Removable and stoppable display

Abstract

The present invention provides a "removable and stoppable display". A device assembly of a vehicle includes a display housing in which a display is attached to a front portion of the housing and a receiver is attached to a rear portion of the housing. The receiver is coupled to a receiver mount on the vehicle. An interlocking connection is present between the display housing and the receiver mount. When the interlocking connection is triggered to be locked by the automobile being in a dynamic state, the display housing cannot be slidably separated from the receiver support. The display housing may be slidably decoupled from the receiver mount when the interlock link is triggered to be unlocked by the vehicle being in a quiescent state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a display system, and more particularly to a display system for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Vehicles are often equipped with display systems that are configured to provide infotainment to occupants of the vehicle (e.g., configured to relay vehicle sensor data; provide access to real-time information such as navigation; allow occupants to adjust vehicle or device settings such as lighting, connectivity or driver profile preferences; providing an integrated interface for servicing the vehicle; and streaming content, such as videos or games, to the vehicle's occupants). These display systems are typically integrated into the dashboard or center console of the vehicle and are designed to provide access to information and / or entertainment for the vehicle's driver and passengers. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a device assembly for a vehicle is provided. The device assembly includes: a display housing, the display housing including a front portion and a rear portion opposite the front portion; a display, the display being coupled to the front portion; and a receiver, the receiver being disposed on the rear portion, wherein the receiver can be coupled to a receiver support, the receiver support being coupled to the vehicle. The device assembly also includes an interlocking connection defined between the display housing and the receiver support, wherein the interlocking connection has a locked condition. When the vehicle is in a dynamic state, the locked condition prevents the display housing from being slidably separated, and wherein the interlocking connection has an unlocked condition, and when the vehicle is in a static state, the unlocked condition allows the display housing to be slidably separated.

[0004] Embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or a combination of the following features:

[0005] - at least one housing connection pin disposed on the rear portion, and at least one receiver support connection pin disposed on the receiver support, wherein the at least one receiver support connection pin is configured to engage with the at least one housing connection pin to allow data transfer along the engagement, and wherein the engagement between the at least one receiver support connection pin and the at least one housing connection pin defines an interlocking connection;

[0006] - the receiver is slidably coupled to the receiver support via a receiver recess defined on a central region of the rear portion, and wherein the receiver recess extends from one edge of the rear portion toward a central section of the rear portion;

[0007] a release lever disposed within the receiver recess, the release lever being movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein the release lever includes a handle extending beyond a bottom portion of the display housing;

[0008] - a locking pin coupled to the receiver mount, the locking pin being movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the locking pin extends into a receiver pin recess defined on a rear portion of the display housing;

[0009] - the locking pin is recessed into the receiver seat in the unlocked position, and wherein engagement between the locking pin and the display housing defines an interlocking connection;

[0010] - the receiver mount includes at least one of a primary receiver mount or an auxiliary receiver mount, and wherein the primary receiver mount is disposed in an interior of a vehicle, and wherein the auxiliary receiver mount is coupleable to a front storage compartment or a rear storage compartment of the vehicle, and wherein engagement between the display housing and the primary receiver mount defines a first interlocking connection, and engagement between the display housing and the auxiliary receiver mount defines a second interlocking connection;

[0011] - a receiver support arm, which is connectable to the receiver support, wherein the receiver support arm comprises at least one pivot joint.

[0012] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a device assembly of a vehicle is provided. The device assembly includes: a display housing, the display housing including a front portion and a rear portion opposite to the front portion; a display, the display being connected to the front portion; a receiver, the receiver being arranged on the rear portion. The receiver includes: a receiver recess extending from an edge of the rear portion toward a central section of the rear portion, wherein the receiver is configured to be slidably connected to a receiver support, the receiver support being connected to the vehicle; and an interlocking connection between the display housing and the receiver support. The interlocking connection has a locked condition. When the vehicle is in a dynamic state, the locked condition prevents the display housing from being slidably separated, and wherein the interlocking connection has an unlocked condition. When the vehicle is in a stationary state, the unlocked condition allows the display housing to be slidably separated. The device assembly also includes a controller that communicates with the interlocking connection. The controller is configured to output a signal to actuate the interlock connection to a locked condition in response to a detected dynamic condition of the vehicle, and the controller is configured to output a signal to actuate the interlock connection to an unlocked condition in response to a detected static condition of the vehicle.

[0013] Embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or a combination of the following features:

[0014] - at least one housing connection pin disposed on the rear portion, and at least one receiver support connection pin disposed on the receiver support. The at least one receiver support connection pin is configured to engage with the at least one housing connection pin to define an interlocking connection, and wherein the engagement between the at least one housing connection pin and the at least one receiver support connection pin allows data transfer along the engagement;

[0015] - a release lever disposed within the recess and movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein the release lever comprises a handle extending beyond a bottom portion of the housing;

[0016] - a locking pin coupled to the receiver mount, the locking pin being movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the locking pin extends into a receiver pin recess defined on a rear portion of the display housing;

[0017] - engagement between the locking pin and the display housing defines an interlocking connection, and wherein the controller is configured to actuate the controller to a locked position to define a locked condition, and wherein the controller is configured to actuate the locking pin to an unlocked position to define an unlocked condition;

[0018] - the receiver mount comprises at least one of a primary receiver mount or an auxiliary receiver mount, and wherein the primary receiver mount is disposed in an interior of a vehicle. The auxiliary receiver mount is coupleable to a front storage compartment or a rear storage compartment of the vehicle, and wherein engagement between the display housing and the primary receiver mount defines a first interlocking connection, and engagement between the display housing and the auxiliary receiver mount defines a second interlocking connection;

[0019] - a receiver support arm, said receiver support arm being coupled to the receiver support;

[0020] - a receiver mount arm including a shoulder coupled to the vehicle, a first link coupled to the shoulder, an elbow joint coupled to the first link and a second link, and a wrist coupled to the second link and the receiver mount; and

[0021] -The receiver support arm includes a pair of receiver support arm supports on opposite sides of the receiver support arm.

