Removable magnetic mounting system, device and method

Abstract

A mounting device for attaching a device to an attached object includes: a magnet portion on a magnet holding portion; a mounting attachment portion configured to be attached to an attachment object, the mounting attachment portion including an annular cam defining a cam surface having a cam profile, the cam profile having a variable height; and a base portion defining a channel for receiving the annular cam and defining a central opening for receiving the magnet portion, the base portion being rotatable relative to the mounting attachment portion and comprising a gripping surface comprising a gripping material. The magnet portion is received into the central opening of the base portion, the annular cam is received into the channel of the base portion, and the first end of the magnet retention portion is adjacent the cam surface. Rotation of the base portion relative to the attachment portion causes the end of the magnet to move away from the gripping surface.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 400,968, filed on August 25, 2022, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to systems, devices, and methods for magnetically attaching a device to an attachment object. Background Art

[0004] Devices for detachably connecting or attaching a device to an object are known. For example, clamping devices and adapters can be used to connect cameras, mobile phones, GPS devices to cars, motorcycles, people, etc. For such known devices, even when a particularly secure connection is made, attaching and detaching the device (such as a mobile phone) is usually difficult or troublesome, where the degree of security is proportional to the degree of difficulty in use. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention address the disadvantages of such connecting devices and generally relate to magnet - based devices, systems, and methods for detachably connecting a device (such as a mobile phone or telephone) to an attachment object. In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a mobile phone mounting system that uses the mobile phone itself as a moment arm to reduce the force required to remove the mobile phone from the mount, as will be further explained below.

[0006] In an embodiment, the mobile phone mounting system includes a ferromagnetic backing plate that is attracted to the magnet of the system. The docking body carrying the load path has a high - friction - coefficient material to maximize shear force. To release the mobile phone from the mount, the user twists the mobile phone until sufficient force is reduced to separate the mobile phone from the mounting device. The release mechanism can include a two - stage release, such as a push and then a twist. The mounting device can include a return spring such that the mount always returns to the maximum attachment mode. The system can include the ability to adjust the attachment configuration or position to a lighter or stronger holding ratio. A mobile phone with a relatively large size acts as a moment arm to reduce the force required to separate the mobile phone from the mounting device. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] The present invention can be understood by considering the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] Figure 1 is a side - view schematic diagram of a mounting device and system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0009] Figure 2 is according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 rear - side perspective schematic diagram of the mounting device and system;

[0010] Figure 3 is an exploded view of an installation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 1 of the installation device;

[0011] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an installation device coupled to a device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 1 of the installation device;

[0012] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an installation device coupled to a device in an attached configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 1 of the installation device;

[0013] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an installation device coupled to a device in a released configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 1 of the installation device;

[0014] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an installation attachment portion having a magnet holding portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 8 is another cross-sectional view of an installation device coupled to a device in a released configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 1 of the installation device;

[0016] Figures 9A to 9C is a perspective view of an installation system coupled to a device that is a smart phone according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 1 of the installation system;

[0017] Figure 10 is a graph of attachment force versus spacing gap according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0018] Figure 11 is a table and graph depicting the relationship between work, force, and distance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] The drawings included in this patent application are incorporated into and form a part of the specification. They illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the specification, are used to explain the principles of the present disclosure. The drawings illustrate only certain embodiments and do not limit the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0020] Reference Figures 1-2, depicts an embodiment of an installation device and system 100 for device 102. In this embodiment, device 102 can include any number of devices, such as mobile phones, smartphones, cameras, GPS devices, etc. The installation device 100 is attached to device 102 and can be used to attach or "mount" device 102 to another device or object (not depicted), the "attachment" object. The attachment object can include movable objects such as cars, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, body-worn objects (such as helmets), etc. In other embodiments, the attachment object can generally be immovable, such as a part of a building, such as a wall, pole, fence, or the like.

