Magnetic Mobile Device Holder with Segmented Polarity Mount
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile device holders with magnetic mounting systems fail to provide secure and stable attachment, especially during vibratory forces or extreme activities, as they do not allow for precise device location and secure attachment.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device holder design featuring a case assembly with alternating polarity magnets and a mounting assembly with corresponding base magnets, allowing for magnetic coupling and registration members for secure attachment, enabling rotation and detachment at fixed angles, and compatibility with various mounting options such as vents, visors, and straps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional magnetic mounting systems are used, then the device can be easily attached and detached, but the attachment is not secure and allows slipping due to vibratory forces
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic mounting system is divided into multiple discrete magnets arranged in a circular pattern rather than using a single magnetic assembly. This segmentation allows the device to attach at multiple discrete angular positions (every 45 degrees for six magnets), providing both ease of attachment and secure, stable mounting that resists vibratory forces through distributed magnetic contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting surface is designed with non-uniform magnetic distribution through multiple discrete magnets positioned at specific radial distances and angular intervals. This creates localized high-strength attachment zones at each magnet position while maintaining overall system stability, allowing the device to securely attach at six different angular orientations while resisting slipping during use.
2Device complexity
If conventional magnetic mounting systems are used, then the mounting structure remains simple, but the device location is not precise and allows slipping
Solution Approach 1:
The simple mounting structure is enhanced with six discrete magnets arranged in a circular pattern at specific angular intervals (60 degrees apart). This segmentation creates six precise angular registration positions without adding complex mechanical components, allowing the device to snap into exact orientations (every 45 degrees) while maintaining overall structural simplicity and ease of use.
3Reliability
If multiple magnets are used for secure attachment, then the attachment becomes stable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circular array of six magnets serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides secure attachment through distributed magnetic force, enables precise angular positioning at six discrete orientations, allows easy attachment and detachment at any of the six positions, and maintains rotational symmetry for aesthetic consistency. This multi-functionality achieves stable attachment without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic attachment system uses specific parameter choices: six magnets (providing six-fold symmetry), radial distance of 3.5mm from center, angular spacing of 60 degrees, and combined magnetic strength of 0.3-0.6 Tesla. These optimized parameters create stable attachment with predictable angular registration positions every 45 degrees, achieving reliability without excessive complexity through careful parameter selection rather than arbitrary component addition.
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
The solution provides a secure, versatile, and convenient means to attach and detach mobile devices from various objects, ensuring stability during different activities and environments.
Implementation Method 1
The case assembly magnetically couples to the mounting assembly when the outer surface of the case is placed on the mount cap
Data Source
AI summary
A two-piece mobile device holder having a case assembly and a mounting assembly is disclosed. The case assembly is configured to receive and secure a mobile device such as a smart phone. The mounting assembly is configured to be detachably coupled to other objects. Sets of permanent magnets are arranged in a circular pattern in the case assembly and the mounting assembly. The magnets in both the first and second set of magnets are arranged with alternating magnetic polarity. As the case assembly is placed on top of the mounting assembly, the magnets in the mounting assembly will attract magnets with opposite polarities in the case assembly. A user may detach the case assembly from the mounting assembly by rotating the case assembly such that the magnets in the case assembly are now adjacent to magnets in the mounting assembly of the same polarity.