Patent Publication Number: US-2022214010-A1

Title: Mobile device mounting system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/945,687, filed on 31 Jul. 2020, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/881,217, filed on 31 Jul. 2019, which is incorporated in its entirety by this reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates generally to the field of mobile device accessories and more specifically to a new and useful mounting system in the field of mobile device accessories. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic representation of a mounting system; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic representation of the mounting system; 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  are schematic representations of the mounting system; 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  are schematic representations of the mounting system; 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are schematic representations of the mounting system; 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  are schematic representations of the mounting system; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic representation of the mounting system; and 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  are schematic representations of the mounting system. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     The following description of the embodiments of the invention is not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments but rather to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use this invention. 
     1. Mounting System 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-6B , a mounting system  100  includes a device case  110  and a mount  120 . The device case  110  includes: an insert  112  including a rectangular bore  114  and defining a set of undercut sections  116  about the rectangular bore  114 ; and a first set of magnetic elements  118  arranged in a first pattern about the rectangular bore  114 . The mount  120  includes: a body  122 ; a polygonal boss  124  extending from the inner face  123  of the body  122  and configured to insert into the rectangular bore  114  of the device case  110 ; a set of locking jaws  126  arranged on the polygonal boss  124  configured to transiently mate with the set of undercut sections  116  to constrain the polygonal boss  124  within the rectangular bore  114 ; a second set of magnetic elements  128  arranged in a second pattern about the polygonal boss  124  and configured to transiently couple to the first set of magnetic elements  118  of the device case  110  to align the polygonal boss  124  with the rectangular bore  114  of the insert  112  of the device case  110 , to transiently retain the mount  120  against a rear face of the device case  110 , and to draw the set of locking jaws  126  toward the set of undercut sections  116  of the insert  112 ; and a locking control  130  configured to trigger a subset of locking jaws  126  (e.g., one of two locking jaws  126  or both of two locking jaws  126 ), in the set of locking jaws  126 , to decouple from a subset of undercut sections  116 , in the set of undercut sections  116  responsive to compression. 
     In one variation, as shown in  FIGS. 1-7 , the mounting system  100  includes a device case  110  and a mount  120 . The device case  110  includes: an insert  112  comprising a rectangular bore  114 ; and a first set of magnetic elements  118  arranged in a first pattern about the rectangular bore  114 . The mount  120  includes: a body  122 ; a polygonal boss  124  extending from an inner face  123  of the body  122 , configured to insert into the rectangular bore  114 , and configured to constrain the mount  120  in rotation about the device case  110 ; a second set of magnetic elements  128  arranged in a second pattern about the polygonal boss  124  and configured to transiently couple to the first set of magnetic elements  118  of the device case  110  to align the polygonal boss  124  with the rectangular bore  114  of the insert  112  of the device case  110  and to transiently retain the mount  120  against a rear face of the device case  110 . In this variation, the mount  120  further includes a charging element  150 : housed within the body  122 ; inset from the second set of magnetic elements  128 ; and configured to inductively charge a device installed within the device case  110 . 
     In one variation, as shown in  FIGS. 1-6B , the mounting system  100  includes: a device case  110 ; a first mount  120 ; and a second mount  120 . The device case  110  includes: an insert  112  comprising a rectangular bore  114 ; and a first set of magnetic elements  118  arranged in a first pattern about the rectangular bore  114 . The first mount  120  includes: a first body  122 ; a first polygonal boss  124  extending from a first inner face  123  of the first body  122  and configured to insert into the rectangular bore  114 ; a second set of magnetic elements  128  arranged in a second pattern about the first polygonal boss  124  and configured to transiently couple to the first set of magnetic elements  118  of the device case  110  to retain the first polygonal boss  124  with the insert  112  of the device case  110 ; and a first backing coupled to the first body  122  opposite the first polygonal boss  124  configured to affix the first mount  120  to a first surface. The second mount  120  includes: a second body  122 ; second polygonal boss  124  extending from a second inner face  123  of the second body  122  and configured to insert into the rectangular bore  114 ; a third set of magnetic elements arranged in a third pattern about the second polygonal boss  124  and configured to transiently couple to the first set of magnetic elements  118  of the device case  110  to retain the second polygonal boss  124  with the insert  112  of the device case  110 ; and a second backing couple to the second body  122  opposite the second polygonal boss  124  configured to affix the second mount  120  to a wallet. 
     2. Applications 
     Generally, the mounting system  100  includes a device case  110  and a mount  120  configured to transiently engage and retain the device case  110 . The device case  110  includes: an insert  112  defining a set of undercut sections  116  arranged about a rectangular bore  114  and configured to receive a set of locking jaws  126  from the mount  120 ; a first set of magnetic elements  118  arranged about the rectangular bore  114  and positioned to guide the device case  110  into a locking arrangement with a mount  120 ; all of which cooperate with features of the mount  120  to enable a user to quickly locate and passively lock (e.g., without manually screwing, tightening, etc.) the device case  110  onto the mount  120  with a single hand and in a single motion. More specifically, the mount  120  includes: a second set of magnetic elements  128  configured to transiently magnetically couple to the first set of magnetic elements  118  of the device case  110 ; and a set of sprung mechanical jaws  126  configured to cooperate with the set of undercut sections  116  to constrain rotation of the device case  110  relative the mount  120  in order to—complementary to the magnetic locking force between the first set of magnetic elements  118  and the second set of magnetic elements  128 —mechanically secure the device case  110  to the mount  120  without necessitating manual tightening or locking by the user. 
