Angled Mobile Device Dashboard Shelf with Wireless Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile device integration solutions for vehicles are complex and lack the ability to seamlessly replace vehicle display and control systems with mobile devices for simplified use and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A holding device with an angled surface for secure placement of mobile devices, incorporating NFC and Qi charging, along with Bluetooth connectivity, to enable the mobile device to act as a primary display and control for vehicle technology, including audio, navigation, and diagnostics, by utilizing existing dashboard components or additional securing items like gel, brackets, or magnetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current mobile device integration solutions are implemented, then mobile device functionality is provided in vehicles, but device complexity increases and seamless replacement of vehicle display and control systems is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential functions (power delivery, audio output, data communication) from the vehicle's native display and control systems, allowing the mobile device to independently provide these functions without requiring complex integration of vehicle and mobile device systems
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device is designed to universally support multiple mobile device types and functions (charging, audio playback, navigation, hands-free calling) through a single integrated platform, eliminating the need for separate integration solutions for each function
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional stereo and instrumentation components are included on the angled surface, then vehicle technology functionality is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the mobile device itself as an intermediary to provide vehicle technology functionality. The mobile device's display, processor, and applications replace traditional stereo and instrumentation components, simplifying the holding device structure while maintaining full functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical and electronic vehicle components (stereo, instrumentation panels, control systems) with software-based solutions running on the mobile device, eliminating the need for complex physical integration of traditional vehicle components
3Ease of operation
If mobile device is placed on dashboard without secure placement mechanism, then ease of use is improved, but stability and security of mobile device placement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device is segmented into distinct functional zones: a smooth angled surface for easy device placement and a separate securing mechanism region with tacky gel or magnetics that activates only when needed, allowing both ease of placement and secure retention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary securing mechanisms (tacky gel, magnetics) that are pre-positioned on the holding device to automatically engage with the mobile device upon placement, providing immediate stability without requiring additional user action
4Extent of automation
If NFC antenna and QI charging coils are housed behind the angled surface, then instant power charging and audio connectivity are provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions (power delivery, audio output, data communication) into a single integrated holding device platform, allowing instant activation of these functions when the mobile device is placed on the holder without requiring separate integration systems for each function
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables simple and secure placement of mobile devices on vehicle dashes with instant power charging and audio connectivity, allowing them to function as primary vehicle controls, reducing complexity and enhancing features by leveraging NFC and Bluetooth for seamless integration.
Implementation Method 1
Housed behind the angle surface of the holding device is an NFC antenna and QI charging coils
Implementation Method 2
Housed behind the angle surface of the holding device is an NFC antenna and QI charging coils
Implementation Method 3
The shelf area is dimensioned such that any size or model mobile device may be set
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention comprises a holding device that allows a person to simply set their mobile device on the vehicle dash and instantly obtain power to charge the mobile device, and audio connectivity to hear the mobile device. The holding device defines an angled front surface provided for the mobile device to rest on and be held securely in place. The holding device may get its angled surface from the existing shape of the vehicle dashboard or from an in-dash electronics unit.