Phone Case Mount With Ring Magnets and Interlocking Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting arrangements for handheld electronic devices lack ease and security, necessitating improved solutions for secure and convenient attachment to various surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A case for handheld electronic devices featuring an outer shell with embedded annular ring magnets and alignment magnets, allowing for secure attachment to surfaces through magnetic and interlocking mechanisms, along with optional grip surfaces for added stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional mounting arrangements are used, then the device can be mounted to surfaces, but the attachment and detachment process requires two hands and is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical mounting systems (screws, clips, adhesives) with a magnetic mounting system. The magnet embedded in the case back wall provides secure attachment to magnetic surfaces through magnetic attraction, while allowing easy one-handed detachment by simply pulling the device away. This substitution of mechanical fastening with magnetic force directly resolves the contradiction by enabling secure mounting that is both strong and easily operable with one hand.
2Ease of operation
If magnetic mounting is implemented, then single-handed operation is enabled, but the magnetic component adds complexity to the case structure
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet is embedded within a cavity in the case back wall, nesting the magnetic component inside the case structure rather than attaching it externally. This nesting approach integrates the magnet into the existing case geometry, minimizing additional complexity while enabling the magnetic mounting function. The cavity houses the magnet securely and allows for clean integration with the case's interlocking members and other features.
3Reliability
If a thick magnet is used to ensure strong magnetic hold, then attachment security is improved, but the case thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies a magnet thickness of at least 2.0 mm, which is a carefully selected parameter that balances magnetic strength with case thickness constraints. This parameter change ensures sufficient magnetic attraction force for secure attachment while maintaining a practical and compact case profile. The thickness parameter is optimized to provide reliable mounting without excessive bulk.
4Reliability
If multiple mounting mechanisms are combined (magnetic and interlocking), then mounting reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines magnetic mounting and mechanical interlocking mounting mechanisms into a single integrated case design. The magnet provides continuous background holding force, while the interlocking members engage with corresponding features on mounting surfaces for additional mechanical security. This merging of two mounting approaches creates a redundant system where both mechanisms work together to enhance overall mounting reliability without requiring separate independent systems.
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, single-handed attachment and detachment of electronic devices to various surfaces, providing protection and convenience in active environments.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet positioned on or embedded in the outer shell
Implementation Method 2
The one or more grip surfaces are configured to frictionally engage a structure
Data Source
AI summary
A case for a handheld electronic device includes one or more shell portions, a plurality of magnets, an opening through a rear exterior wall of the one or more shell portions, and an alignment magnet. The one or more shell portions can be configured to interlock and encase the handheld electronic device. The plurality of magnets can be positioned on or within the rear exterior wall. The opening can comprise a plurality of radial tabs and be configured to interlock with an interlocking device. The alignment magnet can be oriented radially relative to the plurality of magnets.