     For example, the insert  112  can be formed of a rigid, substantially non-conductive material (e.g., a non-magnetic ceramic) to define a thin structure (e.g., three millimeters or less) that is (or can be) integrated into a backing plate of a mobile device case  110 . The insert  112  also includes: a rectangular bore  114  that defines a set of undercut sections  116  about the rectangular bore  114 ; and a first set of magnetic elements  118  (e.g., neodymium magnets, ceramic magnets, ferrite magnets, electromagnets, ferrous elements, correlated magnets) arranged about the rectangular bore  114  in a first pattern with rotational symmetry of order “four.” The mount  120  can include a second set of magnetic elements  128  in a similar pattern and configured to magnetically couple to the first set of magnetic elements  118  in the device case  110  in order to draw the device case  110  toward the mount  120  while orienting the device case  110  relative to the mount  120  in one of four orientations (e.g., portrait, landscape, portrait-inverted, landscape-inverted). The mount  120  also includes a set of locking jaws  126  inset from the magnetic elements, configured to engage the undercut sections  116  of the device case  110 , and sprung in order to apply a lateral force against the undercut sections  116  and thus mechanically retain the device case  110  against the mount  120 . Furthermore, the first set of magnetic elements  118  of the insert  112  and the second set of magnetic elements  128  of the mount  120  are sized to yield a magnetic force that: orients the insert  112  relative to the mount  120  to align undercut sections  116  of the insert  112  to the set of locking jaws  126  of the mount  120 ; engages the undercut sections  116  of the insert  112  against inclined surfaces on the set of locking jaws  126 ; and draws the insert  112  toward the mount  120  to drive the inclined surfaces on the set of locking jaws  126  along the undercut sections  116 , thereby overcoming a spring force on the set of locking jaws  126  and displacing the set of locking jaws  126  around and behind the undercut sections  116 . A spring element inside the mount  120  then drives set of locking jaws  126  outwardly behind the undercut sections  116  to engage and mechanically retain the insert  112 —and thus the device case  110 . 
     Therefore, the mounting system  100  can enable a user to locate the device case  110  near the mount  120 , orient the device case  110  relative to the mount  120 , and mechanically (i.e., robustly) latch the device case  110  to the mount  120  with a single hand and in a single motion. 
     Furthermore, in one variation, the mount  120  can include an ejector configured to simultaneously release the set of locking jaws  126  from adjacent undercut sections  116  and to lift or pivot a portion of the insert  112  off of the mount  120 , thereby: separating a first set of magnetic elements  118  in the insert  112  from adjacent magnetic elements in the mount  120 ; reducing magnetic coupling (or a “magnetic holding force”) between the insert  112  and the mount  120 ; and enabling manual retrieval of the device case  110  from the mount  120 . For example, the ejector can include a lever or pushbutton extending laterally from the mount  120  such that the ejector is immediately accessible to a user&#39;s forefinger when the user grasps a mobile device coupled to the device case  110 , thereby enabling the user to access the ejector, trigger the ejector to disengage the mount  120  from the device case  110 , and remove the mobile device and device case  110  from the mount  120  in a single motion, with a single hand, and without looking directly at the mounting system  100 . 
     The device case  110  can interface with a suite of mounts  120  assembled in various configurations and configured to affix to various object or surface types, such as: a vehicle air vent; a vehicle dashboard; a bicycle frame; bicycle or motorcycle handlebars; a stroller; a golf cart; a wall; a desk; a table; an armband; a belt; a waistband; a wallet; or a tripod. Therefore, a user may: install a suite of such mounts  120  in common mobile device locations; install her smartphone (or tablet or other mobile device) in the mounts  120 ; and thus seamlessly transition her smartphone between these mounts  120  in these common mobile device locations. 
     3. Example Applications 
     In one example, a user may: acquire an instance of the device case  110 ; install her smartphone in the device case  110 ; acquire a set of mounts  120 —such as in multiple configurations and/or with the same or different emplacement mechanisms  140 ; and install or locate these instances of the mount  120  in various home, office, vehicle, and personal spaces (e.g., in her personal vehicle, over a food preparation area in her kitchen, on handlebars of her bicycle, on her office desk, on her nightstand, on her messenger bag, with her workout gear). During various activities or actions (e.g., driving, cooking, cycling, working, sleeping, traveling, exercising), the user may place the device case  110  on a nearby or corresponding mount  120  in order to reliably and robustly locate her mobile device in the user&#39;s preferred mobile device orientation (e.g., portrait, landscape) for this activity or action. 
     In this example, the user may—upon leaving work at the end of the day—bring the device case  110  near the mount  120  affixed to the strap of her messenger bag strap until the first set of magnetic elements  118 : engages with the magnetic elements of the mount  120  to automatically align the undercut sections  116  of her device case  110  to the set of locking jaws  126  of her bag-strap mount  120  (e.g., in a portrait orientation in line with the bag strap); and drives the locking jaws of the mount  120  into the rectangular bore  114  of the device case  110  to fully lock the mobile phone in place. Upon feeling the locking jaws automatically click shut—securing the mobile phone to the mount  120 —the user may let go of the mobile phone and walk confidently to a nearby networking event where she can then reach with one hand to remove the phone from the bag-strap mount  120  by feeling behind the device case  110  to engage the ejector with one finger while simultaneously pulling the device case  110  off of the bag-strap mount  120 . The user may then orient her phone to landscape mode; write her name in a drawing app; and snap her phone back into her bag-strap mount  120 —the phone in landscape mode—to use her mobile phone as a name-tag during the event. 
     Later, the user may walk to her bicycle; remove her mobile phone from her bag-strap mount  120 ; and place her mobile phone onto her bicycle&#39;s handlebar mount  120 , where the device case  110  can automatically align to the magnetic elements of the bicycle mount  120  and automatically lock into place with the locking jaws of the bicycle mount  120 . Upon arriving home, the user may: remove the mobile phone from the bicycle mount  120  with one hand; walk into her apartment; bring up a recipe for her dinner on her mobile phone; and place her mobile phone onto her wall mount  120  in her kitchen. The user may then remove the mobile phone from her wall mount  120  and place her larger tablet mobile device—also equipped with tablet case including an insert  112  and a first set of magnetic elements  118 —onto the same wall mount  120  such that the first set of magnetic elements  118  of the tablet case engage with the magnetic elements of the wall mount  120  to automatically align the tablet into a landscape orientation and automatically lock that tablet in place with the set of locking jaws  126 . The user may then watch a video playing on the larger tablet mobile device locked into the wall mount  120  and—when the video is finished—engage an ejector extension integrated into the tablet case to mechanically actuate the ejector of the wall mount  120  to remove the tablet mobile device with a single motion and a single hand. 
     The user may then: place the mobile phone on her vehicle mount  120  as she drives to the store; remove the mobile phone from her vehicle mount  120 ; attach her mobile phone to her armband mount  120  as she shops; remove her mobile phone from her armband to wave her mobile phone at a touchless payment kiosk to enable a financial transaction via her mobile phone; and replace the mobile phone onto her armband mount  120  all while using only one hand. 
