When we use technology we need to be able to position it so that it is easy to use. We need to be able operate the controls and have it positioned so that we can see it without eyestrain. Sometimes it’s useful to mount a device, as our hands may be tied up doing something else; the device may be too heavy or we may even have a limited ability to reach, grasp, or hold the device.
Some of the most common items we use are mobile phones and tablets. There are various mounting options available. The suitability of a mount depends on various factors such as the fixing clamp, where you intend to mount the device, weight of device to be mounted, the reach and adjustability of the mount etc.
Mounting systems are generally composed of a (i)fixing clamp to mount either to a flat table top surface or a circular tubing, (ii) an adjustable arm usually no longer that 500mm (iii) some kind of attachment or cradle to hold the device.
Below are two mounting systems which may offer you some good solutions. Ram mounts are a mainstream supplier of mounts for electronic devices within cars, bikes and trucks. Rehadapt on the other hand, have a range of mounting products to serve clients with “special needs”. Both systems consist of a fixing clamp, adjustable arm and a cradle to hold the device.
Ram mount
In choosing a fixing clamp you need to consider the surface you are fixing it to: do you need to remove clamp often? Will the clamp be secure? Below are two clamps however their site offers more options.
RAM Small Tough-Claw™ with B Size 1″ Diameter Rubber Ball
$33.49
RAM Rail Base with B Size 1″ Ball. Zinc Coated U-Bolt for Rails fro…
$15.49
The Ram mount arms consist of various length double socket arms as well as solid and gooseneck poles that can be joined together with an adaptor.
RAM Short Double Socket Arm for B Size 1″ Balls
$13.99
RAM Double Socket Arm for B Size 1″ Balls
$13.99
RAM Medium Double Socket Arm, Dual Extension with Ball Adapter for …
$39.49
At the end of the arm we need to attach the device. Ram mounts offer various cradles for specific tablets as well as universal type options.
RAM Universal X-Grip® Cell/iPhone Cradle
$27.99
RAM Universal X-Grip® Large Phone/Phablet Cradle
$31.49
RAM Universal X-Grip® Cradle for 10″ Large Tablets
$76
The good: It’s reasonably priced, with lots of component options.
The not so good: Not designed for wheelchair mounting, so you’re limited to where it can be fitted onto a wheelchair.
The verdict: A good option for anyone on a tight budget.
Rehadapt
Rehadapt has a large range of fixing clamps that will do for nearly every wheelchair. They also have adjustable clamp options such as this one below, although they don’t fit on as securely.
Light 3D wheelchair mount with one tube and one joint with screw. The L3D-WC 2AK is a two pole version of this. You can state the required wheelchair clamp on order. Combine with any cradle with REHAdapt’s Spigot Link System (SLS).
Onto the end of the REHAdapt’s Spigot Link System, there a various options. Some universal cradles are below.
L3D-GA-Universal Phone Holder M
Device adapter with Spigot Link System (SLS) for mounting Mobile Phone Medium 62-77mm * -14mm (2 1/2″-3″ * -1/2″) to REHAdapt´s Light 3D system.
Rehadapt have a new universal cradle for mounting tablets of various sizes
Adjustable tablet holder for mounting any tablet from between 7” and 13″ to a wheelchair with Rehadapt’s Universal Device Socket (UDS). The tablet mount works with Apple iPad and Samsung Galaxy tablets, with and without without protective cases.
The good: It looks good. Lots of component options and excellent for mounting onto a wheelchair.
The not so good: Expensive component parts.
The verdict: A very secure mounting system.