Glossary of Tablet Mounting Terms

This glossary provides clear, technical definitions of industry-relevant terms commonly used in the design, integration, and deployment of professional-grade tablet enclosures, mounting hardware, power solutions, and digital kiosk systems.

This resource helps demystify key concepts across commercial, retail, medical, industrial, and hospitality environments. Whether you're specifying hardware for a kiosk deployment or evaluating secure tablet mounting options, the glossary below offers accurate, up-to-date terminology for informed decision-making.

Adjustable Mount

A mechanical device or assembly that provides variable positioning and orientation for mounted equipment, such as tablets, monitors, cameras, or other devices. Designed for flexibility, an adjustable mount typically incorporates joints, pivots, telescoping arms, or hinges that allow the user to change the angle, height, tilt, swivel, or rotation of the attached hardware.

AIO (All-in-One) Display

An integrated computing solution in which the monitor and the computing components are combined into a single enclosure. Originally developed to reduce spatial footprint and cable clutter, AIOs are now widely used in commercial, retail, healthcare, and kiosk applications where streamlined form factor and easy deployment are critical.

Anti-Theft Enclosure

A secure, tamper-resistant housing designed to physically protect electronic devices from unauthorized removal, theft, or vandalism. These enclosures are commonly used in retail, hospitality, healthcare, education, and commercial environments where public or semi-public device access is required.

Anti-theft enclosures often integrate features such as lockable faceplates, reinforced mounting systems, custom security screws, keyed or combination locks, and internal cable management to prevent cable tampering.

Articulating Arm

A mechanical support structure featuring multiple pivot points or joints that allow for a wide range of motion, including extension, retraction, rotation, and angling. Primarily used in mounting systems for displays, tablets, and computer monitors, articulating arms provide flexible positioning while maintaining stability and load-bearing strength.

Audio Pass-Through

A hardware feature that allows the transmission of audio signals from a tablet or mobile device through an enclosure or mount without loss of signal quality. This capability is commonly implemented using physical connectors or via integrated wiring solutions that channel audio output from the enclosed device to external speakers, amplifiers, or headphones.

Cable Management

The process of organizing, securing, and routing cables used in electrical, data, and communication systems to ensure optimal performance, safety, and aesthetics. In the context of tablet enclosures and mounting solutions, cable management typically involves concealing and securing power and data cables within stands, frames, or mounting systems to maintain a clean installation and reduce exposure to wear, tampering, or tripping hazards.

Charging Dock

A hardware device designed to provide physical support and electrical power to rechargeable electronics, most commonly tablets and mobile phones. It serves both as a cradle for holding the device at a defined angle or position and as a conduit for chargin by delivering regulated voltage and current via direct electrical contacts or wireless transfer systems.

Charging Station

A charging station is a centralized hardware solution designed to recharge multiple tablets or mobile devices simultaneously while often providing device organization, security, and space-efficient storage. Typically used in retail, hospitality, healthcare, and educational environments, charging stations ensure continuous power availability and support device readiness for high-traffic or mission-critical applications.

Desk Mount

An adjustable desk mount is a hardware apparatus designed to securely attach a device to a desk or tabletop surface, allowing for flexible positioning and ergonomic use. They are commonly used in commercial, industrial, retail, and office environments to improve workspace efficiency, reduce device footprint, and support multiple viewing angles.

To help compare common tablet mounting solutions, the following table outlines key features of wall mounts, floor stands, compared to desk mounts across critical criteria.

Digital Kiosk

A self-service, interactive terminal that integrates hardware and software to deliver digital content or services to users without the need for direct human assistance. Commonly used in retail, hospitality, healthcare, government, and transportation sectors, digital kiosks typically include a touchscreen display, embedded computer or tablet hardware, secure enclosure, input interfaces (touch, barcode, RFID), and connectivity components such as Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or cellular modules for data communication.

Docking Station

A hardware device that allows a laptop, tablet, or mobile device to interface with additional peripherals, power sources, and networking capabilities through a single connection point. Docking stations are commonly used to charge the device, provide connectivity to accessories or external displays, and enable data transfer through USB, HDMI, Ethernet, and proprietary ports.

Durable Housing

The external structure or shell used to physically protect a device from mechanical, environmental, and operational stresses. Durable housing is typically made from high-strength materials, such as anodized aluminum, ABS polycarbonate, or reinforced thermoplastics, designed to resist impacts, abrasion, moisture, and chemical exposure during continuous public or commercial use.