     4. Device Case 
     The mounting system  100  includes a device case  110  configured to accept and retain a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet, a smartwatch). Generally, the device case  110  includes: an insert  112  integrated into the device case  110  and defining a rectangular bore  114 ; and a first set of magnetic elements  118  arranged about the rectangular bore  114  configured to transiently couple to a second set of magnetic elements  128  of a mount  120 . The device case  110  can be configured to accept and retain the mobile device within a cavity on an interior face of the device case  110  and retain a boss of the mount  120  within the rectangular bore  114  on an exterior face of the device case  110 , such that a user may couple her mobile device, within the device case  110 , to the mount  120  in order to affix her mobile device to a particular surface and continue viewing and/or interacting with a display of the mobile device. 
     In one implementation, the device case  110  includes a polymer housing configured to accept and retain the mobile device and a non-polymer insert  112  configured to transiently couple with a mount  120 . The device case  110  can be machined such that the non-polymer insert  112  is securely attached to the polymer housing, such that the insert  112  can support both the polymer housing and a mobile device retained within the polymer housing when coupled to a mount  120 . For example, the device case  110  can be machined via bonding the non-polymer insert  112  to the polymer housing. In another example, the device case  110  can be machined via press-fitting the insert  112  into the polymer housing. 
     4.1 Insert 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the device case  110  includes an insert  112  configured to couple the device case  110  with the mount  120 . The insert  112  includes a rectangular bore  114  configured to accept the polygonal boss  124  of the mount  120  and defines a set of undercut sections  116  about the rectangular bore  114 . Generally, the insert  112  can be formed of a rigid non-magnetic material, such as machined titanium, sintered ceramic, or tungsten carbide. In one implementation, the insert  112  includes a rigid plate formed of a substantially non-magnetic (e.g., non-conductive) material (e.g., a non-magnetic ceramic, aluminum, alumina, titanium, carbon fiber, fiberglass, polymers, reinforced polymers, composites, etc.). The insert  112  can include this rigid plate in order to enable coupling of the insert  112  to the mount  120  while supporting both the device case  110  and a mobile device retained within the device case  110 . In one implementation, the device case  110  includes: a polymer housing configured to accept and retain the mobile device; and an insert  112  including a ceramic structure (e.g., a ceramic rigid plate). Further, by including an insert  112  of a non-magnetic material, the first set of magnetic elements  118  of the device case  110  can couple to the second set of magnetic elements  128  of the mount  120  without interference by the insert  112 , thus enabling the insert  112  to properly align with the mount  120  (e.g., the polygonal boss  124  of the mount  120 ). 
     The insert  112  defines an outer surface—configured to mate with the mount  120 —that is substantially flush with a back surface of the device case  110 . For example, the device case  110  can define a thickness of a back surface of the device case  110 , the back surface defining an inner wall configured to couple with a mobile device and an outer wall opposite the inner wall. The insert  112  can be configured such that the outer surface of the insert  112  falls within a threshold distance of the inner wall of the back surface of the device case  110  corresponding to the thickness of the back surface. In this example, the user may remove her mobile phone—housed within the device case  110 —from her pocket in a single swift motion without the device case  110  and/or insert  112  snagging on fabric in her pocket. In one variation, the insert  112  defines a thickness approximating a thickness of the back surface of the device case  110  (e.g., less than three millimeters, less than five millimeters, etc.). In this variation, the device case  110  can exhibit a consistent thickness across the back surface—including across an area corresponding to the insert  112 —while the insert  112  is sufficiently strong to couple to the mount  120  and support a mobile device housed within the device case  110 . 
     4.1.1 Undercut Sections of the Insert 
     The insert  112  also defines a rectangular bore  114  (or recess, cavity, etc.) that forms a set of undercut sections  116 . Each undercut section defines an undercut bevel that forms an angle offset from the insert  112  (e.g., 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees). Generally, the set of undercut sections  116  can be configured to engage locking jaws of the mount  120  in order to mechanically retain the insert  112 —and therefore the device case  110  contained therein—to the mount  120 . 
     In one implementation, the rectangular bore  114  exhibits rotational symmetry of order four (i.e., is symmetric about a horizontal axis, a vertical axis, and orthogonal diagonal axes) such that rectangular bore  114   s  of the insert  112  can set over locking jaws of the mount  120  in four discrete, 90-degree-offset orientations, such as including portrait, landscape, portrait-inverted, and landscape-inverted orientations. For example, the rectangular bore  114  can define a square opening with filleted (i.e., internally-radiused) corners to form a “superellipse” or “squircle.” 
     In another implementation, the rectangular bore  114  can exhibit a rectangular, hexagonal, circular, or other geometry—such as with stops or locating features—characterized by a limited number of rotation orders of symmetry that enable the rectangular bore  114  to be set around the locking jaws of the mount  120  in a small number of discrete orientations, such as landscape and portrait orientations parallel to primary axes of a display of a mobile device installed in the device case  110 . 
     4.2 Magnetic Elements of the Device Case 
     The device case  110  can include a first set of magnetic elements  118  (e.g., a set of four magnetic elements or Halbach arrays) arranged in a pattern—relative to the rectangular bore  114  of the insert  112 . Furthermore, the pattern of first set of magnetic elements  118  in the device case  110  can be substantially identical to a pattern of a second set of magnetic elements  128  (e.g., passive magnetics/ferrous elements, active magnetics/first set of magnetic elements  118 , etc.) within the mount  120  such that the first set of magnetic elements  118  in the device case  110  magnetically couple to the second set of magnetic elements  128  in the mount  120  in each of the orientations supported by the rectangular bore  114  of the insert  112  and a polygonal boss  124  of the mount  120 . 
     Generally, the first set of magnetic elements  118  can apply a magnetic force to the set of magnetic elements on the mount  120  to automatically align the device case  110  to a nearest orientation relative to the mount  120  when the device case  110  is brought near the mount  120 . For example, the first set of magnetic elements  118  can apply a magnetic force to the magnetic elements of the mount  120  to align the set of undercut sections  116  of the rectangular bore  114  of the device case  110  to the set of locking jaws  126  of the mount  120  to drive the set of locking jaws  126  into the rectangular bore  114 , thereby enabling the locking jaws to mechanically engage the undercut sections  116  and thus retain the device case  110  against the mount  120 . 
