AutoMount V1

thingiverse

My partner recently acquired a new vehicle, and I saw an opportunity to create something unique. The car's touchscreen radio/navigation system hadn't been updated in almost a decade, so we needed a more reliable navigation solution. Additionally, we wanted to install a dashcam to enhance our driving experience. To address these needs, I designed a phone mount for the vehicle that could be easily installed and operated. Since most people rely on Google Maps on their phones anyway, this seemed like the perfect solution. I created a two-segment articulating arm that pivots on a windshield mount, secured firmly in place by three 43mm diameter suction cups. The arm links and pivots are held together with three knurled nuts for added stability. The Phone Latching Plate, which actually holds the phone, is designed to hold devices in landscape orientation using built-in 1.5mm thick tension springs. The spring reliefs and cutouts on the rear of the Phone Latching Plate provide excellent heat ventilation from the mobile device's rear, ensuring that it stays cool even during heavy power usage or charging. These cutouts also allow for camera usage, making a separate dashcam unnecessary. After testing this design for several days, my partner and I are thoroughly satisfied with its performance. Future upgrades may include: * Thicker arm links for added durability * Indexing points on the arm links to simplify positioning * A pivot that enables horizontal rotation of the Phone Latch Plate * Larger diameter knurled nuts to ensure a secure friction hold on the arm links