Concealed Vehicle Phone Holder for Secure Crash-Resistant Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile device holders in vehicle interiors are aesthetically unappealing and made of injection-molded parts, which give a coarse and cheap impression, and do not securely hold devices during travel or in accidents.
Innovation Solution
A holding apparatus with a support element, covering skin, and holding element that reversibly engages behind the device, using a combination of mechanical and possibly electric or pneumatic drives to secure the device in place, and a sensor system to automate the holding process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If traditional injection-molded clamping apparatuses are used, then device holding function is achieved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates (looks clunky and cheap)
Solution Approach 1:
The holding apparatus is divided into separate functional components: a support element for structural integration, a covering skin for aesthetic appearance, and a holding element for device securing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the covering skin can be made from attractive materials while the holding element provides secure clamping functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding element is integrated within the covering skin, which itself is mounted on the support element. This nested structure allows the functional holding mechanism to be concealed within the aesthetic outer layer, combining form and function in a space-efficient manner.
2Ease of operation
If visible clamping jaws are arranged in the vehicle interior, then device insertion is enabled, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates (looks clunky when empty)
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping function is extracted from the visible exterior and placed within the covering skin. The holding element operates internally, allowing the exterior surface to remain smooth and aesthetic while still providing secure device holding capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding element can dynamically adjust between a retracted state (when no device is present) that maintains aesthetic appearance, and an extended state (when device is inserted) that provides secure holding. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between visibility for operation and aesthetics when empty.
3Reliability
If simple clamping jaws are used, then manufacturing is easy, but device security deteriorates (cannot hold during winding/bumpy travel or accidents)
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element is positioned to engage specific geometric features of the mobile device (such as corners or edges) rather than attempting to clamp the entire device. This localized engagement provides secure holding during acceleration and vibration while minimizing the complexity of the holding mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding element is designed with curved or rounded engagement surfaces that conform to the typical geometry of mobile devices. This curved geometry provides reliable mechanical engagement during dynamic conditions (winding roads, bumps, accidents) while allowing for a relatively simple holding mechanism structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a holding apparatus for a mobile device, in particular for a smartphone, in a vehicle interior. The holding apparatus includes a support element having a receiving space for receiving the mobile device, a covering skin having a visible side and a rear side, the rear side of the covering skin being arranged on the support element, a supporting element arranged in the receiving space on the rear side of the covering skin, for supporting the mobile device in a receiving position, and a holding element arranged on the rear side of the covering skin, for reversibly holding and unblocking the mobile device. The holding element can be moved between a holding position and an unblocking position and vice versa and is designed such that, in the holding position, it engages behind a mobile device arranged in the receiving space.