Morphing Surface Cradle for Adaptive Device Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle storage solutions for keyless entry fobs and smartphones are inadequate, as they require specific placement and do not accommodate varying device sizes effectively, leading to user confusion and inefficient storage and charging options.
Innovation Solution
A morphing surface device cradle with movable projection members that recess or extend to create a pocket for device retention, equipped with sensors and illumination to guide user placement and accommodate different device sizes, and integrated inductive charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated molded pocket or specific pocket is used for key fob storage, then the key fob can be retained securely, but the user experience deteriorates when the battery is low because the user may not be aware of where to place the fob
Solution Approach 1:
The storage surface transitions from a static flat surface to a dynamic morphing surface that automatically forms a pocket when a key fob is placed on it. The projection members move from a retracted position (flat surface) to an extended position (pocket formation), providing visual and tactile feedback to guide user placement while ensuring secure retention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical clamps are used to accommodate cell phones of various sizes, then some devices can be secured, but the device complexity increases and not all sizes are effectively accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The projection members can extend to different positions and heights to accommodate various device sizes. The morphing surface dynamically adjusts the pocket dimensions by controlling the extension distance of projection members, providing adaptability without complex mechanical adjustments.
3Ease of operation
If an open storage tray is used for cell phones, then devices of any size can be placed, but the devices have negligible restraint and may not be securely retained
Solution Approach 1:
The surface transitions from open and flat to enclosed and morphed. When a device is placed on the surface, the projection members automatically extend to form a pocket that provides secure restraint while maintaining ease of placement. The dynamic morphing action occurs automatically in response to device placement.
4Reliability
If multiple separate storage solutions are provided for key fobs and cell phones, then each device type can be optimized, but the overall device complexity and interior space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The morphing surface serves multiple functions: it can form pockets for key fobs, smartphones, or other small devices. The same surface and projection members adapt to different device types and sizes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated storage compartments for each device category.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus comprising two or more projection members movable from at least a first position and a second position and from the second position to the first position, in the first position the projection members are recessed below an auxiliary surface having an outer skin, the projection members projected through the auxiliary surface in the second position, in the second position the projection members stretching the outer skin away from the auxiliary surface and creating a pocket, the pocket configured to retain at least one device therein, the at least one device including at least one of a key fob and cell phone.