[0021] As further explained below, the installation device 100 is an intermediate system or device for connecting device 102 to the attachment object. In an embodiment, the installation device 100 can be fully or at least partially capable of being quickly and conveniently detached from device 102. The installation device 100 can also be detached from the attachment object conveniently and quickly, but in other embodiments, the installation device 100 can be fixed to the target attachment object in a more permanent or less easily detachable manner. For example, the installation device 100 can be designed to remain connected to the attachment object while device 102 is easily and in some cases frequently detached from the attachment object. In such an embodiment, all or part of the installation device 100 can be held to the attachment object with fasteners, adhesives, etc., while device 102 can be easily attached and detached relative to the installation device 100. For example, a part of the installation device 100 can be connected to a motorcycle handlebar (attachment object) using hardware such as clamps and fasteners (not capable of being quickly detached), while device 102 (such as a mobile phone) can be easily detached from the installation device 100.

[0022] Embodiments of the present disclosure are depicted and described in Annex 1: Detachable Magnetic Device and Annex 2: Mobile Phone Installation System, both of which are part of the present disclosure and the entire content of which is incorporated herein.

[0023] Figure 1 is a side view of the installation device 100 connected to the back of device 102. In this embodiment, device 102 is a smartphone. Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the installation device 100 detached from the attachment object.

[0024] Figure 3is an exploded view of the mounting device 100. In an embodiment, and as depicted, the mounting device 100 includes a hinged base or base portion 104 (also referred to as the body or chassis) having a gripping material 106, a magnetic device or portion 108, a magnet retaining portion 110 (also referred to as a shunt plate), a cap or cover 112, and a mounting attachment portion 114. The mounting device 100 may also include a ferromagnetic plate 116 that may be fixed to the device 102, as further explained below. The mounting device 100 with the ferromagnetic plate 116 may also be referred to as a mounting system.

[0025] In an embodiment, the hinged base 104 includes a first side or front side 120, a second side or rear side 122, and defines a central opening 124. The front side 120 defines a circular channel 126 that is configured to receive a portion of the mounting attachment portion 114. The central opening 124 is configured to receive the magnetic device 108.

[0026] In an embodiment, the hinged base 104 also defines a recess 125 that is configured to receive the magnet retaining portion 110. In an embodiment, the recess 125 is shaped to be complementary to the magnet retaining portion 110, i.e., having substantially the same shape as the magnet retaining portion 110.

[0027] In an embodiment, the hinged base 104 also includes a ridge 127 that is configured to abut the cap 112 and engage with a stop tab 146, thereby restricting rotation of the cap 112 relative to the base 104.

[0028] The gripping material 106 may be a overmolding on the rear side 122 of the hinged base 104 or may otherwise be fixed to the rear side 122. The gripping material 106 defines a gripping surface 128 that contacts the device 102 and / or the ferromagnetic plate 116. In an embodiment, the gripping material 106 has a high coefficient of static friction and may also have a low hardness.

[0029] In an embodiment, the gripping material 106 is a thermoplastic elastomer ("TPE") material, a thermoplastic polyurethane ("TPU") material, GM631 gripping material manufactured by 3M of St. Paul, Minnesota ® manufactured, vinyl sticker, rubber, rubber coating (such as Plasti Dip ®and analogs. Using such a high coefficient of friction material for the gripping material 106 maximizes the amount of applied force required to move the device 100 along the surface. In an embodiment, the gripping material 106 is selected to accommodate the texture of the ferrous or ferromagnetic object or surface to which the device 300 will be attached. In an embodiment, the Shore A durometer hardness of the gripping material is in the range of 10A to 90A. Additionally, the gripping material 106 can be selected based on the coefficient of friction of the specific ferromagnetic object or surface being bonded. For example, if the attached object already has a high coefficient of friction, a higher hardness material can be selected for the gripping material 106.

[0030] In an embodiment that improves the prediction and control of the compression of the gripping portion 106, the gripping material 106 is a relatively thin, high coefficient of friction material with a high spring constant such that a change in the normal force results in only a small change in the size of the gap G.

