Magnetic Vehicle Mount With Adaptive Hold and Easy Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for securing devices in vehicles lack effective and user-friendly methods to hold and release devices securely, especially during vehicle dynamics and varying user interactions.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing magnets and attraction plates, where one magnet or plate is mechanically coupled to the vehicle and the other to the device, with electropermanent magnets providing secure holding and automatic activation upon device detection, and sensors for authorized recognition and user intent-based release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a magnet is used to securely hold the device during vehicle dynamics, then the holding force is improved, but the device becomes difficult for the user to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet transitions from a static holding mechanism to a dynamic one by selectively activating different sets of magnets based on detected conditions. The system dynamically adjusts holding force by activating high-strength magnets during vehicle dynamics (detected via accelerometers or user absence) and deactivating them when conditions are stable, allowing easy removal while maintaining secure holding when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the magnetic field strength parameter dynamically by selectively activating different sets of magnets. The first set of magnets provides a first strength for normal holding, while the second set provides a greater second strength for secure holding during dynamics. This parameter change allows the system to adapt holding force to operational conditions.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are used to detect user intent and authorized devices, then the reliability of device recognition is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is segmented into multiple independent detection functions: optical sensors for visual recognition, Hall effect sensors for magnetic field detection, accelerometers for motion detection, and capacitive sensors for touch detection. Each sensor type handles a specific aspect of user intent or device authorization, dividing the complex recognition task into manageable segments that can be processed independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed with multi-functionality where the same sensor array serves multiple purposes: optical sensors identify authorized devices, Hall effect sensors detect magnetic attraction plates, accelerometers monitor vehicle dynamics, and capacitive sensors sense user touch. This universal sensor platform reduces overall system complexity by using a unified detection architecture for diverse functions.
3Ease of operation
If the magnet is activated automatically upon device detection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous activation, the magnet system uses periodic action by activating magnets only when specifically triggered by sensor detection. The system periodically checks for device presence using low-power sensors and activates the magnetic field only when an authorized device is detected, rather than maintaining continuous magnetic activation. This on-demand periodic activation reduces energy consumption while maintaining ease of operation.
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 ensures secure holding and easy release of devices, providing active feedback and adaptability to user interactions and vehicle conditions, enhancing user experience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The magnet is selectively activated to hold the attraction plate and, thereby, secure the user device to the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
the magnet is an electropermanent magnet
Implementation Method 3
The holding device may include at least one of an optical sensor or a Hall effect sensor to detect the user device
Data Source
AI summary
A system for securing a user device to a body includes a magnet and an attraction plate. One of the magnet or the attraction plate is mechanically coupled to the body, and the other of the magnet or the attraction plate is mechanically coupled to the user device. The magnet is selectively activated to hold the attraction plate and, thereby, secure the user device to the body.