Magnetic Phone Mount Insert and Locking Jaws for One-Handed Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile device mounting systems require manual effort and complexity for secure attachment and detachment, often lacking ease of use and versatility across different surfaces and orientations.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system comprising a device case with magnetic elements and a mount featuring a polygonal boss and locking jaws, allowing for quick, one-handed attachment and detachment by magnetic coupling and mechanical retention, with optional inductive charging and various configurations for diverse applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual mounting systems are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring two hands and complex procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical mounting systems (screws, clips, adhesives) with a magnetic mounting system. The magnetic elements provide secure attachment through magnetic attraction forces while allowing easy one-handed operation. The magnetic force can be sufficiently strong to hold the device securely yet can be easily overcome by deliberate user action, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic mounting system is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. When the device case with magnetic elements is brought near the mount with magnetic elements, the magnetic attraction automatically pulls them together and secures the attachment without requiring manual alignment or complex manipulation procedures. This self-service characteristic improves ease of operation while maintaining reliable attachment.
2Device complexity
If traditional mounting systems are used, then attachment is achieved, but device complexity increases due to multiple components and mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mounting function from complex mechanical systems and implements it through a simplified magnetic element-based system. Instead of using multiple mechanical components (screws, springs, clips, adjustment mechanisms), the invention uses magnetic elements that provide attachment through magnetic attraction alone. This extraction of the mounting function to a simpler magnetic system reduces device complexity while maintaining or improving attachment reliability.
3Ease of operation
If magnetic elements are added to device case and mount, then ease of operation improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic elements serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide secure attachment through magnetic attraction, enable easy one-handed operation and detachment, and can be integrated into existing device case and mount manufacturing processes. The use of magnetic elements as a universal solution for mounting various devices reduces overall manufacturing complexity compared to device-specific mechanical mounting mechanisms.
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, easy, and versatile mounting of mobile devices on various surfaces with single-handed operation, maintaining device orientation and providing inductive charging, enhancing user convenience and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a second set of magnetic elements arranged in a second pattern about the polygonal boss and configured to transiently couple to the first set of magnetic elements to align the polygonal boss with the rectangular bore of the insert of the device case, to transiently retain the mount against a rear face of the device case
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device mounting system includes a device case and a mount. The device case includes: an insert including a rectangular bore and defining a set of undercut sections about the rectangular bore; and a first set of magnetic elements arranged in a first pattern about the rectangular bore. The mount includes: a body; a polygonal boss extending from the body and configured to insert into the rectangular bore; a set of locking jaws arranged on the polygonal boss configured to transiently mate with the set of undercut sections to constrain the polygonal boss within the rectangular bore; and a second set of magnetic elements arranged in a second pattern about the polygonal boss and configured to transiently couple to the first set of magnetic elements to transiently retain the mount against the device case and to drive the set of locking jaws toward the set of undercut sections.