Self-aligning Magnetic Mount for Electronic Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic display device mounting systems are cumbersome, bulky, and difficult to adjust, especially when mounting to nonferrous surfaces, and do not allow for rapid reorientation between portrait and landscape orientations without adding significant bulk or weight.
Innovation Solution
A self-aligning mounting system using a device-side attachment with magnets embedded or attached to the electronic display device and a surface-side attachment with magnets affixed to the surface, allowing for easy mounting and unmounting, and featuring a high friction finish or mechanical anti-slip features to resist slipping and shear forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current mounting mechanisms are used, then the electronic display device can be mounted to surfaces, but the mounting system becomes cumbersome and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical mounting mechanisms (screws, clips, adhesives) with a magnetic field-based mounting system. Magnets embedded in both the device-side and surface-side attachments create magnetic attraction forces that secure the device without mechanical fasteners, eliminating the need for bulky mounting hardware while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of mounting from mechanical interlocking to magnetic field interaction. By utilizing magnetic field strength and polarity alignment as the mounting mechanism, the system achieves secure attachment with minimal physical bulk, as magnetic fields can penetrate non-ferrous materials without requiring physical contact or mechanical structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional mounting mechanisms are used, then the device can be mounted, but alignment becomes difficult and requires adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic mounting system is self-aligning through the interaction of magnetic fields between the device-side and surface-side attachments. The magnetic attraction naturally draws the components into proper alignment without requiring manual adjustment, and the system self-corrects misalignment as the magnetic forces pull the attachments into their intended positions.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing mechanical alignment features (such as keyed interfaces or precision-machined surfaces) with magnetic field interaction, the system achieves alignment through field-based attraction rather than mechanical constraints. This allows for easier operation as users simply need to bring the attachments near each other, and the magnetic fields handle the precise alignment automatically.
3Reliability
If current mounting mechanisms are used, then the device can be mounted, but rapid repositioning and reorientation is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic mounting system provides dynamic mounting capability, allowing the device to be easily repositioned and reoriented between portrait and landscape orientations. The magnetic attraction maintains secure holding while permitting smooth movement and rotation, enabling rapid reconfiguration without the need to completely detach and remount the device.
Solution Approach 2:
Replacing mechanical locking mechanisms with magnetic field-based attachment enables dynamic repositioning. The magnetic force maintains secure attachment while allowing the device to be smoothly moved, rotated, and reoriented by simply applying gentle force to overcome the magnetic attraction temporarily, then re-establishing it in the new position.
4Ease of operation
If magnets are used for mounting, then mounting is simplified, but slipping and shear forces become concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite mounting system combining magnetic attraction with high-friction surface materials. The magnets provide the primary attachment force, while the high-friction finish on the magnet surfaces resists slipping and shear forces, creating a composite mounting solution that addresses both ease of operation and mechanical strength requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface parameter of the magnets by applying a high-friction finish to the outer surfaces. This surface treatment increases the coefficient of friction between contacting surfaces, thereby resisting slipping and shear forces while maintaining the magnetic attraction mechanism for easy mounting and positioning.
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 rapid, precise positioning and easy reorientation of electronic display devices on various surfaces, including nonferrous ones, without adding thickness or weight, while maintaining strong coupling forces to secure the device in place.
Implementation Method 1
a first plurality of magnets disposed and configured to couple to the electronic display device... a second plurality of magnets disposed and configured to attach to the surface... the at least one outwardly-facing north pole of the first plurality of magnets is arranged to couple with the at least one outwardly-facing south pole of the second plurality of magnets
Implementation Method 2
The magnets used in the mounting system may include a high friction finish covering the outer surface that resists slipping and shear forces when the magnets are coupled
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting system for mounting an electronic display device, such as an electronic display device, to various surfaces including nonferrous and nonmagnetic surfaces is provided. In one implementation, the mounting system includes a surface-side attachment affixed to a surface, and a device-side attachment coupled to the electronic display device. The surface-side attachment and the device-side attachment include a plurality of magnets with at least one magnet with an outwardly-facing north pole and at least one magnet with an outwardly-facing south pole per attachment that self-aligns the attachments when mounting the electronic display device to the surface. The surface-side attachment and the device-side attachment may further include mechanical features and/or high friction faces to resist slipping and shear forces when the attachments are coupled together.