[0031] In an embodiment, the magnetic device 108 is a magnet assembly and can include, but is not limited to, any magnetic component of the devices described herein. Embodiments of the magnetic device 108 are generally configured to concentrate the magnetic flux near the outer surface of the magnetic device 108 and thus near the attachment surface to maximize the frictional holding force, as further explained below.

[0032] In such an embodiment, the magnetic device 108 includes a magnet portion that can include magnetic sheets having a plurality of "island portions" or individual magnetic regions with alternating north and south magnetic poles, and having "gap portions", and the magnet portion can include a substrate and a magnetic sheet, and the substrate can include a conductive material. In an embodiment, the magnetic device 108 also includes a front side having a first surface or front surface 129 and a rear side 130 having a second surface or rear surface 132. The magnetic device 108 also includes a first end 134 and a second end 136.

[0033] In an embodiment, the magnetic device 108 can include a plurality of magnetic regions or island portions, each having their respective north and south poles as described above. In an embodiment, the distribution of the plurality of magnetic regions can be non-uniform. In an embodiment, in the magnetic device 108, the density of the magnetic regions is greater near the first end 134 of the magnetic device 108, i.e., more regions per area, and the density of the magnetic regions is smaller near the second end 136 of the magnetic device 108. Thus, compared to the first end 134, the second end 136 of the magnetic device 308 will produce a stronger magnetic field and generate a greater normal force Fn (also see Figure 1 ). One advantage of this configuration is that, compared to the second end 136, the first end 134 will produce a weaker normal force at the attachment surface, making it easier to lift or pry the first end 134 away from the ferromagnetic plate 106, i.e., less reaction force is required for disassembly.

[0034] In another embodiment, the magnetic device 108 includes a channel magnetic device or a channel magnet.

[0035] In another embodiment, the magnetic device 108 may include strips of magnetic material alternating with steel spacer strips. In one such embodiment, the magnetic device 108 includes a plurality of magnets that are 0.125 inches wide x 0.125 inches high x 2 inches long, with steel strips that are 0.0625 inches wide x 0.125 inches high x 2 inches long between each pair of the plurality of elongated magnets.

[0036] The magnet holding portion 110 may include a metallic material, which may be an iron-containing or ferromagnetic material. The magnet holding portion 110 is configured to support the magnetic device 108 and is coupled to the magnetic device 108, such as by an adhesive or other means. In an embodiment, the magnet holding portion 110 may be a relatively flat plate-like structure and may include a first surface, a front surface or a top surface 137, a rear surface or a bottom surface 139, a first end 140, and a second end 142. The first end 140 may be angled and form a tab 144.

[0037] In an embodiment, the cap 112 may form a domed circular shape as shown and may include a pair of opposing stop tabs 146 that are received into the base 104 for attachment to the base 104. In an embodiment, the stop tabs 146 extend from an outer peripheral portion of the cap 112, such as an outer edge 147.

[0038] The cap 112 may further include a raised central portion 149 that is configured to contact a portion of the mounting attachment portion 114, which may be the central support portion 152, as further explained below. In an embodiment, the raised central portion 149 may be generally circular. In an embodiment, the raised central portion 149 forms a contact surface 151 for contacting a portion of the mounting attachment portion 114. The contact surface 151 may be generally flat. In another embodiment, the contact surface 151 may form a recessed surface configured to receive all or a portion of the central support portion 152 of the cap 112. In an embodiment, an axis A extends through the center of the cap 112 and through the raised central portion 149.

[0039] Also refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , in an embodiment, the cap portion 112 includes a central protrusion 161 that projects downward and away from the central inner surface 163 of the cap 112. In an embodiment, and as Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the end 165 of the central protrusion 161 abuts against the top surface 137 of the magnet holding portion 110 to prevent the magnet holding portion 110 from moving in the front-rear direction (the upward direction as shown in the figure) or in the direction opposite to the force Fn.