[0022] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a device assembly of a vehicle is provided. The device assembly includes: a display housing, the display housing includes a front portion and a rear portion opposite to the front portion; a display, the display is connected to the front portion; a receiver, the receiver is arranged on the rear portion; at least one housing coupling pin arranged on the receiver; and a receiver support that can be connected to the receiver, the receiver support is connected to the vehicle. The device assembly also includes at least one receiver support connecting pin arranged on the receiver support, wherein at least one receiver support connecting pin is configured to engage with at least one housing connecting pin. The device assembly also includes a controller, the controller communicates with at least one housing connecting pin and at least one receiver support connecting pin, wherein the controller is configured to output a first signal to at least one of the at least one receiver support connecting pin or the at least one housing connecting pin in response to a first condition to define a fixed engagement between at least one receiver support connecting pin and the housing connecting pin. The controller is configured to output a second signal to at least one of the at least one receiver support connecting pin or the at least one housing connecting pin in response to a second condition to define a detachable engagement between the at least one receiver support connecting pin and the housing connecting pin, wherein the controller is configured to determine the first condition in response to at least one of a static state of the vehicle or a detected authorized use condition, and wherein the controller is configured to determine the second condition in response to at least one of a detected dynamic state of the vehicle or a detected unauthorized use condition.

[0023] Embodiments of the third aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or a combination of the following features:

[0024] - a release lever disposed on a rear portion of the display housing, wherein the release lever comprises a handle extending beyond a bottom portion of the display housing and an engagement section opposite the handle, and wherein the engagement section can be coupled to a bottom section of a receiver support; and - a locking pin coupled to the receiver support, the locking pin being movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the locking pin extends into a receiver pin recess defined on the rear portion of the display housing. The controller is configured to actuate the locking pin to the locked position in response to a first condition, and wherein the controller is configured to actuate the locking pin to the unlocked position in response to a second condition. The locking pin is recessed in the receiver support in the unlocked position, and the locking pin extends into the rear portion of the display housing in the locked position.

[0025] These and other features, advantages and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by referring to the following description, claims and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In the attached picture:

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle according to one embodiment;

[0028] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a vehicle interior according to one embodiment, wherein a display housing is attached to a receiver support;

[0029] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a vehicle interior with a display housing removed from a receiver support according to one embodiment;

[0030] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a vehicle interior having a primary receiver mount and an auxiliary receiver mount according to one embodiment;

[0031] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a vehicle exterior and a cargo area with an auxiliary receiver mount according to one embodiment;

[0032] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a vehicle cargo area having an auxiliary receiver mount according to one embodiment;

[0033] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a receiver holder according to one embodiment, wherein a locking pin extends from the receiver holder;

[0034] Figure 8 According to an embodiment Figure 7 A perspective view of a receiver support of , wherein the locking pin is recessed into the receiver support;

[0035] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a receiver support with a pivoting arm according to one embodiment;

[0036] Fig.10 is a front perspective view of a display housing according to one embodiment;

[0037] Fig.11 is a rear perspective view of a display housing slidably coupled to a receiver support according to one embodiment;

[0038] Fig.12 is a rear perspective view of a display housing slidably detachable from a receiver support according to one embodiment;

[0039] Fig.13 is a side cross-sectional perspective view of a display housing slidably separated from a receiver support and disengaged from an interlock according to one embodiment;

[0040] Fig.14 is a side cross-sectional perspective view of a display housing slidably coupled to a receiver support and disengaged from an interlock according to one embodiment;

[0041] Fig.15 is a side cross-sectional perspective view of a display housing slidably coupled to a receiver support and engaged with an interlock according to one embodiment; and

[0042] Fig.16 yes Fig.14 An enlarged side cross-sectional perspective view of a display housing slidably coupled to a receiver support and engaged with an interlock according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the various drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. In the drawings, the depicted structural elements are not drawn to scale, and certain parts are enlarged relative to other parts for the purpose of emphasis and understanding.

[0044] As required, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the present disclosure, which may be implemented in various alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily designed in detail; some schematic diagrams may be enlarged or minimized to show functional overviews. Therefore, the specific structural details and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limiting, but only as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to adopt the present disclosure in different ways.

[0045] For the purpose of this description, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "rear", "front", "vertical", "horizontal" and their derivatives shall be used in conjunction with Figure 1 The present invention relates to the concept of orientation in the present invention. However, it should be understood that the concept can present various alternative orientations unless expressly specified to the contrary. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes shown in the drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Therefore, unless the claims expressly state otherwise, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limiting.

[0046] The embodiments shown in the present disclosure reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a removable and dockable display for a vehicle. Accordingly, apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, and only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure are shown so as not to obscure the present disclosure with details that would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Additionally, like reference numerals in the specification and drawings represent like elements.

[0047] As used herein, the term "and / or" when used with a list of two or more items means that any one of the listed items may be employed alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed items may be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, the composition may contain: A only; B only; C only; a combination of A and B; a combination of A and C; a combination of B and C; or a combination of A, B, and C.

[0048] In this document, relational terms (such as first and second, top and bottom, etc.) are used only to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or device that includes a series of elements includes not only those elements, but may also include other elements that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, article, or device. In the absence of more constraints, an element preceded by "comprising ..." does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or device that includes the element.

[0049] As used herein, the term "about" means that the amount, size, formula, parameter and other quantity and characteristics are not exact, nor need to be exact, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller as needed to reflect tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement errors, etc. and other factors known to those skilled in the art. When the term "about" is used to describe the endpoints of a value or range, the disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or endpoint mentioned. Whether or not the endpoints of a numerical value or range in this specification are described as "about", the endpoints of the numerical value or range are intended to include two embodiments: one modified by "about" and one not modified by "about". It should also be understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant in relation to the other endpoint and independently of the other endpoint.

[0050] As used herein, the terms "substantially," "substantially," and variations thereof are intended to indicate that the feature being described is equal to or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a "substantially planar" surface is intended to indicate a planar or approximately planar surface. Additionally, "substantially" is intended to indicate that two values ​​are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, "substantially" may indicate that values ​​are within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.

[0051] Unless expressly indicated to the contrary, as used herein, the terms "the," "a," or "an" mean "at least one" and should not be limited to "only one." Thus, for example, reference to "a component" includes embodiments having two or more such components unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0052] In the following, the term "trunk" is a portmanteau of the words "front portion" and "luggage compartment" and refers to the storage space under the bonnet of a car, which has traditionally been occupied by the internal combustion engine, but may not yet be occupied in the case of a vehicle with a rear-mounted engine or an electric vehicle.

[0053] Hereinafter, the term "interlocking connection" refers to a mechanism that prevents two parts from mechanically separating. This prevention may be by a tumbler, pin or other barrier that prevents the two parts from separating.