     In one implementation shown in  FIGS. 1, 3A, 4A, and 4B , the insert  112  defines a square external section with chamfered corners and is molded, bonded, or mechanically fastened to an opening in the back side of the device case  110 . In this implementation, a first set of magnetic elements  118  are molded or bonded into the back side of the device case  110  proximal and offset from each chamfered corner of the insert  112  such that the insert  112  minimally interferes with (e.g., minimally shields) a magnetic field of these first set of magnetic elements  118 . Alternatively, the insert  112  can be formed of a non-conductive material (e.g., non-magnetic)—such as a cast, machined, or sintered ceramic—and first set of magnetic elements  118  can be potted or bonded into bores across the insert  112  (or across an inner face of the insert  112 ). In another alternative, the first set of magnetic elements  118  can be overmolded in the case (e.g., coplanar with the case). 
     In one implementation, the first set of magnetic elements  118  can include a single magnetic element embedded within one side of the insert  112 . The single magnetic element can engage with a single magnetic element positioned on a first side of a mount  120 , the first side including an operable locking jaw. The single magnetic element can define a substantially rectangular profile and extend the length of the first side of the mount  120  to magnetically couple with a similarly sized magnetic element in the first side, such that the single magnetic element can apply a magnetic force along the entirety of the first side of the mount  120  to fix the device case  110  to the mount  120 . In another implementation, the single magnetic element can engage with each of a set of magnetic elements of the mount  120 , such that the device case  110  can affix to the mount  120  in multiple orientations. By including a single magnetic element instead of multiple magnetic elements, a manufacturer can produce the device case  110  with fewer parts (e.g., fewer magnets), fewer production costs (e.g., material costs for the magnets, assembly stations), and fewer steps (e.g., placing additional magnets, orienting each additional magnet according to polarity). 
     In another implementation, the first set of magnetic elements  118  can include two magnetic elements  118  embedded within the insert  112 . The two magnetic elements  118  can be arranged within undercut sections  116  on opposite sides of the insert  112  (or on adjacent sides of the insert  112 ) to engage with two magnetic elements  128  in a complementary arrangement on the mount  120 . The two magnetic elements  118  can further define a set of device case  110  orientations with respect to the mount  120  by defining a second magnetic anchor point for each orientation. In yet another implementation, the first set of magnetic elements  118  can include four magnets embedded at each corner of an insert  112  forming a rounded square to apply a magnetic force at each corner of the insert  112  to reduce jostling and vibration of the device case  110 . 
     In one example, the first set of magnetic elements  118  can include a set of linear Halbach arrays (e.g., wherein each magnet in each linear Halbach array exhibits a polarity distinct from any adjacent magnet in the array to nearly cancel the magnetic field on a first side and to amplify the magnetic field on a side opposite the first side) arranged around the inner bore. The amplified magnetic field can increase magnetic coupling of the first set of magnetic elements  118  with the magnetic elements in the mount  120  while reducing magnetic interference with the mobile phone. 
     In one variation, the device case  110  (or the mount  120 ) includes a set of electromagnets in place of the first set of magnetic elements  118  (or in place of the set of magnetic elements) described above. In this variation, the device case  110  (or the mount  120 ) can selectively activate the set of electromagnets responsive to detected proximity of the mount  120  (or vice versa) in order to guide the device case  110  onto the mount  120  and otherwise remain inactive, such as to avoid interfering with items susceptible to magnetic interference (e.g., magnetic strips on credit cards, hotel keycards). In another implementation, the device case  110  can deactivate the electromagnets responsive to electrical contact between the insert  112  and the mount  120  in order to avoid interference with wireless charging while the device case  110  is docked in the mount  120  proximal or including a wireless charging circuit. 
     5. Mount 
     The mount  120  includes: the body  122  including the inner face  123  configured to mate with a rear face of the device case  110 ; a polygonal boss  124  extending from the inner face  123  of the body  122  and configured to insert into the rectangular bore  114  of the device case  110 ; a set of locking jaws  126  arranged on the polygonal boss  124  and configured to transiently mate with the set of undercut sections  116  of the insert  112  of the device case  110 ; and a second set of magnetic elements  128  arranged about the polygonal boss  124  in a second pattern and configured to transiently couple to the first set of magnetic elements  118  of the device case  110  to align the polygonal boss  124  with the rectangular bore  114  of the insert  112  of the device case  110 , to transiently retain the mount  120  against a rear face of the device case  110 , and to drive the set of locking jaws  126  toward the set of undercut sections  116  of the insert  112 . 
     The mount  120  can also include a spring configured to drive the set of locking jaws  126  into a closed position to mechanically engage the (subset of) undercut sections  116  and thus transiently retain the mount  120  against the rear face of the device case  110 . The mount  120  can further include a locking control  130  manually operable to release all or a subset of the locking jaws from adjacent undercut sections  116  in the insert  112 . 
     The mount  120  can be assembled in multiple configurations, as further described below. For example, a mount  120  in a first configuration can be configured to mount a device to a bicycle handlebar. Alternatively, a mount  120  in a second configuration can be configured to mount a device to a wall. 
     5.1 Polygonal Boss 
     The mount  120  includes a polygonal boss  124  extending from the inner face  123  of the body  122  of the mount  120  and configured to insert into the rectangular bore  114  of the device case  110 . The polygonal boss  124  can be configured to fit into the rectangular bore  114  to couple the mount  120  with the device case  110  and thus constrain movement of the polygonal boss  124  within a plane defined by the polygonal boss  124  relative to the device case  110  and constrain rotation of the mount  120  relative to the device case  110 . 
     In one implementation, the mount  120  includes the polygonal boss  124  defining a square cross-section with radiused corners. In this implementation, the device case  110  can include the insert  112  defining the rectangular bore  114  defining a square frustrum tapering inwardly toward the rear face of the device case  110  and comprising radiused corners. The polygonal boss  124  with square cross-section and radiused corners can therefore insert into the rectangular bore  114  defining the square frustrum to couple the device case  110  with the mount  120 . 