[0040] Although depicted as a cap or cover 112 covering the entire ring 148 and the base 104 in this embodiment, in other embodiments, the cover 112 may only cover a part of the components of the device 100 and may form a shape other than a disk. More generally, the cap or cover 112 may also be referred to as the upper ring holding portion 112.

[0041] The mounting attachment portion 114 includes an annular or ring-shaped portion 148, which may be an annular ring or a partial ring. The top surface 150 is formed such that the annular portion 148 serves as a cam profile (further explained below) of a cam, a central support portion 152, and a cover or upper portion 154, as well as an attachment portion 156 for attaching to an attachment object. The ring 148 has a varying front-rear ring height to form a cam profile including the top surface 150. The rear or first ring height H1 may be greater than the ring height H2. In an embodiment, the height H1 is measured at the position of the ring 148 having the maximum height, and the height H2 is determined at the position of the ring 148 having the minimum height. In an embodiment, the ratio of the height H1 to H2 may be in the range of 1.5 to 4; in an embodiment, the ratio of the height H1 to H2 may be in the range of 2 to 4. The varying height and thickness of the annular ring 148 form a cam profile with a variable height. In an embodiment, the ring 148 forms a complete ring extending circumferentially by 360°. In other embodiments, the ring 148 may extend less than 360° and may form a partial ring, such as a C-shaped partial ring extending in the range of 90° to 270°. The circumferential length or arc length of the ring 148 may vary in combination with the vertical cam profile to affect the movement or travel of the magnet 108 and the magnet holding device 110.

[0042] In an embodiment, the cover or upper portion 154 defines a cap receiving groove 155 configured to receive a part of the cap 112. In an embodiment, the upper portion 154 extends circumferentially around a part of the ring 148 and may form a curved structure covering a part of the ring 148 and a part of the cap 112 when the cap 112 is inserted into the cap receiving groove 155.

[0043] The attachment portion 156 is connected to the upper portion 154 and extends outward and away from the upper portion 154. The attachment portion 156 is depicted as a plate-like structure in this embodiment, but in other embodiments, the attachment portion 156 may form other shapes or structures suitable for connecting to an attachment object. For example, in the depicted embodiment, the attachment portion 156 may be received in a groove or fixture of an attachment object (such as a part of a vehicle, a helmet, etc.).

[0044] Reference Figures 1-2 and Figure 5 When assembled, the front surface 129 of the magnetic device 108 is attached to the magnet holding portion 110 at the rear surface 139 such that the magnetic device 108 is attached or coupled to the magnet holding portion 110. The magnet holding portion 110 and the magnetic device 108 are received in the base 104, wherein at least a portion of the magnetic device 108 is received in the opening 124. The magnet holding portion 110 with the magnet 108 is assembled into the base 104 such that rotation about the central axis A relative to the base 104 is not possible and generally lateral movement is also not possible. However, a portion of the magnet holding portion 110 with the magnetic device can pivot in a rear-to-front or front-to-rear direction. More specifically, and as further described below, when the device 102 and the base 104 are rotated relative to the mounting attachment portion 114, the end 140 with the tab 144 can be lifted away so as to pivot the magnet holding portion 110 and the magnet 108 about the fixed end 142.

[0045] The cap 112 is connected to the base 104, wherein the tab 146 is received in a recess in the base 104. In some embodiments, the cap 112 forms a snap-fit engagement with the base 104. In an embodiment, the cap 112 is fixed in place relative to the base 104.

[0046] The mounting attachment portion 114 is rotatably coupled to the base 104 about the central axis A. The ring portion 148 is received in the channel 126 of the base 106.

[0047] Also reference Figure 7 , the end 140 or the tab 144 of the rear surface 139 of the magnet holding portion 106 contacts the top surface 150 of the ring 148 of the mounting attachment portion 114.

