Brodit charging cradle for tablets
Key Features & Mechanical Design
1. Robust ABS/Acetal Plastic Construction
Unlike standard consumer mounts that rely on weak plastic brackets, Brodit tablet holders are CNC-machined from thick, impact-resistant ABS and Acetal plastics. This high-grade material prevents warping from heat and ensures the cradle can withstand the vibrations of heavy machinery, delivery vans, or off-road vehicles.
2. Device-Specific Precision Molding
Brodit designs these cradles to match the exact physical dimensions of specific tablet models (such as an Apple iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, or Microsoft Surface). The tablet slides smoothly into custom-molded channels, preventing any side-to-side or front-to-back rattling. They are available in three distinct fitments:
For Bare Tablets: Form-fitted to the naked device.
For Tablets with Cases: Adjustable side-wings accommodate rugged protective cases like OtterBox or Survivor.
Rugged Pogo-Pin Holders: Built for industrial-grade tablets, utilizing spring-loaded metal pogo pins for wear-resistant charging connections.
3. Reinforced Tilt-Swivel Backing
To support the extra weight of a tablet, the rear mechanical ball joint is reinforced. It allows the driver or passenger to:
Tilt the tablet up to $15^\circ \text{ to } 20^\circ$ to eliminate harsh overhead sun glare.
Rotate the tablet $360^\circ$ to effortlessly switch between landscape mode (ideal for navigation and mapping) and portrait mode (ideal for inventory logs or digital signatures).
Power & Charging Configurations
Brodit tablet cradles are designed to deliver higher power output (typically 2A to 3A) to ensure large tablet batteries charge efficiently even while running resource-heavy GPS and display software. They generally come in three wiring variations:
Plug-and-Play (Cig-Plug): Features a heavy-duty coiled cable that plugs directly into the vehicle's 12V/24V auxiliary power socket. This is ideal for quick installations or shared vehicles.
Fixed Installation (Hardwired): Taps directly into the vehicle’s internal fuse box behind the dashboard. All wiring is entirely hidden, creating a clean, professional, and tamper-proof look.
USB Cable Only: Terminates in a standard USB-A or USB-C male connector, allowing it to be plugged directly into an existing factory USB dashboard port or a third-party multi-port fleet hub.
Specialized Models for Fleet & Commercial Use
For business and fleet operations, Brodit offers enhanced safety and security variations:
Spring-Locked Holders: Features a heavy-duty spring mechanism at the top. To remove the tablet, the user pushes upward against the spring, allowing for lightning-fast, one-handed docking and undocking.
Key-Locking Cradles: Equipped with a physical metal barrel lock and key at the top of the mount. This prevents opportunistic theft in delivery vehicles, taxis, or public display areas where the tablet might be left unattended.
How It Mounts (The Heavy-Duty Setup)
Due to the size and weight of a tablet, Brodit holders are rarely paired with standard dashboard clips. Instead, they are designed to be attached to rugged mounting platforms:
Pedestal Mounts: Solid aluminum or steel posts that bolt directly to the vehicle's floorboard, seat rail, or heavy-duty dashboard plates.
The Cradle Attachment: The backplate of the tablet holder is screwed directly onto the AMPS-standard hole pattern of the pedestal mount, creating a rock-solid, vibration-free workstation.