Faceplate Lock

A security mechanism integrated into a tablet enclosure or mounting system that prevents unauthorized access to the device by physically securing the front plate or bezel covering the tablet screen. The lock secures the faceplate to the enclosure body using tamper-resistant hardware or a keyed mechanism, thereby deterring theft, preventing device tampering, and restricting removal of the tablet from public installations.

Floor Stand

A tablet floor stand is a freestanding hardware structure designed to support and secure electronic devices such as tablets, monitors, or kiosks for use in commercial, industrial, or public environments. These stands are typically constructed from durable materials to ensure structural integrity and resistance to tampering or misuse.

Flush Mount

A type of mounting method where a device or hardware component is installed level with the surface into which it is mounted, creating a streamlined and seamless appearance. Flush mounting is frequently used to embed tablets, monitors, or control panels into walls, panels, or furniture, resulting in both aesthetic integration and protection from accidental impact, dust, or tampering.

Gesture Control Integration

Gesture Control Integration refers to the incorporation of motion-sensing or gesture-recognizing technologies into hardware systems, such as tablet enclosures and kiosks, to enable contactless control through hand or body movements. This technology utilizes sensors, cameras, and specialized software algorithms to detect and interpret human gestures, thereby replacing or augmenting traditional touch-based interfaces.

Heavy-Duty Frame

A Heavy-Duty Frame is a reinforced structural enclosure or support mechanism engineered to securely house and protect tablet devices in environments that demand high resilience, impact resistance, and prolonged durability. These frames are commonly fabricated from industrial-grade materials selected for their high mechanical strength and corrosion resistance.

Industrial Enclosure

A protective housing designed to safeguard electronic devices, including tablets, displays, and control equipment, from environmental hazards common in industrial, commercial, or high-traffic environments. These enclosures are engineered to provide varying degrees of protection against dust, moisture, impact, temperature fluctuations, chemicals, and unauthorized access. Industrial enclosures are typically constructed using durable materials and often comply with established ingress protection (IP) or National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) standards.

Interactive Display

An interactive display is a touch-enabled digital screen that allows users to interact directly with content through gestures, touch inputs, or stylus-based commands. Commonly used in commercial, educational settings, retail, and industrial environments, interactive displays integrate technologies such as capacitive or infrared touch sensors, embedded processors, and connectivity options for real-time data sharing, collaboration, or information access.

Integrated Cable Routing

The built-in infrastructure within a device, enclosure, or mounting solution that allows power, data, and peripheral cables to be concealed and securely guided through a specific internal pathway. This design minimizes cable exposure, enhances installation aesthetics, reduces cable wear, and protects connections from tampering or accidental disconnection.

iPad Enclosure

A protective, tamper-resistant housing specifically designed to securely mount, protect, and present an Apple iPad device in commercial, industrial, or public environments. These enclosures are typically made from durable materials and are engineered to prevent unauthorized access or removal of the iPad while maintaining full functionality of the touch screen and key inputs.

Keyed Lock Mechanism

A mechanical device integrated into tablet enclosures, mounts, or kiosks that secures access using a physical key, offering a reliable anti-theft solution for commercial and public-facing environments. These mechanisms typically consist of a cylinder lock, lock pin tumblers, and a locking bar or latch system that secures the enclosure or mount to prevent unauthorized opening or removal of the tablet or device.

Kiosk Enclosure

A protective structure designed to securely house and support interactive display systems primarily for self-service applications in public or semi-public environments. These enclosures are typically constructed from durable materials to provide physical security, environmental protection, and tamper resistance for internal hardware components.

Landscape Orientation

A display configuration in which the width of a screen or page is greater than its height, typically presenting content in a horizontal layout. This orientation is widely used across tablets, monitors, televisions, and printed media for better readability, broader visual presentation, and compatibility with widescreen formats. It contrasts with portrait orientation, where the height is greater than the width.

Lockable Stand

A lockable stand is a secure, freestanding or surface-mounted support device designed to physically hold and restrict unauthorized removal or movement of a tablet, touchscreen, or digital device. These stands typically incorporate mechanical locking mechanisms such as key locks, barrel locks, or integrated security enclosures to deter theft and unauthorized access in high-traffic or public environments.