     In one variation, the mount  120  includes an elastic guard  125  arranged about the polygonal boss  124  and configured to abut surfaces of the polygonal boss  124  to surfaces of the insert  112  (in order to stabilize the polygonal boss  124  within the insert  112 . By abutting surfaces of the polygonal boss  124  and the insert  112  and thus eliminating gaps between these surfaces, the elastic guard  125  can prevent wear and tear on the polygonal boss  124  and the insert  112  by limiting movement (e.g., rattle) of the polygonal boss  124  and the insert  112  when coupled and limiting grinding of the polygonal boss  124  and insert  112  against one another. Further, the elastic guard  125  can limit noise generated by movement of the polygonal boss  124  within the insert  112 . For example, the mount  120  can include a rubber guard arranged about a perimeter of the polygonal boss  124  configured to fill any gaps between the polygonal boss  124  of the mount  120  and the insert  112  of the device case  110  when the mount  120  and device case  110  are coupled. When a user couples her mobile device to a mount  120  in her car, the rubber guard  125  around the polygonal boss  124  can prevent noise generation caused by the polygonal boss  124  rattling within the rectangular bore  114  of the insert  112  while the user drives her car. In another example, the mount  120  includes a rubber landing pad arranged about the polygonal boss on the inner face  123  of the body  122  configured to abut surfaces of the polygonal boss  124  and the inner face  123  of the body  122  to surfaces of the device case  110 , including surfaces of the insert  112 . 
     5.1.1 Square Boss 
     In one implementation, the mount  120  includes a polygonal boss  124  defining a square cross-section with radiused corners. In this implementation, the device case  110  can include an insert  112  defining a rectangular bore  114  defining a square frustrum including radiused corners. The polygonal boss  124  with square cross-section (or “square boss”) can be configured to define a cross-sectional area approximately equivalent or slightly less than a cross-sectional area of an outer face of the rectangular bore  114  of the insert  112 , the outer face bordered by a lip of the rectangular bore  114  and corresponding to a smallest cross-section of the rectangular bore  114 , such that the square boss can insert into and fit within the rectangular bore  114  with minimal gaps between the square boss and the outer face of the rectangular bore  114 . The square boss can therefore insert into the rectangular bore  114  defining the square frustrum to couple the device case  110  with the mount  120  and constrain rotation of the device relative to the mount  120 . This square boss can constrain rotation of the mount  120  relative to the device case  110  when inserted into the rectangular bore  114  of the insert  112  of the device case  110 . However, the square boss does not constrain lateral translation of the mount  120  outward from the device case  110 . Therefore, in one configuration, the mount  120  includes a set of locking jaws  126  arranged on the square boss in order to constrain lateral translation of the mount  120  outward from the device case  110 . 
     5.1.2 Octagonal Boss 
     In one implementation, the mount  120  includes a polygonal boss  124  defining an octagonal cross-section. In this implementation, the device case  110  can include an insert  112  defining the rectangular bore  114  defining a square frustrum tapering inwardly toward the rear face of the device case  110 , such that the insert  112  defines a set of undercut sections  116  about the rectangular bore  114 . The polygonal boss  124  with octagonal cross-section (or “octagonal boss”) can: be configured to insert into the rectangular bore  114  of the insert  112  of the device case  110  in a first orientation and rotate to a second orientation to lock the octagonal boss within the rectangular bore  114 ; define a set of non-beveled faces (e.g., 4 non-beveled faces) approximately perpendicular to the device case  110 ; and define a set of beveled faces (e.g., 4 beveled faces) configured to mate with the set of undercut sections  116  about the rectangular bore  114  when the octagonal boss is in the second orientation. Therefore, when inserted into the rectangular bore  114  of the device case  110 , the octagonal boss can constrain the mount  120  in translation relative to the device case  110 . 
     For example, a mount  120  can include an octagonal boss defining eight faces about the octagonal boss, these eight faces including four non-beveled faces and four beveled-faces, each beveled face bordering two non-beveled faces and visa versa. A user may align her mobile phone housed within a device case  110  with the mount  120  to insert the octagonal boss of the mount  120  into the rectangular bore  114  of the insert  112  of the device case  110  in the first orientation, such that the four non-beveled faces of the octagonal boss approximately align with a lip of the rectangular bore  114  and the non-beveled faces of the octagonal boss are arranged in corners of the rectangular bore  114 . Then, to lock the polygonal boss  124  into the rectangular bore  114 , the user may turn her mobile phone 45-degrees (e.g., clockwise) to orient the octagonal boss in the second orientation such that the four non-beveled faces of the octagonal boss are arranged in corners of the rectangular bore  114  and the four beveled-faces mate with the set of undercut sections  116  of the rectangular bore  114 . 
     Further, the second set of magnetic elements  128  in the mount  120  arranged about the octagonal boss can couple to the first set of magnetic elements  118  in the device case  110  to further lock the octagonal boss within the rectangular bore  114 . For example, the mount  120  can be configured such that the second set of magnetic elements  128  in the mount  120  magnetically couple with the first set of magnetic elements  118  in the device case  110  upon rotating the octagonal boss into the second configuration. Therefore, when the user rotates the octagonal boss from the first orientation to the second orientation, the user may feel the magnetic pull between the sets of magnetic elements in the device case  110  and the mount  120  and thus receive feedback that the device case  110  is securely coupled to the mount  120 . Magnetic forces between the first and second set of magnetic elements  128  may also assist the user in rotating the octagonal boss from the first orientation toward the second orientation. For example, once the user has inserted the octagonal boss of the mount  120  into the rectangular bore  114  of the insert  112  of the device case  110  in the first orientation, the second set of magnetic elements  128  in the mount  120  can cooperate with the first set of magnetic elements  118  in the device case  110  to drive the octagonal boss toward the second orientation. 
