Vehicle Surface Electrostatic Adhesion for Secure Item Holding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle interior designs face challenges in securely holding personal items like mobile devices without obstructing the driver's view or causing dashboard discoloration, and existing mobile device holders require additional purchases and may obstruct the view.

Innovation Solution

A system using an electrostatic force generated by an electrode connected to a voltage source within the vehicle structure to adhere objects to various surfaces, including the dashboard, allowing for secure placement without additional holders and minimizing visual obstruction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mobile device holder with adhesion mechanism is used to hold personal belongings, then the ability to securely hold objects is improved, but the driver's view through the windshield is obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to securely hold objectsVSAvoiddriver's view through windshield

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical adhesion mechanisms (suction cups, clips, or adhesive mounts) with an electrostatic adhesion system. The electrode generates an electrostatic field that creates attractive force between the held object and the vehicle surface, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical holders that obstruct the driver's view while maintaining secure object retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a mobile device holder with adhesion mechanism is used to hold personal belongings, then the ability to securely hold objects is improved, but dashboard discoloration occurs at the adhesion location

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to securely hold objectsVSAvoiddashboard discoloration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical adhesion mechanisms that apply localized pressure and cause discoloration with an electrostatic adhesion system. The electrostatic field generates holding force without physical contact or concentrated mechanical stress, preventing dashboard discoloration while maintaining secure object retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of adhesion from mechanical force to electrostatic force. By controlling the voltage applied to the electrode, the system can adjust the electrostatic field strength to provide adequate holding force without the localized pressure that causes dashboard discoloration associated with mechanical adhesion mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional mobile device holders are purchased and installed, then the ability to hold personal belongings is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to hold personal belongingsVSAvoidnumber of additional components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal electrostatic adhesion system that can hold various types of objects (mobile devices, maps, tickets, etc.) without requiring different holders for each item. The electrode can be positioned at multiple locations throughout the vehicle interior, providing versatile object holding capability while reducing the number of separate components needed compared to traditional mechanical holder systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 adhesion of objects to vehicle surfaces without obstructing the driver's view and reduces the risk of dashboard discoloration, providing a convenient and ergonomic solution for holding personal items.

Implementation Method 1

an electric charge having a polarity is produced on the electrode to produce the electrostatic force capable of causing the object to adhere to the surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic force: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentUS11884240B2Using an electrostatic force to cause an object to adhere to a surface of a vehicle

Publication Date: 2024.01.30 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

A system for using an electrostatic force to cause an object to adhere to a surface of a vehicle can include an electrode and a device. The electrode can be configured to be disposed within a structure of the vehicle. The structure can define the surface. A shape of the electrode can define a shape of a region of the surface. The device can be configured to connect the electrode to a voltage source so that, at a time at which the electrode is connected to the voltage source, an electric charge is produced on the electrode to produce the electrostatic force capable of causing the object to adhere to the surface. For example, the surface can include a dashboard, a dashboard vent frame, a sunglasses holder cover, or the like. For example, the object can include a mobile device, a cup, a pair of sunglasses, or the like.