Object retention on interior vehicular components utilizing coded magnets
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorsPaul W. Alexander, Paul E. Krajewski, Roy J. Mathieu, Anthony L. Smith, Nancy L. Johnson, Thomas Wolfgang Nehl, Mark A. Voss, Kevin Krenn
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of and attachment system for securing and manipulating attractive objects upon an interior vehicular surface, utilizing at least one coded magnet to selectively attach/retain the objects, and provide various other functions, including aiding in alignment, orientation, and retrieval of the objects, and activating an associated sub-system.
Claims20
An interior vehicle attachment system adapted to selectively secure an object relative to a surface, such that the object achieves a retained condition, the system comprising:
- an interior vehicular component accessible to an occupant, defining the surface, and including a fixed coded magnet having a fixed plurality of maxels having individual polarities and strengths, and cooperatively emitting a magnetic field profile from the surface;
- and
- a guide configured and positioned to physically engage the object, so as to reduce or eliminate motion by the object in at least one direction;
- wherein:
- the coded magnet and object are cooperatively configured to exert a predetermined force upon the object when the object is brought to a first distance from the coded magnet;
- and
- the guide and fixed coded magnet are cooperatively configured to hold the object in the retained condition.
An interior vehicle attachment system adapted to selectively secure an object relative to a surface, such that the object achieves a retained condition, the system comprising:
- an interior vehicular component accessible to an occupant, defining the surface, and including a fixed coded magnet having a fixed plurality of maxels having individual polarities and strengths, and cooperatively emitting a magnetic field profile from the surface;
- wherein:
- the coded magnet and object are cooperatively configured to exert a predetermined repulsive force upon the object when the object is brought to a first distance greater than zero from the fixed coded magnet;
- and
- the profile and object are cooperatively configured such that the object is caused to hover above the fixed coded magnet when brought to the first distance from the surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.