     5.2 Magnetic Elements in the Mount 
     The mount  120  can include a set of magnetic elements arranged about the polygonal boss  124  (e.g., within the body  122 )—arranged in a pattern corresponding to the pattern of the first set of magnetic elements  118  in the device case  110 —configured to magnetically couple to the first set of magnetic elements  118  in the device case  110 . Generally, the second set of magnetic elements  128  can cooperate with the first set of magnetic elements  118  to: align the polygonal boss  124  with the rectangular bore  114  of the insert  112 ; align the set of locking jaws  126  with the set of undercut sections  116  in the rectangular bore  114 , and engage the set of undercut sections  116  against the set of locking jaws  126  to transiently transition the set of locking jaws  126  into the open position and displace the set of locking jaws  126  around the set of undercut sections  116 . In particular, the second set of magnetic elements  128  magnetically couple with the first set of magnetic elements  118  to engage the set of locking jaws  126  into a closed (locked) position, such that the device case  110  is fixed to the mount  120  via complementary mechanical and magnetic forces. 
     5.2.1 Ejector 
     In one variation, the mount  120  can include an ejector operable in a retracted position and an advanced position and configured to transiently engage surfaces of the insert  112  in the advanced position to drive a portion of the device case  110  away from the mount  120 . The ejector can transition from the retracted position to the advanced position to elevate surfaces of the insert  112  away from surfaces of the mount  120  to separate a first subset of magnetic elements—in the first set of magnetic elements  118 —from a second subset of magnetic elements—in the second set of magnetic elements  128 —to a first magnetic separation distance defining a disengagement configuration of the mounting system  100 . In one implementation, the ejector—in the advanced position—can trigger separation of the device case  110  from the mount  120  to a first magnetic separation distance defined by the strength of the magnetic force between the first subset of magnetic elements and the second subset of magnetic elements (e.g., a distance at which the magnetic force is equal to less than 50% of the maximum magnetic force at the retracted position). 
     In one implementation, the ejector can include a user interface (e.g., a lever, paddle) actuatable in a direction orthogonal to a plane defined by the insert  112  and the mount  120  surface (e.g., in the same direction that the device case  110  disengages from the mount  120 ). For example, the user may—using a single motion—actuate an ejector lever from the retracted position toward the device case  110  into the advanced position to simultaneously eject and remove the device case  110 . 
     In one implementation, the ejector can define a lever extending beyond a perimeter defined by the device case  110 , such that the user may visually locate the ejector from the front of the device case  110 . In another implementation, the ejector (and/or locking control  130 ) can extend to a distance less than the perimeter defined by the device case  110  and engage with an ejector extension that—when coupled to the ejector—extends beyond the perimeter defined by the device case  110 . 
     5.2 Locking Jaws 
     Generally, the set of locking jaws  126  can be operable in a closed position and an open position. In particular, the set of locking jaws  126  can interface with a set of undercut sections  116  of the insert  112  to mechanically secure the device case  110  to the mount  120 . In particular, the set of locking jaws  126  can actuate via a spring mechanism configured to drive the set of locking jaws  126  into the closed position to latch the set of locking jaws  126  against the set of undercut sections  116  to retain the insert  112  proximal the mount  120  surface. In one implementation, the set of locking jaws  126  can actuate via a locking control  130  to drive the set of locking jaws  126  into the open position to release the set of locking jaws  126  from the set of undercut sections  116  to remove the insert  112  from the mount  120  surface. 
     5.2.1 Jaw Geometry 
     In one implementation, a locking jaw can pivot about a pivot axis (e.g., a pin) in the mount  120  to maneuver a curved hook section of the locking jaw around an undercut section to engage a flat face of the curved hook section with the undercut section. The flat face of the curved hook section can—when the locking jaw is in the closed position—define a complementary angle to the offset angle of the undercut section such that the flat face of the curved hook section and the undercut section can mate along a shared plane (or parallel planes). 
     In a similar implementation, a first undercut section, in the set of undercut sections  116  of the insert  112 , can be configured to mate with a first beveled face of a first locking jaw, in the set of locking jaws  126 , on the mount  120 . In this implementation, the first jaw is mounted to and pivots about a pivot (e.g., a pin) arranged under the polygonal boss  124 . A spring is laterally offset from the pivot and drives the first jaw upward to mate the first undercut section against the first beveled face of the first jaw and thus retain the polygonal boss  124  within the rectangular bore  114  of the insert  112 . 
     In particular, in this implementation, the pivot can be located along (or near) a vector that intersects and is normal to the first undercut section of the first locking jaw and the first beveled face of the insert  112  when coupled to the device case  110 . Because the pivot is located along this vector: the effective lever arm length of the insert  112  applied to the first locking jaw is null (or nearly null) a lever arm; and the effective torque applied on the first locking jaw by the insert  112 —such as when the device case  110  is pulled or rotated—is null (or nearly null) and (nearly) decoupled from the magnitude of the force or torque applied to the device case  110 . Furthermore, because the spring is laterally offset from the pivot, this effective torque applied on the first locking jaw by the insert  112  is less than the opposing torque applied to the first locking jaw by the spring such that the first locking jaw remains engaged to the insert  112  despite the magnitude of the force or torque applied to the device case  110 . Thus, when a user pushes, pulls, or pivots the device case  110 , the resulting torque to open the first locking jaw is (approximately) null, and the first locking jaw therefore does not rotate away from the insert  112 . Therefore, the first locking jaw remains fixed in its closed position and retains the mount  120  in place over the device case  110  despite forces applied to the device case  110 . 
     Furthermore, responsive to a downward force on the top of the first locking jaw over the first undercut section by the device case  110  during installation of the device case  110  onto the mount  120 , the first locking jaw can pivot downward about the pivot, thereby withdrawing the first undercut section away from the mount  120  and enabling the device case  110 —including the insert  112 —to move downward toward the mount  120 . In particular, the user may align the polygonal boss of the mount  120  with the rectangular bore  114  of the insert  112  of the device case  110  and press down. The force of the first undercut section of the insert  112  on the first locking jaw counters the spring and applies a torque to the first locking jaw, thereby rotating the first locking jaw downward about the pivot to open the first locking jaw to accept the first undercut section of the insert  112 . The first undercut section of the insert  112  slides along the apex of the first locking jaw, over the first beveled face as the first locking jaw opens, and eventually drops past the apex of the first locking jaw to seat under the first locking jaw with the first undercut section of the insert  112  positioned against the first beveled face of the first locking jaw and with the base of the polygonal boss  124  now in contact with the base of the insert  112 . The spring then automatically drives the first locking jaw upward to positively clutch the insert  112 . 