Modular Mounting System

A configurable hardware architecture designed for mounting electronic devices, such as tablets, monitors, or payment terminals, using interchangeable and reusable components. These systems typically consist of a base mount, extension arms, joints, and device-specific enclosures or brackets.

Motion Stand

A mechanical or electromechanical tablet or display support system that allows for the controlled movement of a mounted device across one or more axes. These stands are commonly used in interactive environments such as retail kiosks, point-of-sale systems, healthcare stations, and public information terminals to enhance user ergonomics and accessibility.

Multi-Device Charging

Multi-device charging refers to the capability of a power system or charging station to simultaneously supply electrical current to two or more electronic devices from a single power source. These systems are commonly designed to charge tablets, smartphones, point-of-sale terminals, and other mobile technologies in enterprise, retail, education, and healthcare environments.

NFC-Enabled Terminal

A hardware device designed to support Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, allowing for secure, short-range wireless communication between the terminal and NFC-compatible devices such as smartphones, tablets, or contactless cards. These terminals are widely used in retail, hospitality, ticketing, and access control environments to facilitate fast, tap-and-go transactions and data exchanges.

Open Frame Mount

A type of mounting structure used to house and support touchscreen tablets, displays, or LCD panels within a minimal-bezel, exposed-frame configuration. Unlike enclosures that conceal or encase a device, open frame mounts are designed to integrate the device into kiosks, walls, furniture, or equipment with flush or recessed installations. These mounts typically support VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) mounting standards and allow precise alignment within custom cabinetry or enclosures.

Passive Cooling

A method of dissipating heat from electronic devices such as tablets, computers, and display enclosures without the use of active mechanical components like fans or liquid pumps. It relies on natural heat transfer mechanisms to maintain optimal operating temperature and reduce thermal stress on components. Passive cooling is typically achieved through the use of thermally conductive materials, ventilated enclosures, airflow-optimized designs, and strategic component placement.

Pogo Pin Charging

A method of electrical connection and power delivery using spring-loaded contact pins (commonly known as pogo pins) to establish a reliable, low-resistance contact between two electronic components. It is widely used in commercial devices such as tablets, docking stations, and ruggedized enclosures, where repeated connection and disconnection are required with minimal mechanical wear.

POS Hardware

POS hardware (Point-of-Sale hardware) refers to the physical components used in a retail or service environment to facilitate sales transactions, manage inventory, and process payments. POS systems can be used to boost efficiency in a business. These components include, but are not limited to, touchscreen terminals, barcode scanners, cash drawers, receipt printers, magnetic stripe readers, chip and PIN devices, and customer-facing displays.

Power Adapter Bracket

A physical mounting accessory designed to securely hold and organize power adapters or power bricks within an electronic device enclosure, kiosk system, or mounting solution. Typically fabricated from steel, aluminum, or injection-molded plastic, the bracket is engineered to fit standard or proprietary power adapter sizes used in commercial and industrial-grade tablet installations.

Power Supply Integration

The process of incorporating a power delivery solution directly within an electronic device’s enclosure or mounting system, enabling streamlined energy management without the need for external cables or adapters. This often includes installing internal wiring, connectors, voltage regulators, and cable routing systems to ensure stable, continuous power to the tablet and any peripheral components while maintaining a clean and tamper-resistant design.

Quick-Swap Bracket

A Quick-Swap Bracket is a mechanical mounting accessory designed to enable the rapid install and removal of attached devices without the need for complex tools or extended disassembly procedures. It typically employs a locking latch, spring-loaded mechanism, or magnetic connector to allow for tool-less detachment and reattachment.

Retail Display Mount

A hardware device designed to securely hold and position a tablet or digital signage screen in retail environments for customer interaction, product display, or point-of-sale (POS) functions. These mounts are engineered for commercial-grade durability, ergonomic viewing angles, and integration with power and security features.

Security Screws

Security screws (also referred to as tamper-resistant screws) are specially designed fasteners engineered to prevent unauthorized removal or tampering. Unlike standard screws, they often require proprietary or uncommon tools for installation and removal, which enhances physical security in commercial, industrial, and public settings.

Service Counter Mount

A service counter mount is a specialized tablet mounting solution designed for installation on retail, hospitality, or reception counters, enabling secure tablet deployment for customer-facing or staff-facing applications. These mounts are engineered to provide stability, ergonomic viewing angles, and enhanced security mechanisms.