[0054] Reference now Figures 1 to 6 , depicts a vehicle 12 having a vehicle interior 14 defining a passenger compartment 16. The passenger compartment 16 includes one or more device assemblies 10. The device assembly 10 includes a display housing 18 having a front portion 20 and a rear portion 22 opposite the front portion 20. A display 24 is coupled to the front portion 20. A receiver 26 is disposed on the rear portion 22. The receiver 26 also defines a recess 28. The recess 28 extends from a bottom portion 30 of the display housing 18 toward a central section 32 of the rear portion 22. The receiver 26 is configured to be slidably coupled to a receiver support 34, which is coupled to a body 36 in the vehicle 12. An interlocking connection 38 is defined between the display housing 18 and the receiver support 34. The interlocking connection 38 is operable between a locked condition 40 and an unlocked condition 42. In the locked condition 40, the display housing 18 is fixedly coupled to the receiver support 34. In the unlocked condition 42 , the display housing 18 is slidably separated from the receiver support 34 .

[0055] The device assembly 10 is in communication with a controller 44. The controller 44 is in communication with the interlock connection 38 such that the controller 44 can output a signal to actuate a locked condition 40 of the interlock connection 38, and / or the controller 44 can output another signal to actuate an unlocked condition 42 of the interlock connection 38. The controller 44 is configured to output a signal to actuate the locked condition 40 in response to a detected dynamic condition of the vehicle 12. The controller 44 is also configured to output a signal to actuate the unlocked condition 42 in response to a detected static condition of the vehicle 12.

[0056] Reference now Figures 2 to 4, the vehicle interior 14 includes a passenger compartment 16 housed within the vehicle 12. The passenger compartment 16 may include a first seat row 54 and a second seat row 56. Fewer or more seat rows may be included in the passenger compartment 16 without departing from the teachings herein. The first seat row 54 may include a driver's seat and a passenger seat. The driver's seat and the passenger seat may be separated by a vehicle armrest, which may be connected to a center console. The second seat row 56 may include rear passenger seats. The rear passenger seats of the second seat row 56 may include bucket seats or may be bench seats. As shown, the second seat is a bench seat that includes a first rear passenger seat, a second rear passenger seat, and a third rear passenger seat. As shown in the figure, Figure 2 As shown, the device assembly 10 is disposed on an instrument panel 58 located at the front of the vehicle at the first seat row 54. Figure 2 The illustrated vehicle 12 has the device assembly 10 disposed on an instrument panel 58 in the passenger compartment 16 , but it is contemplated that the device assembly 10 may be positioned in any practical location within the passenger compartment 16 of the vehicle interior 14 without departing from the teachings herein.

[0057] In various examples, the passenger compartment 16 is a passenger compartment that may be within the vehicle interior 14 of a sedan, sport utility vehicle (SUV), truck, van, crossover vehicle, and / or other style of vehicle. The passenger compartment 16 may be within the vehicle interior 14 of a manually operated vehicle (e.g., with a human driver), a fully autonomous vehicle (e.g., without a human driver), or a partially autonomous vehicle (e.g., that may be operated with or without a human driver).

[0058] Reference now Figure 5 and Figure 6 The vehicle 12 may include one or more storage compartments. The vehicle 12 may include a front luggage compartment 70 at the front end of the vehicle 12 that is operably accessible via a vehicle hood 72 and a cargo compartment 74 that extends rearwardly from the vehicle interior 14. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the device assembly 10 may be disposed in or near a front trunk 70 of the vehicle 12 and / or disposed near or in a cargo box 74 of the vehicle 12. Additionally or alternatively, the device assembly 10 may be disposed or coupled to various locations throughout the vehicle 12 without departing from the teachings herein.

[0059] refer to Figures 1 to 6, the display assembly 10 is coupled to the body 36. In some embodiments, the body 36 is shown herein as an aspect of the vehicle 12. For example, the body 36 can be a pillar, a vehicle panel, a hood 72, a cargo box 74, an instrument panel 58, and / or various other aspects of the vehicle 12. The body 36 can define a receiving surface 82. According to various aspects, the receiving surface 82 of the body 36 is configured to be coupled to a receiver support 34 or a portion thereof, as provided herein. In addition, in various aspects, the vehicle 12 includes multiple bodies 36 throughout the vehicle 12, so that multiple receiver supports 34 can be set throughout the vehicle 12. In such aspects, the display housing 18 with the display 24 can be coupled to each body 36 throughout the vehicle 12.

[0060] Reference now Figures 1 to 9 and Figures 11 to 16 , the receiver mount 34 is coupled to the body 36. In some examples, the receiver mount 34 is directly coupled to the body 36 via one or more fasteners, such as bolts, welds, adhesives, and / or one or more various fasteners. In such examples, the receiver mount 34 can be fixedly coupled to the body 36 and / or rotationally coupled to the body 36. For example, the receiver mount 34 can be coupled to the body 36 so that the receiver mount 34 can rotate about a central axis, as provided herein.

[0061] According to various aspects, the receiver support 34 includes a foot segment 90 and a joint segment 92 coupled to and / or integrally formed with the foot segment 90. In some examples, the foot segment 90 can define one of a variety of shapes, such as a quadrilateral shape, a circular shape, and / or one of other shapes, and the joint segment 92 can define one of a variety of shapes that are consistent with or different from the shape of the foot segment 90, such as a quadrilateral shape, a circular shape, and / or one of other various shapes. In some aspects, the foot segment 90 and the joint segment 92 can define one of a variety of shapes and / or sizes. For example, the width of the joint segment 92 can be greater than the width of the foot segment 90, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 According to various aspects, the foot segment 90 can be fixedly coupled and / or rotationally coupled to the body 36, and the engagement segment 92 can be fixedly coupled and / or rotationally coupled to the foot segment 90. In such aspects, a first end 94 of the foot segment 90 can be coupled to the body 36, and a second, opposite end 96 of the foot segment 90 can be coupled to the engagement segment 92.

[0062] refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Fig. 9, the receiver mount 34 can be coupled to the body 36 via a receiver mount arm 100. The receiver mount arm 100 can include one or more links and / or joints. For example, the receiver mount arm 100 can include a shoulder 102 coupled to the body 36, a first link 104 coupled to the shoulder 102, an elbow joint 106 coupled to the first link 104 and a second link 108, a wrist 110 coupled to the second link 108 and the receiver mount 34, and one or more receiver mount arm supports 112 coupled to opposite sides of the receiver mount arm 100. In such aspects, the number of joints and / or links, the length of the links, and / or the degree of rotation of the joints enable the receiver mount 34 to be positioned at various locations around the vehicle 12. According to various aspects, the receiver mount arm 100 is configured to allow adjustability of the position of the display 24 throughout the vehicle 12 and in an environment external to the vehicle 12, as provided herein.

