Magnetic Mobile Mount Locking Pin for Shear-Resistant Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetically attached accessories for mobile devices are not resistant to shear forces, relying solely on frictional forces which are limited by the magnetic force and coefficient of friction, making them prone to sliding.

Innovation Solution

A magnetically-influenced retractable protrusion mechanism that extends into a corresponding cavity, complementing the magnetic locking force with resistance to shear forces, utilizing a spring for mechanical bias to maintain the protrusion in a retracted position until activation by magnetic forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If magnetic force is increased to improve attachment strength, then the magnetic locking force improves, but the frictional force resisting shear force is limited by the necessity of limiting the magnetic force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic locking forceVSAvoidresistance to shear force

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism is segmented into two independent components: a magnetic locking system for normal force attachment, and a mechanical protrusion system for shear force resistance. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A retractable protrusion acts as an intermediary mechanical element between the accessory and device. This protrusion engages with a cavity to provide direct mechanical resistance to shear forces, complementing the magnetic attachment system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a retractable protrusion is added to provide shear force resistance, then the resistance to shear force improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to shear forceVSAvoidattachment mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protrusion mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through magnetic forces. When the accessory approaches the device, magnetic attraction automatically extends the protrusion into the cavity without requiring external control systems, motors, or complex actuation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Complex mechanical actuation systems (motors, solenoids, springs with triggers) are replaced by utilizing magnetic forces directly to extend and retract the protrusion. This substitution of magnetic field for mechanical actuation significantly simplifies the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the protrusion is always extended to maximize shear resistance, then the resistance to shear force improves, but the protrusion interferes with operation of the first device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to shear forceVSAvoiddevice operation interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The protrusion transitions from a static always-extended design to a dynamic retracted state, extending only when needed. This dynamic behavior is controlled by magnetic forces that activate the protrusion when the accessory is in proper position, and retract it when the accessory is removed or misplaced.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The protrusion is biased in the retracted position by default to prevent interference with device operation. Magnetic forces from the accessory overcome this bias and extend the protrusion only when the accessory is correctly positioned, providing preliminary protection against operational interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

Enhances the resistance to shear forces, ensuring secure attachment of accessories without compromising the ease of separation, thereby improving the stability and usability of magnetically attached devices.

Implementation Method 1

magnetic forces which originate in either the magnetic fastening system incorporated into the device protected by the case or located in the case itself (preferably in the vicinity of the hole), cause the retractable pin to extend

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

any mechanism which provides such mechanical bias such as a spring may be used

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring mechanism: Spring

Implementation Method 3

The frictional force that resists shearing force is directly proportional to the magnetic force holding the device and the accessory together, as well as the coefficient of friction between the surfaces in contact

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS20240057734A1Mobile device case and mount with magnetic lock

Publication Date: 2024.02.22 SPECULATIVE PROD DESIGN LLC

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a mount featuring one or more sets of embedded magnets which are designed to engage with complimentary sets of magnets disposed either in a protective case for use with the mount, or in a mobile device contained within such a protective case. The mount includes a pin which is magnetically actuated to extend into a hole disposed in the protective case when the case and the mount are brought within a prescribed distance. Thus, the case and the mount “snap together” and are restrained from sliding relative to one another by the pin.