[0048] Reference Figures 4-5 , the mounting system 100 is depicted in an attached configuration to the device 102. In an embodiment, the mounting attachment portion 114 is capable of rotating relative to the base 104 and rotates relative to the base 104 in an embodiment that is to be in the attached configuration as described. The ferromagnetic plate 116 is fixed to the device 102 (such as the depicted mobile phone), and the mounting device 100 is detachably coupled to the device 102. In an embodiment, the ferromagnetic plate 116 can be fixed or coupled to the device 102 via an adhesive, by a mechanical connection, or by other means. In an embodiment, the device 102 includes the ferromagnetic plate 116 built into the device 102.

[0049] In an embodiment of the attachment configuration, the magnet 108 and its rear surface 132 are adjacent to the surface of the ferromagnetic plate 116, but do not actually contact the ferromagnetic plate 116. In an embodiment, the rear surface 132 is substantially parallel to the surface of the ferromagnetic plate 116.

[0050] A gap G is formed between the rear surface 132 and the ferromagnetic plate 116. In the depicted attachment configuration, the gap G is substantially uniform across the entire surface 132 of the magnet 108. Having a very small gap G between the magnet 108 and the ferromagnetic plate 116 maximizes the normal force Fn applied by the mounting system 100 to the ferromagnetic plate 116 and the device 102, as further explained below. In an embodiment, in the attachment configuration, the gap G is in the range of 0 < G < 0.3 mm. In another embodiment, the gap G is in the range of 0 < G < 1.0 mm. The design choice of the gap G depends on many factors, including the desired normal force and the hardness of the gripping portion 106.

[0051] Also refer to Figure 10 , a graph of the normal force Fn of an embodiment of the magnetic device 108 of the mounting system 100 versus the gap G is depicted. As shown in the graph of Figure 10 , as the spacing distance (gap G) decreases, the attachment force or normal force Fn increases.

[0052] In the attachment configuration, although the magnetic device 108 does not directly contact the ferromagnetic plate 116, the gripping portion 106 directly contacts the ferromagnetic plate 116 and / or the device 102. As briefly described above, in an embodiment, the gripping portion 106 has a relatively high coefficient of friction to prevent movement of the device 102 relative to the mounting system 100 due to shear or frictional forces perpendicular to the normal force Fn applied by the magnetic device 108. The gripping portion 106 may also include a material with a relatively low hardness (i.e., a low durometer value) to allow compression of the gripping portion 106 when the normal force Fn is applied in the attachment configuration.

[0053] Attachment can also be adjusted by pattern variations, permanent magnet material grades and volumes, adding channel designs to the magnet holding portion / shunt plate, or using a set of assembled discrete magnets 108 and metal alloys. Those skilled in the art understand how to manipulate the flux to concentrate the flux into a target object, such as the ferromagnetic plate 116, which includes steel in an embodiment.

[0054] Refer to Figures 9A to 9C , an overview of the attachment process and the disassembly process is depicted. In Figure 9A , the device 102 (a mobile phone in this embodiment) having a ferromagnetic plate 116 (not shown) moves towards the rear side of the base 104 and the magnetic device 108 of the mounting device 100. Figure 9BDepicts the mounting device 100 (attachment configuration) attached to the device 102. Figure 9C Depicts the device 102 rotating about the mounting device 100 to detach the device 102 from the mounting device 100. The process of releasing the device 102 or the mobile phone from the mounting device 100 is depicted as requiring a rotational or twisting motion for release. However, in another embodiment, there may also be preliminary actions that must occur before twisting, such as but not limited to pushing and then twisting for release. It should also be understood that although not shown in Figures 9A to 9C , the mounting device 100 can be connected, coupled, or attached to an attachment object via the mounting attachment portion 114 so as to attach the device 102 to the attachment object via the mounting device 100.

