Magnetic Mounting Accessory With Rotating Arms for Irregular Objects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing accessory devices for electronic devices lack versatility in securely mounting and orienting them on various objects, particularly in accommodating different sizes and shapes, and do not allow for flexible rotation and adjustment.

Innovation Solution

The development of accessory devices with a magnetic assembly and movable arms that can rotate and adjust to securely couple with electronic devices, allowing for 360-degree rotation and flexible positioning on diverse objects, including displays, walls, and other structures, using a combination of magnetic coupling and rotatable arms to form a stable base or conform to object shapes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If accessory devices use fixed mounting structures, then they provide stable support, but they cannot accommodate different sizes and shapes of objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of different sizes and shapesVSAvoidmounting stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The accessory device incorporates movable arms that can rotate and adjust their positions dynamically. The arms are connected through rotatable joints allowing them to adapt to different object geometries while maintaining stable support through magnetic coupling forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting structure is divided into separate modular components including multiple arms that can independently adjust their positions. This segmentation allows each arm to be optimized for specific mounting scenarios while working together to provide stable support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If accessory devices use fixed orientation mounting, then they provide stable support, but they do not allow for flexible rotation and adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation and adjustment flexibilityVSAvoidmounting stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The device enables dynamic orientation adjustment through rotatable arms with multiple degrees of freedom. Users can rotate and reposition the arms to achieve desired device orientations while the magnetic assembly maintains stable coupling throughout the adjustment range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system allows continuous variation of geometric parameters including arm angles, rotation positions, and device orientation. These parameter changes enable adaptation to different viewing angles and mounting configurations while maintaining structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If accessory devices use simple attachment mechanisms, then they are easy to manufacture, but they lack versatility in securely mounting on various objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting versatilityVSAvoidattachment mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device replaces complex mechanical fastening systems with a magnetic coupling mechanism. The magnetic assembly provides secure attachment through magnetic attraction forces, eliminating the need for screws, clips, or other mechanical fasteners while maintaining strong holding capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic assembly serves multiple functions including attachment, orientation control, and position adjustment. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for separate specialized components for each mounting task, simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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, stable, and adjustable mounting of electronic devices on various objects, allowing for hands-free operation and orientation of cameras or displays, while maintaining balance and flexibility in accommodating different sizes and shapes.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic assembly that includes one or more magnets for magnetically coupling to an electronic device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS20240401738A1Accessory devices for securing electronic devices to various structures

Publication Date: 2024.12.05 APPLE INC

AI summary

An accessory device is designed to hold, by magnetic coupling, an electronic device and adjust one or more arms to support the electronic device on various objects. In one or more implementations, an accessory device includes one or more arms, each of which being capable of relative movement with each other. The arms of the accessory device can be moved to conform to the size, shape, and perimeter of various objects, thus allowing the accessory device to mount the electronic device on various objects. Moreover, once mounted on the object, the accessory device can further orient the electronic device such that either the camera(s) on the back of the electronic device faces a user (of the electronic device) or the display of the electronic device faces the user.