[0063] In some embodiments, the vehicle 12 may include a plurality of receiver mounts 34 disposed within the vehicle 12. For example, the vehicle 12 may include a primary receiver mount 34a within the driver's viewing area and at least one auxiliary receiver mount 34b mounted to various portions of the vehicle 12. The auxiliary receiver mounts 34b may be mounted in the passenger compartment 16, a storage compartment (such as a trunk or truck bed), a side cargo area (such as a storage compartment built above a wheel well of the vehicle 12), or a front storage compartment (such as a trunk), mounted on a hinged door or hinged cover (such as a door, trunk door, or hood) of the vehicle 12, and / or mounted on the exterior of the vehicle (such as a roof or exterior bodywork of the vehicle).

[0064] Reference again Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figures 13 to 16 , the receiver support 34 can define a locking pin recess 120 on the engagement segment 92. In some examples, the locking pin recess 120 is defined on the engagement segment 92 and extends at least partially to the first end 94 of the foot segment 90. According to various aspects, the locking pin recess 120 is configured to receive a locking pin 122 of the device assembly 10, as provided herein.

[0065] Further references Figure 7 , Fig. 9 and Figures 13 to 16, the receiver support 34 includes a receiver support connecting pin 130 disposed on the engagement section 92 of the receiver support 34. In some examples, the receiver support connecting pin 130 is disposed on the outer surface 132 of the engagement section 92. In other examples, the receiver support 34 includes a plurality of receiver support connecting pins 130 disposed around the locking pin recess 120. In such examples, the number and / or placement of the receiver support connecting pins 130 can be consistent or different from the placement and number of one or more housing connecting pins 134 that can be disposed on the display housing 18, as provided herein. According to various aspects, the receiver support connecting pin 130 is configured to engage with the housing connecting pin 134. In some aspects, the receiver support connecting pin 130 can be connected to the housing connecting pin 134 via a magnetic connection and / or via one or more various interlocking engagements. In other aspects, the engagement between the receiver support connecting pin 130 and the housing connecting pin 134 allows data transmission to occur between one or more controllers 44 disposed in the vehicle 12 and between the display 24, as provided herein. For example, the receiver holder connector pins 130 and the housing connector pins 134 may be constructed of a conductive material that allows electrical and digital signals to be transmitted across the joint between the receiver holder connector pins 130 and the housing connector pins 134 .

[0066] Reference now Figures 10 to 16 , the display assembly 10 includes a display housing 18 coupled to a receiver support 34. The display housing 18 includes a rear portion 22, a front portion 20 opposite to the rear portion 22, and a bottom portion 30 between the rear portion 22 and the front portion 20. The display housing 18 can define one of various shapes, such as a quadrilateral shape, a circular shape, and / or one of various other shapes. In some aspects, the shape and / or size of the display housing 18 is consistent or different from the shape and / or size of the display 24 and / or the receiver support 34. According to various aspects, the display housing 18 is configured to accommodate the display 24 and is coupled to the receiver support 34. In some aspects, the display housing 18 is configured to be rotatably coupled to the receiver support 34 and / or fixedly coupled to the receiver support 34. For example, the display housing 18 can be rotatably coupled to the receiver support 34 so that the display housing 18 with the display 24 can be rotated between a longitudinal orientation and a lateral orientation. In yet other aspects, the display housing 18 can be coupled to a plurality of receiver supports 34. For example, the display housing 18 may be coupled to a primary receiver support 34 a disposed in the passenger compartment 16 and an auxiliary receiver support 34 b disposed in the front trunk 70 of the vehicle 12 .

[0067] like Figures 11 to 16As shown, the receiver 26 is coupled to the rear portion 22 of the display housing 18. In some examples, the receiver 26 is integrally formed on the rear portion 22. The receiver 26 can protrude outward from an axis normal to the outer surface 152 of the rear portion 22. The receiver 26 defines one of various sizes and / or shapes that allow coupling to the receiver support 34. For example, the receiver 26 can define a quadrilateral shape, a circular shape, and / or one of various other shapes that are consistent or different from the shape and / or size of the receiver support 34. In other embodiments, the receiver 26 can have a receiver recess 28 on the outer surface 152 of the rear portion 22, and the receiver recess allows the insertion of the receiver support 34. The receiver recess 28 can have a shape and / or size that is consistent and / or different from the shape and / or size of the receiver support 34. In some examples, the receiver recess 28 is defined on the central section 32 of the rear portion 22. In other examples, the receiver recess 28 extends from an outer edge 158 of the display housing 18 proximate the bottom portion 30 toward the center of the rear portion 32. In such examples, the extension of the receiver recess 28 from the outer edge 158 toward the center of the rear portion 32 defines a coupling path.

[0068] like Figures 11 to 16 As shown, the receiver recess 28 may have one or more grooves 170 on one or more opposing sides of the receiver recess 28. In some examples, the receiver recess 28 defines a generally U-shape having a first groove 172, a second groove 174 opposing the first groove 172, and a third groove 176 extending between the first groove 172 and the second groove 174, all of which are collectively referred to herein as grooves 170. The grooves 170 defined along the opposing sides of the receiver recess 28 may define a shape that allows the receiver support 34 to be inserted into the grooves 170. For example, the opposing side sections 178, 180 defined on the engagement section 92 of the receiver support 34 may have a shape that is slightly smaller than the size of the grooves 170, so that the opposing side sections 178, 180 may be inserted into the first groove 172 and the second groove 174 and slide along the first groove and the second groove until the top section 182 of the engagement section 92 is inserted into the third groove 176. According to various aspects, the groove 170 can extend over the opposing side sections 178, 180 and the top section 182 and abut the inner surface 184 of the engagement section 92 such that the display housing 18 cannot be directly pulled away from the receiver support 34 in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface 132 of the engagement section 92. In doing so, the groove 170 can prevent the receiver support 34 from being detached from the receiver 26 without reversing the route along the coupling path.

[0069] Reference again Figures 10 to 16, the receiver 26 can include a release lever 190 disposed in the receiver recess 28. In various aspects, the release lever 190 can be coupled (such as pivotally coupled) to the rear portion 22 of the display housing 18. The release lever 190 can include an engagement portion 192 and a handle 194 opposite the engagement portion 192. In various aspects, the release lever 190 can define a quadrilateral shape, such as an elongated rectangular shape, or one of various other shapes. In some examples, the release lever 190 can be disposed in the receiver recess 28 so that the handle 194 extends beyond the bottom portion 30 of the display housing 18 and the engagement portion 192 is near the center of the rear portion 32.

