Magnetic Portable Device Holder with Rotatable Mounting Arm

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current device mounts are often large, bulky, and fail to consistently attach to various surfaces, leading to improper mounting and potential obstruction, which violates driving laws and results in the underutilization of electronic device mounts due to their inability to accommodate a range of devices and surfaces effectively.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable portable device holder featuring a clamping element that can be biased into an activated state to secure different-sized devices and a rotatable mounting element with adjustable arms that can be oriented vertically, horizontally, or diagonally to accommodate various mounting surfaces, ensuring secure attachment and versatile device positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If suction cup mounts are used to attach devices to windshields, then the mounting surface area is increased, but the device becomes large and bulky and requires a large mounting surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional suction cup mechanical attachment with a magnetic attachment system. The magnetic mount uses magnetic force between a magnetic base and a magnetic plate to secure the device, eliminating the need for large suction cups and adhesive mechanisms. This substitution of mechanical attachment methods with magnetic fields achieves reliable attachment while significantly reducing device size and bulk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If adhesive is used to secure the mount to the vehicle dash, then the attachment strength is improved, but the adhesive wears off over time and leaves an undesirable residue on the mounting surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidadhesive residue
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces adhesive chemical bonding with magnetic mechanical bonding. The magnetic mount system uses reusable magnetic plates that attach to the magnetic base without any adhesive, eliminating the problems of adhesive degradation and residue. The magnetic attachment can be repeatedly installed and removed without leaving any substance on the mounting surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed mounting solutions are used, then the manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the device fails to accommodate a broad range of devices or mounting surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidmounting mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements an adjustable mounting arm mechanism that can be positioned at multiple angles and heights. The mounting arm features adjustable joints and positioning mechanisms that allow the device to be mounted on various surfaces (windshield, dash, visor) and oriented in different directions. This dynamic adjustability provides versatility for different devices and mounting locations without requiring multiple fixed mounting solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic mount system uses a universal magnetic base that can attach to various surfaces, combined with a universal magnetic plate that fits different device types. The adjustable mounting arm provides multi-position mounting capability, making the system universally applicable to smartphones, tablets, and other portable devices across different vehicle models and mounting locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If current device mounts are designed for specific orientations, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device cannot be positioned in vertical, horizontal or diagonal orientations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidmounting slot positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a rotatable mounting element with mounting slots positioned at various angles (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°). The mounting arm can be rotated to align different slots with the mounting surface, enabling vertical, horizontal, and diagonal orientations. This dynamic rotational capability provides positioning flexibility without requiring multiple precision-manufactured fixed mounts, as a single rotatable mechanism serves all orientation needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2997438B1Adjustable portable device holder
Publication Date: 2017.06.28 KENU INC
  • EP2997438B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2997438B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B
  • EP2997438B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Adjustable portable device holder systems and methods are herein disclosed. According to one embodiment, an adjustable portable device holder includes an adjustable clamping element and a rotatable mounting element attached to the adjustable clamping element for removably securing a portable device to the adjustable portable device holder.