[0055] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the mounting device 100 is depicted in cross-section in the attachment configuration and the release configuration, respectively. In Figure 5 , the magnet 108 is positioned at a distance from the ferromagnetic plate 116 equal to the size of the gap G, as also described above. The end 140 at the tab 144 of the magnet holding device 110 contacts the ring 148 at the point P1 where the cam profile of the ring 148 is at its lowest (i.e., the front-to-back height of the ring 148 is at its minimum, i.e., the height H2 is at its minimum).

[0056] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 8 , the mounting attachment portion 114 is rotated relative to the base 104 and the device 102 to the detachment position. In practice, the mounting attachment portion 114 can actually remain stationary and be mounted to the attachment object, and the device 102 is used as a moment arm to rotate the base 104, the magnetic device 108, the magnet holding portion 110, and the cap 112 about the mounting attachment portion 114 and the central axis A. When the mounting attachment portion 114 is rotated relative to the base 104 and the device 102, the ring 148 also rotates, causing the end 140 of the magnetic device 108 to lift off or rise due to the change in the cam profile. In other words, the end 140 will contact the ring 148 at a higher point or where the height of the ring 148 is greater along the cam profile. This lifting off of the end 140 of the magnetic device 108 increases the gap G between the rear surface 132 of the magnetic device 108 and the ferromagnetic plate 116, which significantly reduces the normal force Fn exerted by the magnetic device 108. Thus, in this relevant position, the mounting device 100 is in the release configuration.

[0057] Reference Figure 11 , depicts a table and graph depicting work, force, and distance (travel distance) for various design gaps. The magnetic force curve data plus the input maximum input work can provide the total required stroke plus the amount of stroke required for each design gap G iteration related to the required cam profile.

[0058] Embodiments of the present invention include the above-described apparatus, system, and method steps, the method steps including a method of attaching and detaching a device relative to an attachment object using the attachment device described herein.

[0059] All features (including appendices, and including any appended claims, abstract, and drawings) disclosed in this specification and / or all steps of any method or process so disclosed may be combined in any combination, except combinations in which at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0060] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including incorporated appendices, any appended claims, abstract, and drawings), unless expressly stated otherwise, may be replaced by an alternative feature serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is only one example of a series of general equivalent or similar features.

Claims

1. An installation device for attaching a device to an attachment object, comprising: a magnetic part having a magnet part, a first surface, a first end, and a second end; a magnet holding part having a first surface, a second surface, and a first end, the magnet holding part being coupled to the magnetic part such that the second surface of the magnet holding part faces the first surface of the magnetic part; a mounting attachment part including an annular cam having a first height and a second height, the first height being greater than the second height, the annular cam including a cam surface defining a height-variable cam profile, the cam surface being configured to engage the second surface of the magnet holding part at the first end of the magnet holding part; a base part defining a magnet receiving cavity for receiving the magnetic part, a recess for receiving the magnet holding part, and a circumferential channel for receiving the annular cam, the base part including a gripping surface including a gripping material for contacting the attachment object; and a cap that engages the mounting attachment part and the base part and covers a portion of the annular cam; wherein the base part is rotatable relative to the mounting attachment part about a central axis such that rotation of the base part relative to the mounting attachment part in a first direction causes the first end of the magnet holding part to slide along the cam surface of the annular cam, causing the first ends of the first end of the magnet holding part and the attached magnet part to move in a direction away from the base part, thereby pivoting the magnet holding part about the second end of the magnet holding part and causing the installation device to be in a configuration for detachment from the attachment object, and such that rotation of the base part relative to the mounting attachment part in a second direction causes the first end of the magnet holding part to slide along the cam surface of the annular cam, causing the first ends of the first end of the magnet holding part and the attached magnet part to move in a direction toward the base part, thereby pivoting the magnet holding part about the second end of the magnet holding part and causing the installation device to be in a position attached to the attachment object.

2. The installation device according to claim 1, wherein the annular cam is an annular ring extending 360°.

3. The installation device according to claim 1, wherein the annular cam is a partial ring circumferentially extending in the range of 90° to 270°.

