ opening and adjustable tablet holder for Apple iPad and other tablets measuring diagonally up to 14.25″ (362mm) and .375″ (9.5mm). For thicker tablets up to .75″, also order the extra deep v-tabs. Designed for tablets weighing 2 lbs or less.
$92.00
Camera mounts
Any camera mount can be used for mounting switches using the AT Maker adaptors below.
An example of some of the camera mount which are available are below.
SMALLRIG Cool Ballhead Clamp Mount
£13.11
UTEBIT Magic Arm 11 Inch Articulated Arm
£31.99
Phot-R Multi-Function Spring Clamp
£9.99
zeadio Smartphone Tripod Mount
Forevercam Magnetic Camera Mount
Manfrotto Variable Friction Arm
Manfrotto is a manufacturer making accessories for the camera industry. Part of their product line consists of clamps, such as the Superclamp. The Superclamp is a versatile clamp that can be mounted to either a circular tube or flat surf via a lever to securely lock clamping position.
The Variable Friction Arm can attach to the Superclamp. It consists of several joints that can all be loosened or tightened by turning the knob. The arm length is 53cm and has various attachment options for the end of the mount.
Manfrotto variable friction arm €95
Super Clamp €16.50
The Manfrotto camera accessories are frequently used by mounting suppliers fitting their plates or adaptors to the end of the variable friction arm. Each end of the arm has a different size threaded hole. 3/8 inch UNC thread at one end and ¼ inch UNC thread at the other. Inclusive technology supplies a switch plate for attachment to this arm as seen in the picture. Small holes in the plate allow a switch to be screwed onto the switch plate.
VFA with Inclusive Holder for ClassMate Tablet
A Variable Friction Arm mounting solution with an Inclusive holder for the ClassMate Tablet. This flexible system, with a wide range of adjustment, makes it easy to position an iPad for optimum viewing and touch access.
£169.00 from Inclusive technology
You can also attach Rammount cradles to the end of the variable friction arm with the following part
1″ Ball Camera Base with 1/4″-20 Threaded Stud RAM-B-237 £9.99
The Variable Friction Arm and the Superclamp can also be purchase from Thomann music store
They also have a range of low-cost options that could be used to mount a tablet, such as the
Universal Three-legged Tablet PC Stand
This mount rotates for horizontal and adjustment from 70 up to 155 cm vertical position. The thickness of the tablet: 6 – 11 mm. Suitable floor mount for the following tablets: iPad, Amazon Fire HDX 8.9, Samsung Galaxy Tab 9.7, Google Nexus 9 and Surface Pro.
€58
3 D printing options
3D printing is becoming more accessible, as they are getting more common within the home, workplace and in public libraries. There is also the option of 3D design printing from a printing service such as 3Dhubs or 3D Printing Ireland.
For switch mounting
Positioning switches is critical for individuals that require switches to operate their device. In order to reduce fatigue and increases accuracy mounting is usually essential. AT makers have produced adaptor designs for common AT Switches. The adaptors enable common AT Switches to be mounted to any camera mount. Camera mounts use standard 1/4″-20 thread screws to mount cameras. Using a 1/4″-20 T-Nut inserted into the 3-D printed adaptor you can then mount a common AT switch using a camera mount.
Nowadays camera mounts are quite inexpensive and a wide variation of styles are available.
See AT Makers collection of AT Switch Adapters on Thingiverse. There, you’ll find a set of adapters for common AT Switches.
Mobile phone mounting
There are lots of designs already online so you don’t necessarily have to design your 3D mounting print.
Thingiverse is a website dedicated to the sharing of user-created digital design files. Providing primarily free, open-source hardware designs. Thingiverse is widely used in DIY technology and Maker communities. Numerous technical projects use Thingiverse as a repository for shared innovation and dissemination of source materials to the public.
Here is a sample of what can be found on the site for mobile phone mounts
Phone Mount with G-Clamp
This is a Phone Mount with a G-Clamp for attaching to a
table surface. As can be seen, it has
many adjustable sections including full rotation.
There are no screws required.
Mobile Phone Tripod
This is a Mobile Phone Tripod with a ball and socket adjustment. There are also no screws required for this mount.
Other useful designs or a 3D printed Modular Mounting System
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3689842
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2326126
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2767323
Do you know of other low cost mounting solutions? If you do please contact us at: sloughran@enableireland.ie