     As described above in this implementation, the mount  120  can include a single locking jaw. Alternatively, the mount  120  can include multiple locking jaws (e.g., two locking jaws), each locking jaw defining the geometry and operable as described above for the single locking jaw. 
     Because of this geometry, tips of the set of jaws only move away from a device housed within the device case  110  when retracted from the insert  112 . Therefore, the set of jaws can clear the insert  112  and the device case  110  when actuated without any gaps between the insert  112  and a back surface of the device. Therefore, the insert  112  can be configured to sit approximately flush with a back surface of a device housed within the device case  110 , thus minimizing the thickness of the device case  110  by eliminating a gap between the insert  112  and the back surface of the device. 
     5.3.2 Single Locking Jaw 
     In the foregoing implementations, the set of locking jaws  126  includes one operable jaw (e.g., a spring-loaded jaw operable via the locking control  130 ) and one non-operable jaw (e.g., a fixed or spring-loaded jaw isolated from the locking control  130 ) such that the mount  120  can define a single release direction of the device case  110  (e.g., in the direction of the one non-operable jaw). The single release direction can be defined in a particular direction with respect to the mount  120  (e.g., toward the top of the mount  120  (or “up”) when the mount  120  is in an installed position). For example, if the single release direction is up, the user may engage the locking control  130  to actuate the one operable jaw to the open position and the device case  110  will remain held in place by the one non-operable jaw until the user removes the device case  110  from the mount  120  by lifting the device case  110  upwards. Furthermore, since the locking control  130  need only engage with one locking jaw, a less complex locking control  130  can be used, allowing for a simpler manufacturing process. 
     5.2.2 Two Locking Jaws 
     In another implementation, the set of locking jaws  126  includes two operable jaws, such that the mount  120  can define multiple release directions of the device case  110  (e.g., in any direction). For example, the locking control  130  can engage both operable jaws simultaneously via a force applied symmetrically to both jaws to overcome the spring force—actuating both operable jaws to the open position—such that the device case  110  can be released from the mount  120  in any direction. 
     In another implementation, the set of locking jaws  126  includes three locking jaws (e.g. two operable jaws and one non-operable jaw, or three operable jaws, etc.). For example, the set of locking jaws  126  can include two operable jaws to mechanically retain the device case  110  to the mount  120  and one non-operable jaw to define a single release direction. In yet another implementation, the set of locking jaws  126  includes four operable jaws and a locking control  130  that enables release in a particular direction (e.g., releases three jaws opposite the locking control  130 ). 
     5.2.2 Multiple Locking Jaws 
     In another implementation, the set of locking jaws  126  includes multiple jaws on each side of the rectangular bore  114 , such that partial locking of the device case  110  to the mount  120  occurs prior to full insertion of a full side of the set of locking jaws  126  (e.g., only one jaw of three on a side engages, so partial mechanical force locks the device case  110  to the mount  120  prior to full insertion of all jaws into the rectangular bore  114 ). 
     5.4 Locking Control 
     The mount  120  can include a locking control  130  actuatable to transition a first locking jaw—in the set of locking jaws  126 —from the closed position to the open position to release the first locking jaw from a first undercut section in the set of undercut sections  116 . Generally, the locking control  130  can engage with a release interface of the first locking jaw to pivot the first locking jaw about the pivot axis and around the first undercut section such that the device case  110  is no longer mechanically fixed to the mount  120  (e.g., the device case  110  is secured only via magnetic force). In one implementation, the locking control  130  can actuate along the plane defined by the back of the device case  110  (e.g., orthogonal to the magnetic force) to maintain a lower profile for the mounting system  100  by keeping the actuation of the locking control  130  fully restrained to an envelope defined by the device case  110  and the mount  120 . 
     In another implementation, the locking control  130  (or a set of locking control  130   s ) can engage with multiple jaws simultaneously (e.g., apply a force symmetrically across the set of locking jaws  126  to release the set of locking jaws  126  uniformly). For example, the locking control  130  can define a user interface (e.g., a button) on a first side of the mount  120  and—in response to the user depressing the button—engage with a set of release features on the set of locking jaws  126  to drive each of the locking jaws to the open position, allowing the user to remove the device case  110  from the mount  120  in the direction of any locking jaw in the open position. 
     In another implementation, the user interface of the locking control  130  can extend across an area defined by a first full side of the device case  110 , such that the user may engage with the locking control  130  at any point along the first full side of the device case  110 . In yet another implementation, the user interface of the locking control  130  can extend across an area defined by each full side of the device case  110 , such that the user may engage with the locking control  130  at any point along any side of the device case  110 . 
     In another implementation, the locking control  130  includes a release spring to define a locking control  130  stiffness, such that the stiffness of the locking control  130  is fully decoupled from the spring force required to drive the locking jaws to the open position. For example, the release spring can define a locking control  130  stiffness requiring an input force twice that of the magnetic force, such that overcoming the magnetic force to remove the device case  110  from the mount  120  can feel relatively easy compared to engaging the locking control  130 . 
     In another implementation, the ejector and the locking control  130  can form a single unit, such that the ejector can drive each of the locking jaws to the open position and simultaneously drive the device case  110  to a disengagement configuration in a single motion. For example, the ejector can define a lever coupled to a slidable release and—in response to engagement of the lever by the user—the lever can: actuate the slidable release to engage the release interfaces of the set of locking jaws  126  and drive the locking jaws into the open position; and pivot against an ejector pivot to drive the device case  110  to the disengagement position. 
     6. Inductive Charging 
     In one variation, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the mounting system  100  includes a charging element  150  configured to inductively charge a device installed within the device case  110 . For example, the mounting system  100  can include an inductive coil arranged within the mount  120  and configured to inductively charge a smartphone installed within the device case  110 . 
     The charging element  150  within the mount  120  can be configured to align with a charge receiving element within a mobile device housed within the device case  110  via magnetic coupling of the first set of magnetic elements  118  in the device case  110  and the second set of magnetic elements  128  in the mount  120 . For example, the device case  110  can be configured to include a first set of magnetic elements  118  arranged in a first pattern about an area of the device case  110  corresponding to a charge receiving element in a mobile device transiently housed within the device case  110 . The mount  120  can include a charging element  150  (e.g., an RX coil) and a second set of magnetic elements  128  arranged about the charging element  150  in a second pattern, such that the first set of magnetic elements  118  in the device case  110  transiently couple to the second set of magnetic elements  128  in the mount  120 , thereby aligning a surface area of the device case  110  corresponding to the charge receiving element with a surface area of the mount  120  corresponding to the charging element  150  and enabling wireless charging of the mobile device. 