Swivel Base

A mechanical component that allows rotation of an attached device, such as a tablet enclosure or kiosk stand, around a vertical axis, typically enabling movement within a 180- to 360-degree range. It is commonly integrated into mounting systems, tablet kiosks, and display stands to improve user interaction, multi-user accessibility, and ergonomic device positioning.

Tablet Arm

A mechanical support component specifically designed to hold and position tablet devices across a range of motion. These arms are typically articulated, allowing for adjustments in tilt, height, swivel, and rotation, thereby enabling ergonomic and interactive positioning of a tablet in various commercial, industrial, healthcare, and retail environments.

Tablet arms are commonly mounted to walls, desks, poles, or mobile carts and often integrate cable management channels and VESA-compatible mounting plates for universal compatibility.

Tablet Frame

A structural enclosure designed to securely house and protect a tablet device while allowing for functional use in commercial, industrial, or public environments. Typically constructed from durable materials, tablet frames serve both aesthetic and protective functions, often integrating features like cable management, tamper resistance, and device alignment to support interactive display configurations or fixed kiosk installations.

Tablet Kiosk

A freestanding or mounted digital display solution that integrates a commercially available tablet into a secure, user-accessible enclosure or stand. A user can learn how to set up a tablet kiosk with their iPad or tablet. It is commonly used in commercial, retail, healthcare, banking, hospitality, or industrial environments for interactive functions such as self-service check-in, product browsing, payment processing, or digital signage.

Tablet Locker

A secure, multi-compartment storage and charging system designed for locking, storing, and powering multiple tablets simultaneously in commercial, educational, healthcare, or enterprise environments. These units typically feature lockable bays, integrated charging capabilities, and ventilation systems to prevent overheating during simultaneous charging cycles.

Tablet Mount

A purpose-built mounting solution designed to securely hold and position tablet devices in commercial, public, or high-traffic environments. These mounts are engineered to support continuous daily use and are typically constructed from durable materials to withstand wear, tampering, and unauthorized removal.

Tablet Mounting Pole

A vertical or angled structural component designed to support and secure a tablet enclosure or holder in a fixed or adjustable position. Tablet mounting poles offer a stable platform for mounting digital devices in commercial, industrial, healthcare, retail, or hospitality environments.

These poles are often part of a modular mounting system and are compatible with VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) mounting interfaces, enabling standardized integration with different tablet enclosures or display arms.

Tethered Power Cable

A fixed, non-detachable power connection integrated into an electronic device or mounting system, typically used to ensure consistent power delivery and prevent theft or accidental disconnection. In tablet enclosures and digital kiosks, tethered cables are securely affixed to the internal framework of the enclosure or stand, offering a tamper-resistant solution for enterprise and commercial deployments.

Universal Tablet Mount

A hardware accessory designed to securely hold and support a range of tablet devices regardless of brand, size, or operating system. Unlike device-specific mounts, universal tablet mounts utilize adjustable arms, brackets, or spring-loaded grips to accommodate varying device dimensions.

VESA Compatible

VESA Compatible refers to a standardized mounting interface that complies with the specifications set by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) for flat panel displays, including monitors, TVs, and tablet enclosures.

The most commonly referenced specification is the Flat Display Mounting Interface (FDMI), known commercially as the VESA Mounting Interface Standard (MIS).

This ensures mechanical compatibility between mounting systems and electronic displays from different manufacturers. You can choose the best VESA type between OPENVESA and original VESA for you considering your needs.

The table below outlines the different VESA Flat Display Mounting Interface (FDMI) standards, including hole patterns, screw sizes, and recommended screen size ranges for each.

Wall Mount Bracket

A structural hardware component designed to securely affix devices against a vertical surface, typically a wall. In the context of tablet enclosures and commercial mounts, brackets for wall mounting enable static or adjustable positioning of a tablet for business or public-facing applications, such as retail point-of-sale (POS), digital signage, or visitor kiosks.

Wireless Charging Pad

A device that transfers electrical energy to a compatible electronic device without the use of wires or physical connectors. It typically employs electromagnetic induction to transmit energy from a flat pad surface to a receiver coil embedded in the device.

Most wireless charging pads adhere to the Qi (pronounced "chee") standard, which operates at frequencies between 100–205 kHz and supports power delivery up to 15 watts for consumer devices.