[0070] like Figures 11 to 16 As shown, the release lever 190 has a stowed position and an engaged position. In the stowed position, the release lever 190 is separated from the receiver support 34. In the engaged position, the release lever 190 is coupled to the receiver support 34 so that the engagement portion 192 is coupled to the bottom section 200 of the engagement section 92 of the receiver support 34. According to various aspects, the release lever 190 can be moved from the engaged position to the stowed position by grasping the handle 194 and applying a pulling force so that the engagement portion 192 is separated from the bottom section 200 of the engagement section 92. In addition, the release lever 190 can then be moved from the stowed position to the engaged position by applying a pushing force so that the engagement portion 192 is coupled to the bottom section 200. In such aspects, it is generally contemplated that the release lever 190 may include one or more biasing elements that bias the release lever 190 toward the stowed position and / or the engaged position. For example, the release lever 190 may include one or more spring elements that bias the release lever toward the engaged position. It is also generally contemplated that inserting the receiver holder 34 into the receiver 26 may bias the release lever 190 toward the engaged position.

[0071] The release lever 190 is configured to be operably coupled to the receiver support 34, thereby fixedly coupling the receiver support 34 to the receiver 26 and preventing the receiver support 34 from being separated along the coupling path. In some embodiments, the release lever 190 is fixedly coupled to the receiver support 34 via engagement between the engagement portion 192 of the release lever 190 and the bottom section 200 of the engagement section 92. In other aspects, the release lever 190 physically prevents the receiver support 34 from being separated along the coupling path. In various examples, the receiver recess 28 further defines one or more release lever channels 210 that stow the release lever 190 when the release lever 190 is in the stowed position. In such examples, when the release lever 190 is in the stowed position, the receiver support 34 can pass over the release lever 190 during sliding coupling / disengagement of the receiver support 34 with the receiver 26.

[0072] Reference now Figure 7 , Figure 8and Figures 13 to 16 , the receiver support 34 can be operably coupled to the receiver 26 via the locking pin 122. In some examples, the locking pin 122 is operably disposed within the locking pin recess 120. In some examples, the locking pin 122 is operably disposed within a locking pin housing 220, which is then disposed within the locking pin recess 120. In such examples, the locking pin housing 220 can have a shape and / or size that is slightly larger than the size of the locking pin 122, such that the locking pin 122 can be accommodated within the locking pin housing 220.

[0073] According to various aspects, the locking pin 122 can be moved between a locked position 230 and an unlocked position 232. In the locked position 230, the locking pin 122 extends outwardly from the locking pin recess 120 and into a receiver pin recess 234 defined on the receiver 26 and extending toward the front portion 20 of the display housing 18. In such aspects, the receiver pin recess 234 can have a shape and / or size that is slightly larger than the size of the locking pin 122 so that the locking pin 122 can extend into the receiver pin recess 234. When the locking pin 122 is in the locked position 230, the receiver support 34 can be fixedly coupled to the receiver 26 due to the extension of the locking pin 122 into the receiver pin recess 234 and due to the engagement between the groove 170 and the receiver support 34. In the unlocked position 232, the locking pin 122 is retracted from the receiver pin recess 234. The locking pin 122 can be retracted from the receiver pin recess 234 so that the locking pin 122 is recessed from or flush with the outer surface 132 of the engagement section 92 of the receiver support 34. In the unlocked position 232, in various aspects, the locking pin 122 is away from the receiver 26 so that the receiver support 34 can slide out of the receiver 26. Additionally or alternatively, the locking pin 122 can be coupled to an actuator, such as a mechanical, electrical, or electromechanical actuator. In such aspects, the actuator can be configured to actuate the locking pin 122 between the locked position 230 and the unlocked position 232. For example, the controller 44 can communicate with the actuator so that the controller 44 can output a signal to actuate the locking pin 122 between the locked position 230 and the unlocked position 232.

[0074] Reference now Figures 12 to 16, the display housing 18 includes a housing connection pin 134. In some examples, the housing connection pin 134 is disposed on the rear portion 22 and / or the receiver 26 of the display housing 18. In some examples, the housing connection pin 134 is disposed on the rear surface 240 of the receiver 26. In other examples, the display housing 18 includes a plurality of housing connection pins 134 disposed around the receiver pin recess 234. In such examples, the number and / or placement of the housing connection pins 134 may be consistent or different with the placement and number of one or more receiver support connection pins 130 that may be disposed on the receiver support 34, as provided herein. In various aspects, each housing connection pin 134 and each receiver support connection pin 130 may define one of various shapes, such as a quadrilateral shape, a circular shape, or one of various shapes. In addition, each housing connection pin 134 and each receiver support connection pin 130 may be disposed respectively to be close to and / or at least partially surround the locking pin recess 120 and the receiver pin recess 234.

[0075] According to various aspects, the housing connection pin 134 is configured to engage with the receiver support connection pin 130. In some aspects, the housing connection pin 134 can be coupled to the receiver support connection pin 130 via a magnetic connection and / or via one or more various interlocking engagements. In other aspects, the engagement between the housing connection pin 134 and the receiver support connection pin 130 allows data transfer to occur between one or more controllers disposed in the vehicle 12 and between the display 24, as provided herein. For example, the housing connection pin 134 and the receiver support connection pin 130 can be constructed of a conductive material that allows electrical and digital signals to be transmitted across the engagement between the housing connection pin 134 and the receiver support connection pin 130.

[0076] According to various aspects, the engagement between the receiver 26 and the receiver support 34 can define an interlocking connection 38 between the receiver 26 and the receiver support 34. The interlocking connection 38 can be at least partially defined by the engagement between the groove 170 and the engagement section 92 of the receiver support 34, the engagement between the locking pin 122 and the receiver pin recess 234, the engagement between the rod 190 and the engagement section 92, and / or the engagement between the housing connecting pin 134 and the receiver support connecting pin 130. According to various aspects, the interlocking connection defines a locked condition 40 and an unlocked condition 42 via various engagements. In the locked condition 40, the display housing 18 with the display 24 is fixedly coupled to the receiver support 34. In the unlocked condition 42, the display housing 18 with the display 24 is separated from the receiver support 34. According to various aspects, the controller 44 may be configured to switch between a locked condition 40 and an unlocked condition 42 , wherein switching between the two conditions 40 , 42 is based at least in part on a condition of the vehicle 12 and / or a user in or near the vehicle 12 .

[0077] Reference now Fig.10 and Figures 13 to 16 , the display 24 is coupled to the front portion 20 of the display housing 18. In some examples, the display 24 can be coupled to the front portion 20 and at least partially recessed in the front portion 20 so that the frame extends along the outer periphery of the display. In various aspects, the display 24 can have a shape and / or size consistent with the shape and / or size of the display housing 18. For example, the display 24 can define a substantially quadrilateral shape consistent with the quadrilateral shape of the display housing 18. In addition, it is generally conceivable that the display 24 can define various other shapes, such as a circular shape. It is also generally conceivable that the display 24 can be a plurality of displays, such as a touch display, a light emitting diode (LED) display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a touch display, and / or one of various other displays. In addition, it is generally conceivable that a plurality of displays 24 can be coupled to the display housing 18. In such aspects, the plurality of displays can be used as a single display or as a plurality of displays projecting different or consistent images.

