Magnetic Attachment Device for Personal Electronics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for securing personal electronic devices, such as mobile phones, are limited by restraining the device to a belt or waistline, making it difficult to use while restrained, and often result in uncomfortable positioning, especially when seated, and may not be compatible with all clothing types or sizes.
Innovation Solution
A pair of cooperating plates with an outer plate attached to the device via adhesive and an inner plate that magnetically attaches to clothing, allowing for secure and adjustable placement of the device on various surfaces, including clothing, while minimizing magnetic interference and providing a textured grip for easy handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clip or holster is used to secure the device to a belt or waistline, then the device is restrained securely, but the device cannot be used while restrained and positioning becomes uncomfortable when seated
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into two separate plates: an outer plate that attaches to the device and an inner plate that attaches to clothing. This segmentation allows the device to be securely restrained when needed while enabling easy removal for use, resolving the contradiction between secure restraint and usability.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system transitions from a static, fixed-position holster to a dynamic system where the inner plate can be freely positioned on clothing and the device can be easily attached or detached. This dynamic capability allows the user to adjust positioning for comfort while seated and access the device when needed.
2Ease of operation
If a transparent window is added to view the screen, then the device can be operated while restrained, but images are distorted and the device becomes difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding a transparent window that distorts images, the solution extracts the viewing function entirely by allowing the device to be removed from the attachment system for full-screen operation. This eliminates the image distortion problem while maintaining ease of operation through simple attach/detach functionality.
3Quantity of substance
If the device is placed in a pocket within clothing, then storage is provided, but the pocket may be too small, position the device uncomfortably, or not provide adequate storage while in use
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system provides universal functionality that works with any clothing type without requiring a traditional pocket. The inner plate can be attached to any fabric surface, providing both storage and comfortable positioning while the device is attached, and adequate storage space when the device is removed for use.
4Reliability
If adhesive is applied to attach the outer plate to the device, then secure attachment is achieved, but the adhesive may damage the device or lose bonding strength over time
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive is applied locally to specific areas of the outer plate rather than covering the entire surface, and the adhesive type is selected to bond strongly to the device materials without causing damage. This localized application maintains attachment strength while minimizing the risk of adhesive damage to the device.
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 secure, comfortable, and versatile attachment of personal electronic devices to any type of clothing, allowing for use while attached, and easy storage when not in use, addressing the limitations of existing solutions by providing superior adhesion, durability, and magnetic shielding.
Implementation Method 1
The second plate having a magnet within an interior space, the magnet within the second plate directionally orientated towards an exterior of the first side of the second plate opposite the second side with the magnet having a second polarity selected for coupling with the first polarity of the outer plate
Implementation Method 2
The first side configured for attachment to a personal electronic device through the use of adhesive substance
Implementation Method 3
The directional orientation of the magnet configured to shield the personal electronic device from the magnetic field generated by the magnet
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment device for a personal electronic device is provided in a pair of cooperating plates with a first plate, hereinafter referred to as an outer plate, of the pair of cooperating plates being affixed to the personal electronic device and a second plate, hereinafter referred to as an inner plate, of the pair of cooperating plates configured for removable adhering to the outer plate via a magnetic coupling. Accordingly, the outer plate and the inner plate are sided to enable the cooperative features of the device.