Locked Phone Charging Compartment for Vehicle Ignition Interlock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile phone safety systems for vehicles do not effectively prevent drivers from manually engaging with their phones while driving by ensuring the phone is stowed and restricting its functions if removed from a secure compartment during vehicle use.
Innovation Solution
A mobile phone storage assembly with a housing, electromagnetic locking assembly, wireless charger, microprocessor, and wiring assembly that locks the phone in a compartment and restricts its functions unless it is stowed and charging, requiring ignition activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the phone is securely stored in a locked compartment, then driver safety is improved by preventing manual phone use, but accessibility to the phone deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments phone functionality into two states: when stored in the compartment (restricted functions for safety) and when removed (full functionality). The compartment itself is segmented into a storage space and a charging zone, allowing the phone to be either stored or charged based on driver needs
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is dynamic rather than static - it can be overridden with a passcode or biometric authentication, and it automatically unlocks when the phone is placed on the charging pad. This allows the system to adapt between security and accessibility based on real-time conditions
2Reliability
If the electromagnetic locking assembly is engaged to secure the phone, then prevention of manual phone use is improved, but ease of opening the compartment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical key-based locking system is replaced with an electromagnetic locking assembly that uses magnetic fields to secure the phone. The lock is actuated by an electric motor that engages electromagnetic latches, eliminating the need for physical keys while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
A microprocessor-based control system serves as an intermediary between the user and the locking mechanism. The microprocessor receives biometric or passcode input, processes the authentication, and then controls the electromagnetic lock accordingly, adding a layer of intelligent mediation between security and accessibility
3Ease of operation
If the wireless charger is integrated into the compartment, then convenience of phone charging is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless charging pad is merged with the compartment floor, creating a unified structure where the charging surface is integral to the storage compartment. This eliminates the need for separate charging cables or external charging devices, as the charging functionality is built directly into the compartment itself
Solution Approach 2:
The compartment serves multiple functions: it acts as a secure storage space when locked, a wireless charging station when the phone is placed on the pad, and an authentication interface through biometric scanning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices while increasing overall system utility
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
Prevents manual phone use by drivers by ensuring the phone is securely stored and charging, allowing ignition only when the phone is locked in the compartment, thus enhancing driver safety.
Implementation Method 1
The electromagnetic locking assembly includes a first member attached to the case and a second member attached to the cover
Implementation Method 2
The wireless charger is mounted in the case and is operatively connected to the locking assembly to actuate the locking assembly upon charging of a mobile phone
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile phone storage assembly includes a housing, an electromagnetic locking assembly, a wireless charger, a microprocessor, and a wiring assembly. The housing includes a case and a cover pivotably attached to the case. The locking assembly includes a first member attached to the case and a second member attached to the cover. The charger is mounted in the case and is operatively connected to the locking assembly to actuate the locking assembly upon charging of a mobile phone. The microprocessor is mounted in the case and operatively connected to the charger and the locking assembly, and is wirelessly pairable to a mobile phone to detect the presence thereof. The wiring assembly connects the microprocessor to a vehicle ignition system. The microprocessor sends a signal to activate the vehicle ignition system when the case has been locked and a paired mobile phone in the case is being charged.