[0078] According to various aspects, display 24 is configured to communicate with controller 44 so that display 24 can receive output from controller 44. In some examples, display 24 is configured to project images and / or videos in response to signals sent from controller 44. In some examples, display 24 can be configured to play videos in response to signals sent from controller 44. In some aspects, display 24 can be configured to orient projected images or displays according to the orientation of display 24 and / or display housing 18. For example, when display 24 and display housing 18 are rotated to a first position, display 24 can be configured to orient projected images and videos in a portrait orientation, and when display 24 and display housing 18 are rotated to a second position, display 24 can be configured to orient projected images and videos in a landscape orientation.

[0079] In addition, in various aspects where the display 24 is a touch display, it is generally contemplated that the display 24 can be configured to output signals to the controller 44. For example, a user can touch the screen to open a video file when operating the display. The display 24 can be configured so that a signal is sent to the controller 44 in response to the touch input. In turn, the controller 44 can be configured to open the video file and output a signal to the display 24 to project the video. It is also generally contemplated that the display 24 can be configured as a user interface, an instrument cluster, and / or other various displays found in or near the vehicle 12. In addition, it is generally contemplated that the display 24 can be configured to be used as a user interface, an instrument cluster, and / or another display depending on the location of the display 24 in the vehicle 12. Further, it is generally contemplated that the display 24 can be configured to display status and provide various vehicle functions (such as a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, a media system, and / or other various vehicle systems) as a user interface.

[0080] According to various aspects, the power source 250 can be disposed within the display housing 18. In such examples, the power source 250 can be disposed within the display housing 18 and in electrical communication with the display 24. For example, the power source 250 can be configured as a portable battery in electrical communication with the display 24. According to various aspects, the power source 250 is configured to power the display 24 when the display housing 18 is separated from the receiver mount 34. For example, the display 24 can be configured such that the vehicle power source is configured to power the display 24 when the display housing 18 is coupled to the receiver mount 34, and the power source 250 is configured to power the display 24 when the display housing 18 is separated from the receiver mount 34.

[0081] According to various aspects, the assembly 10 includes a controller 44. The controller 44 can be disposed in various locations throughout the vehicle 12, or the controller 44 can be disposed in the display housing 18. The controller 44 can include a microprocessor and / or other analog circuits and / or digital circuits for processing one or more programs stored in a memory. In some examples, the controller 44 can be a stand-alone dedicated controller, or can be a shared controller 44 integrated with other control functions, such as a controller integrated with the sensor system 260 and other conceivable on-board or off-board vehicle control systems. It should be understood that the operations processed by the controller 44 can be processed by one or more other controllers of the vehicle 12. For example, the vehicle 12 may include a controller area network (CAN) bus, and the vehicle 12 may include multiple controllers, such as a controller disposed within the vehicle 12, a controller disposed within the display housing 18, and various other controllers, any of which can process a portion or all of the operations processed by the controller 44.

[0082] The controller 44 may be configured to communicate with the sensor system 260. In some embodiments, the sensor system 260 includes a plurality of sensors, such as touch sensors, proximity sensors, visual sensors (e.g., cameras, surround view cameras, etc.), radar sensors, lidar sensors, ultrasonic sensors, lasers, thermal sensors, accelerometers, magnetometers, gyroscopes, and / or various other sensors. In such embodiments, the sensors may be disposed in various locations throughout the vehicle 12, in an environment external to the vehicle 12, and / or in the device assembly 10. For example, the device assembly 10 may include an accelerometer, a magnetometer, and / or a gyroscope disposed in the display housing 18. It is also contemplated that in some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of sensors from the sensor system 260 may be coupled to the device assembly 10 and / or disposed near the device assembly 10, in addition to one or more sensors coupled to the vehicle 12. The sensor system 260 may be configured to provide sensor input to the controller 44. In various embodiments, data collected from multiple sensors in the sensor system 260 can be used to monitor the placement of the device assembly 10 in the vehicle 12 or in the external environment of the vehicle 12. In addition, the data collected from the sensor system 260 can be used to monitor the orientation of the display 24, the user's interaction with the display 24, the dynamic state of the vehicle 12, the static state of the vehicle 12, the open / closed state of the vehicle 12, and / or one or more users approaching the vehicle 12.

[0083] The controller 44 may be configured to communicate with various components of the device assembly 10. For example, the controller 44 may communicate with an actuator of the locking pin, a power source for the display 24, the display 24, and / or various other aspects of the device assembly 10. In such examples, the controller 44 may be configured to output various signals to the device assembly 10 in response to data provided by the sensor system 260.

[0084] According to various aspects, the controller 44 can be configured to actuate the locking condition 40 of the interlock connection in response to data provided by the sensor system 260. For example, the controller can output a signal to actuate the locking pin 122 after determining that the vehicle 12 is in a dynamic state. In addition, the controller 44 can determine the dynamic state of the vehicle 12 via various vehicle aspects, such as shifting from park or neutral; shifting to reverse, neutral, or drive; a camera and / or radar sensor detecting vehicle movement; a tachometer sensing engine rotation at or above a set threshold; or a speedometer sensing rotation of a drive shaft, axle, or wheel and determining that the vehicle speed is at or above a set threshold. In addition, the locking condition 40 can be triggered when the controller senses that the vehicle 12 is no longer in a power-off state.

[0085] In some aspects, the lock condition 40 may also be triggered to prevent unauthorized use of the display housing 18 despite being in an otherwise static state. In some embodiments, the lock condition 40 may be triggered when the controller 44 senses unauthorized use of the device assembly 10, such as when a user has left the vicinity of the vehicle 12 or is unlikely to detach the display housing 18. In some examples, such unauthorized use may be determined by at least one of: sensing, via a vehicle camera, that an unauthorized user has entered the vehicle 12; when a controller of the vehicle 12 has been powered off for a set threshold amount of time; or when the controller 44 senses that a door lock has been engaged.

[0086] In some embodiments, the locked condition 40 may have a manual override so that a vehicle occupant may trigger the interlock connection 38 to move from the locked condition 40 to the unlocked condition 42. The manual override may include a physical button or lever, such as a release lever 190 on the display housing 18. Alternatively or additionally, the override may be achieved by interfacing with the display 24 of the display housing 18.

