Detachable Magnetic Mount With Twist Release for Secure Phone Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for detachably connecting objects, such as phones to vehicles, often require cumbersome and difficult detachment processes, with security being inversely proportional to ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A magnet-based phone mount system utilizing a ferromagnetic backer plate and high-coefficient-of-friction material, combined with a two-stage release mechanism, allows for easy detachment by twisting the phone, leveraging its size as a moment arm to reduce the required force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a secure magnetic connection is made using a magnet-based mounting system, then the attachment strength is improved, but the detachment process becomes difficult or cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system employs a two-stage release mechanism that transitions the magnetic connection from a strongly attached state to a easily detached state. The first stage involves pushing the device to compress the spring and weaken the magnetic hold, while the second stage allows twisting motion for easy release. This dynamic transition resolves the contradiction by making the connection strong during normal use but easy to detach when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the magnetic attachment parameter dynamically through the two-stage mechanism. During normal operation, the spring maintains optimal magnetic compression for strong attachment. During detachment, the push action compresses the spring further to reduce magnetic force, and the twist action repositions the device to break the magnetic connection. This parameter change enables both strong attachment and easy detachment.
2Force
If a clamping device provides a secure connection, then the holding force is improved, but the detachment process requires excessive force or complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is segmented into two distinct stages: a push stage that compresses the spring to weaken the magnetic connection, and a twist stage that rotates the device for easy detachment. This segmentation simplifies the overall detachment process by breaking it into manageable steps, reducing the complexity while maintaining secure holding force during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical clamping mechanisms with a simpler magnetic field-based holding system. The magnet provides secure attachment without requiring complex mechanical interlocks, and the release mechanism uses simple linear spring compression and rotational motion instead of complex mechanical release systems. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining holding force.
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 system provides a secure yet easy detachment process by using the phone as a moment arm to decrease the force needed for decoupling, enhancing user convenience and security.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet-based phone mount system utilizing a ferromagnetic backer plate
Implementation Method 2
The interfacing body that carries the load path has a high coefficient of friction material to maximize shear force
Implementation Method 3
The phone, with a relatively large size, acts as a moment arm to decrease the force required to decouple the phone from the mounting device
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting device for attaching a device to an attachment object, including: a magnet portion on a magnet-retaining portion; a mount-attachment portion configured to attach to the attachment object, the mount-attachment portion including a ring-shaped cam defining a cam surface with a cam profile having a variable height; and a base portion defining a channel for receiving the ring-shaped cam and defining a central opening for receiving the magnet portion, the base portion rotatable relative to the mount-attachment portion and including a grip surface comprising a grip material. The magnet portion is received into the central opening of the base portion, the ring-shaped cam is received into the channel of the base portion, and a first end of the magnet-retaining portion is adjacent to the cam surface. Rotation of the base portion relative to the attachment portion causes an end of the magnet to move away from the grip surface.