4. The installation device according to claim 1, wherein when the installation device is in the attached configuration, the magnetic part includes a second surface substantially parallel to the gripping surface of the base.

5. The installation device according to claim 4, wherein the second surface of the magnetic part is displaced along the central axis relative to the gripping surface such that when the installation device is in the attached configuration, there is a spacer gap between the second surface of the magnetic part and the attachment object.

6. The mounting device according to claim 5, wherein the spacing gap is in the range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

7. The mounting device according to claim 1, wherein the base portion includes a ridge, and the cap includes a stop tab configured to engage the ridge and prevent rotation of the base relative to the cap.

8. A mounting device for attaching a device to an attachment object, comprising: a magnet portion; a magnet holding portion attached to the magnet portion and having a first end and a second end; a mounting attachment portion configured to be attached to the attachment object, the mounting attachment portion including an annular cam defining a cam surface having a cam profile with a variable height; and a base portion defining a channel for receiving the annular cam and a central opening for receiving the magnet portion, the base portion being rotatable relative to the mounting attachment portion and including a gripping surface including a gripping material; wherein the magnet portion is received in the central opening of the base portion, the annular cam is received in the channel of the base portion, and the first end of the magnet holding portion is adjacent to the cam surface; and wherein the base portion and the attachment portion are configured such that rotation of the base portion relative to the attachment portion in a first direction causes the first end of the magnet to move in a direction away from the gripping surface.

9. The mounting device according to claim 8, wherein the annular cam is a partial ring circumferentially extending in the range of 90° to 270°.

10. The mounting device according to claim 8, further comprising a ferromagnetic plate having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface being configured to be attached to the device to be attached to the attachment object, and the second surface being configured to be attached to the magnet portion.

11. The mounting device according to claim 8, wherein when the mounting device is in an attached configuration, the magnetic portion includes a second surface substantially parallel to the gripping surface of the base.

12. The mounting device according to claim 11, wherein the second surface of the magnetic portion is displaced along the central axis relative to the gripping surface such that when the mounting device is in the attached configuration, there is a spacing gap between the second surface of the magnetic portion and the attachment object.

13. The mounting device according to claim 12, wherein the spacing gap is in the range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

14. The mounting device according to claim 8, wherein the base portion includes a ridge, and the cap includes a stop tab configured to engage the ridge and prevent rotation of the base relative to the cap.

15. The mounting device according to claim 8, wherein rotation of the base portion relative to the attachment portion in a second direction causes the first end of the magnet to move in a direction toward the gripping surface.

16. The mounting device according to claim 8 further includes a cap having a central protrusion, the cap being in contact with the mounting attachment portion, and the central protrusion portion being in contact with the magnet holding portion.

17. A system for attaching a device to an attachment object, comprising: a ferromagnetic portion having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface being configured to attach to a device to be attached to the attachment object; an adhesive material for connecting the ferromagnetic plate to the attachment object; a magnetic mounting device configured to magnetically attach to the ferromagnetic plate and configured to mechanically attach to the attachment object, the magnetic mounting device including: - a magnet portion; - a magnet holding portion attached to the magnet portion and having a first end and a second end; - a mounting attachment portion configured to attach to the attachment object, the mounting attachment portion including a cam in contact with the first end of the magnet holding portion; - a base portion defining a channel for receiving the cam and defining a central opening for receiving the magnet portion, the base portion being rotatable relative to the mounting attachment portion and including a gripping surface, the gripping surface including a compressible gripping material; and - a cover portion covering a portion of the base portion; wherein the base portion is rotatable relative to the mounting attachment portion in a plane transverse to the pivoting direction of the magnet holding portion.

18. The system according to claim 17, wherein the mounting attachment portion is configured to attach to the attachment object, and the attachment object is a vehicle or a helmet.

19. The system according to claim 17, wherein the ferromagnetic portion includes a ferromagnetic plate configured to attach to a mobile phone.

20. The system according to claim 17, wherein the cam forms a ring in the channel of the base portion.

Images