[0087] The unlocked condition 42 of the interlocking connection 38 may include any process or component that can reversibly achieve separation of the receiver 26 from the receiver support 34. Figure 3 , Fig.12 and Fig.13 As shown, the unlocked condition 42 of the interlock connection 38 can occur via actuation of the actuating locking pin 122 such that the locking pin 122 no longer extends into the receiver pin recess 234. The unlocked condition 42 can also be automatically triggered when the controller 44 determines that the vehicle 12 is in a static state. The controller 44 can determine the static state via various aspects of detection, such as the vehicle 12 shifting into park or neutral; shifting from reverse, neutral, or drive; the camera and / or radar sensor detecting no vehicle motion; the tachometer sensing engine rotation below a set threshold; or the speedometer sensing rotation of a drive shaft, axle, or wheel and determining that the vehicle speed is at or below a set threshold.

[0088] According to various aspects, the unlock condition 42 can be actuated by the controller 44 to allow the display housing 18 to be removed when authorized use is detected. In some embodiments, the controller 44 can determine authorized use when a determined authorized user is within a defined proximity of the vehicle 12, or when the authorized user may detach the display housing. In addition, it is generally contemplated that the controller 44 can communicate with other devices (i.e., connection, radio frequency identification) communication or receiving additional data to determine whether the user is an authorized user or whether the vehicle 12 is in a dynamic state or a static state.

[0089] Using the presently disclosed device can provide a variety of advantages. For example, the device assembly 10 provides an interior vehicle display that can be positioned in various locations throughout the vehicle 12 by having a display housing 18 with a display 24. Specifically, the display housing 18 provides a display 24 that can be positioned in various locations throughout the passenger compartment 16 and various other locations of the vehicle 12, such as the front trunk 70, rear trunk, and / or side panels of the vehicle 12 by being connectable to a plurality of receiver mounts 34 (such as a main receiver mount 34a and an auxiliary receiver mount 34b). In addition, in some aspects, the device assembly 10 allows the display 24 to be rotated by the user to a desired position by having a rotational connection between the display housing 18 and the receiver mount 34. Additionally, the device assembly 10 provides a display 24 that can be fixedly coupled or removably coupled to the receiver support 34, depending on various conditions (e.g., the dynamic state or the static state of the vehicle 12), by incorporating an interlocking connection 38 that can be actuated manually or by a controller 44 (e.g., via communication with a locking pin 122 actuator).

[0090] It will be understood that changes and modifications may be made to the foregoing constructions without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure, and it will be further understood that such concepts are intended to be encompassed by the appended claims unless the claims expressly state otherwise by their language.

[0091] According to the present invention, a device assembly of a vehicle is provided, the device assembly comprising: a display housing, the display housing including a front portion and a rear portion opposite to the front portion; a display, the display being connected to the front portion; a receiver, the receiver being arranged on the rear portion, wherein the receiver can be connected to a receiver support, the receiver support being connected to the vehicle; and an interlocking connection defined between the display housing and the receiver support, wherein the interlocking connection has a locking condition, when the vehicle is in a dynamic state, the locking condition prevents the display housing from being slidably separated, and wherein the interlocking connection has an unlocking condition, when the vehicle is in a static state, the unlocking condition allows the display housing to be slidably separated.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the present invention is also characterized by: at least one shell connecting pin disposed on the rear portion; and at least one receiver support connecting pin disposed on the receiver support, wherein the at least one receiver support connecting pin is configured to engage with at least one shell connecting pin to allow data transmission along the engagement, and wherein the engagement between the at least one receiver support connecting pin and the at least one shell connecting pin defines an interlocking connection.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the receiver is slidably coupled with the receiver support via a receiver recess defined on a central region of the rear portion, and wherein the receiver recess extends from one edge of the rear portion toward a central section of the rear portion.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the invention further features a release lever disposed within the receiver recess, the release lever being movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein the release lever includes a handle extending beyond a bottom portion of the display housing.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the invention further features a locking pin coupled to the receiver mount, the locking pin being movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the locking pin extends into a receiver pin recess defined on a rear portion of the display housing.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the locking pin is recessed into the receiver mount in the unlocked position, and wherein engagement between the locking pin and the display housing defines an interlocking connection.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the receiver support includes at least one of a primary receiver support or an auxiliary receiver support, and wherein the primary receiver support is disposed in an interior of a vehicle, and wherein the auxiliary receiver support is connectable to a front storage compartment or a rear storage compartment of the vehicle, and wherein the engagement between the display housing and the primary receiver support defines a first interlocking connection, and wherein the engagement between the display housing and the auxiliary receiver support defines a second interlocking connection.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the invention also features a receiver mount arm coupleable to the receiver mount, wherein the receiver mount arm includes at least one pivot joint.

[0099] According to the present invention, a device assembly for a vehicle is provided, the device assembly having: a display housing, the display housing including a front portion and a rear portion opposite the front portion; a display, the display being coupled to the front portion; a receiver, the receiver being disposed on the rear portion, wherein the receiver includes a receiver recess extending from one edge of the rear portion toward a central section of the rear portion, wherein the receiver is configured to be slidably coupled to a receiver support, the receiver support being coupled to the vehicle; an interlocking connection between the display housing and the receiver support, wherein the interlocking connection has a locked condition, when the vehicle is in a dynamic state, the locked condition prevents the display housing from being slidably separated, and wherein the interlocking connection has an unlocked condition, when the vehicle is in a static state, the unlocked condition allows the display housing to be slidably separated; and a controller in communication with the interlocking connection, wherein the controller is configured to output a signal to actuate the interlocking connection to the locked condition in response to a detected dynamic state of the vehicle, and wherein the controller is configured to output a signal to actuate the interlocking connection to the unlocked condition in response to a detected static state of the vehicle.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the present invention is also characterized by: at least one shell connecting pin disposed on the rear portion; and at least one receiver support connecting pin disposed on the receiver support, wherein the at least one receiver support connecting pin is configured to engage with at least one shell connecting pin to define an interlocking connection, and wherein the engagement between the at least one shell connecting pin and the at least one receiver support connecting pin allows data transmission along the engagement.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the invention further features a release lever disposed within the recess and movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein the release lever includes a handle extending beyond a bottom portion of the housing.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the invention further features a locking pin coupled to the receiver mount, the locking pin being movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the locking pin extends into a receiver pin recess defined on a rear portion of the display housing.

[0103] According to one embodiment, engagement between the locking pin and the display housing defines an interlocking connection, and wherein the controller is configured to actuate the controller to a locked position to define a locked condition, and wherein the controller is configured to actuate the locking pin to an unlocked position to define an unlocked condition.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the receiver support includes at least one of a primary receiver support or an auxiliary receiver support, and wherein the primary receiver support is disposed in an interior of a vehicle, and wherein the auxiliary receiver support is connectable to a front storage compartment or a rear storage compartment of the vehicle, and wherein the engagement between the display housing and the primary receiver support defines a first interlocking connection, and wherein the engagement between the display housing and the auxiliary receiver support defines a second interlocking connection.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the invention also features a receiver support arm coupled to the receiver support.

[0106] According to one embodiment, a receiver mount arm includes a shoulder coupled to a vehicle, a first link coupled to the shoulder, a toggle joint coupled to the first link and a second link, and a wrist coupled to the second link and the receiver mount.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the receiver mount arm includes a pair of receiver mount arm supports on opposite sides of the receiver mount arm.

[0108] According to the present invention, a device assembly of a vehicle is provided, the device assembly comprising: a display housing, the display housing comprising a front portion and a rear portion opposite to the front portion; a display, the display being connected to the front portion; a receiver, the receiver being arranged on the rear portion; at least one housing connecting pin arranged on the receiver; a receiver support coupled to the receiver, the receiver support being connected to the vehicle; at least one receiver support connecting pin arranged on the receiver support, wherein the at least one receiver support connecting pin is configured to engage with at least one housing connecting pin; and a controller, the controller communicating with the at least one housing connecting pin and the at least one receiver support connecting pin, wherein the controller is configured to respond to the at least one housing connecting pin. The controller is configured to output a first signal to at least one of at least one receiver support connecting pin or at least one of at least one shell connecting pin in response to a first condition to define a fixed engagement between at least one receiver support connecting pin and the shell connecting pin, and wherein the controller is configured to output a second signal to at least one of at least one receiver support connecting pin or at least one of at least one shell connecting pin in response to a second condition to define a detachable engagement between at least one receiver support connecting pin and the shell connecting pin, wherein the controller is configured to determine the first condition in response to at least one of a static state or a detected authorized use condition of the vehicle, and wherein the controller is configured to determine the second condition in response to at least one of a detected dynamic state or a detected unauthorized use condition of the vehicle.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the present invention is also characterized by: a release lever disposed on the rear portion of the display housing, wherein the release lever includes a handle extending beyond the bottom portion of the display housing and an engagement section opposite the handle, and wherein the engagement section can be connected to the bottom section of the receiver support.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the present invention is also characterized by: a locking pin connected to a receiver support, wherein the locking pin can be moved between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the locking pin extends into a receiver pin recess defined on a rear portion of the display housing, and wherein the controller is configured to actuate the locking pin to the locked position in response to a first condition, and wherein the controller is configured to actuate the locking pin to the unlocked position in response to a second condition, and wherein the locking pin is recessed in the receiver support in the unlocked position, and the locking pin extends into the rear portion of the display housing in the locked position.

Claims

1. A vehicle device assembly, comprising: a display housing comprising a front portion and a rear portion opposite the front portion; a display coupled to the front portion; a receiver disposed on the rear portion, wherein the receiver is coupleable to a receiver mount coupled to the vehicle; as well as an interlocking connection defined between the display housing and the receiver mount, wherein the interlocking connection has a locked condition that prevents the display housing from slidably separating when the vehicle is in a dynamic state, and wherein the interlocking connection has an unlocked condition that allows the display housing to slidably separate when the vehicle is in a static state.

2. The device assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one housing connection pin disposed on the rear portion; as well as At least one receiver support connecting pin is disposed on the receiver support, wherein the at least one receiver support connecting pin is configured to engage with the at least one shell connecting pin to allow data transfer along the engagement, and wherein the engagement between the at least one receiver support connecting pin and the at least one shell connecting pin defines the interlocking connection.

3. The device assembly as claimed in claim 2, further comprising: A controller that communicates with the at least one shell connecting pin and the at least one receiver support connecting pin, wherein the controller is configured to output a first signal to at least one of the at least one receiver support connecting pin or the at least one shell connecting pin in response to a first condition to define a fixed engagement between the at least one receiver support connecting pin and the shell connecting pin, and wherein the controller is configured to output a second signal to at least one of the at least one receiver support connecting pin or the at least one shell connecting pin in response to a second condition to define a detachable engagement between the at least one receiver support connecting pin and the shell connecting pin, wherein the controller is configured to determine the first condition in response to at least one of a static state of the vehicle or a detected authorized use condition, and wherein the controller is configured to determine the second condition in response to at least one of a detected dynamic state of the vehicle or a detected unauthorized use condition.

4. The device assembly of claim 1, wherein the receiver is slidably coupled to the receiver support via a receiver recess defined on a central region of the rear portion, and wherein the receiver recess extends from an edge of the rear portion toward a central section of the rear portion.

5. The device assembly as claimed in claim 4, further comprising: A release lever is disposed within the receiver recess, the release lever being movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein the release lever includes a handle extending beyond a bottom portion of the display housing.

6. The device assembly of claim 5, wherein the release lever includes an engagement section opposite the handle, and wherein the engagement section is coupleable to a bottom section of the receiver support.

7. The device assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: A locking pin is coupled to the receiver mount, the locking pin being movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the locking pin extends into a receiver pin recess defined on the rear portion of the display housing.

8. The device assembly of claim 7, wherein the locking pin is recessed in the receiver support in the unlocked position, and wherein engagement between the locking pin and the display housing defines the interlocking connection.

9. The device assembly of claim 8, wherein engagement between the locking pin and the display housing defines the interlocking connection, and wherein the controller is configured to actuate the controller to the locked position to define the locked condition, and wherein the controller is configured to actuate the locking pin to the unlocked position to define the unlocked condition.

10. The device assembly of claim 1, wherein the receiver mount comprises at least one of a primary receiver mount or an auxiliary receiver mount, and wherein the primary receiver mount is disposed within an interior of the vehicle, and wherein the auxiliary receiver mount is capable of being coupled to a front storage compartment or a rear storage compartment of the vehicle, and wherein the engagement between the display housing and the primary receiver mount defines a first interlocking connection, and the engagement between the display housing and the auxiliary receiver mount defines a second interlocking connection.

11. The device assembly of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a receiver support arm coupled to the receiver support.

12. The device assembly of claim 11, wherein the receiver mount arm includes a shoulder coupled to the vehicle, a first link coupled to the shoulder, an elbow joint coupled to the first link and a second link, and a wrist coupled to the second link and the receiver mount.

13. The device assembly of claim 12, wherein the receiver mount arm includes a pair of receiver mount arm supports on opposite sides of the receiver mount arm.

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