     In one implementation, the charging element  150  and the second set of magnetic elements  128  are housed within the body  122  of the mount  120 . The charging element  150  can be coupled to a printed circuit board (or “PCB”) housed within the body  122 . The body  122  can include a chassis configured to house the charging element  150 , the PCB, and the second set of magnetic elements  128 . For example, the body  122  can include a chassis formed of a substantially non-magnetic material (e.g., aluminum) and configured to house the charging element  150 , the PCB, and the second set of magnetic elements  128 . In this implementation, the body  122  can also include a landing pad formed of a polymer material (e.g., polyurethane), defining the inner face  123  of the body  122 , and configured to couple to a rear face of the device case  110 . 
     6.1 Inductive Charging: Insulator Insert 
     The mount  120  can include an insulator insert  152  configured to shield the charging element  150  from the second set of magnetic elements  128  in the mount  120  and focus the magnetic field output by the charging element  150  toward the polygonal boss  124 . In one implementation, the mount  120  includes a ferrite insert (e.g., a soft ferrite insert) configured to shield an induction coil from the second set of magnetic elements  128  surrounding the induction coil within the mount  120 . 
     The insulator insert  152  can be molded to fit the charging element  150  and the second set of magnetic elements  128  within the insulator insert  152 . For example, the mount  120  can include: a ferrite insert defining a central cavity  154  and a set of receptacles  156  arranged in a first pattern about the central cavity  154 ; an induction coil arranged within the central cavity  154 ; and a second set of magnetic elements  128  arranged within the set of receptacles  156 . By molding the insulator insert  152  to fit the charging element  150  and the second set of magnetic elements  128 , the insulator insert  152  acts as a barrier between the charging element  150  and the second set of magnetic elements  128 . Thus, the insulator insert  152  can shield the charging element  150  from the second set of magnetic elements  128  to: maximize retention between magnets in the first set of magnetic elements  118  in the device case  110  and the second set of magnetic elements  128  arranged within the insulator insert  152 ; minimize interference of the second set of magnetic elements  128  with an induced magnetic field of the induction coil; and focus a magnetic field output by the inductive coil toward the polygonal boss  124  and toward a receiving coil on a mobile device housed within the device case  110  to maximize wireless power transfer. 
     The insulator insert  152  can define a first depth (e.g., less than 5 millimeters) such that the central cavity  154  defines a second depth (e.g., less than 4 millimeters) and the set of receptacles  156  define a third depth (less than 4 millimeters), the second depth and the third depth less than the first depth. The charging element  150  (e.g., the induction coil) can be configured to exhibit a cylindrical shape exhibiting approximately the second depth of the central cavity  154  when placed within the central cavity  154 . Similarly, the second set of magnetic elements  128  can be configured to exhibit a 3D-shape (e.g., a 3D trapezoidal shape) exhibiting approximately the third depth of the set of receptacles  156 . Because the second set of magnetic elements  128  are configured to transiently couple to the first set of magnetic elements  118  in the device case  110 , the second set of magnetic elements  128 —arranged in a pattern corresponding to the first set of magnetic elements  118 —define a maximum area corresponding to the second set of magnetic elements  128  and the charging element  150 . Therefore, by including a charging element  150  and magnetic elements exhibiting 3D geometry, a volume of the charging elements  150  and a volume of these magnetic elements are increased, thus increasing inductive charging output by the charging element  150  and magnetic attractive forces between the second set of magnetic elements  128  in the mount  120  and the first set of magnetic elements  118  in the device case  110 . 
     6.2 Inductive Charging: Magnetic Elements in the Mount 
     Magnetic elements in the device case  110  and the mount  120  can be configured to minimize interference with inductive charging and maximize magnetic forces between magnetic elements in the first set of magnetic elements  118  and the second set of magnetic elements  128 . To maximize magnetic attraction between the first set of magnetic elements  118  in the device case  110  and the second set of magnetic elements  128  in the mount  120 , each magnetic element in the second set of magnetic elements  128  can be configured to sit in a particular position within the mount  120  such that a center of the magnetic element, in the second set of magnetic elements  128 , falls within a threshold distance of a center of a corresponding magnetic element in the first set of magnetic elements  118  in the device case  110 . 
     In one implementation, the device case  110  includes a second set of magnetic elements  128  arranged about the charging element  150  and configured to maximize an area (e.g., a circular area) corresponding to the charging element  150  to maximize inductive charging. Therefore, the second set of magnetic elements  128  can define a particular shape (e.g., trapezoidal, crescent-shaped) and exhibit a particular spacing between magnetic elements and the charging element such that the second set of magnetic elements  128  can transiently couple to the first set of magnetic elements  118  of the device case  110  and limit interference with inductive charging. For example, to maximize this area—configured to fit the charging element  150 —inset from the second set of magnetic elements  128 , each magnetic element in the second set of magnetic elements  128  can include relieved corners on an inner face of the magnetic element. 
     In one implementation, the mount  120  includes a second set of trapezoidal magnetic elements arranged about the charging element  150 , such that an area of these trapezoidal magnetic elements is maximized while distances between interior surfaces of the trapezoidal magnetic elements and the charging element  150  are also maximized. 
     For example, the mount  120  can include four trapezoidal magnetic elements arranged about a circular charging element  150  within a square body of the mount  120 , each trapezoidal magnetic element located within a corner of the square body. The mount  120  can be configured such that each trapezoidal magnetic element defines an inner face facing the charging element  150  and extending in each direction toward interior surfaces of the square body offset by 90 degrees, the inner surface of the trapezoidal magnetic element exhibiting a length greater than a length of a parallel outer surface of the trapezoidal magnetic element. Each of the four trapezoidal magnetic elements can include relieved inside corners about the inner face of the trapezoidal magnetic element to maximize a circular area corresponding to the charging element  150 . Thus, each trapezoidal magnetic element occupies a maximum area within each corner of the square body  122  while reducing proximity between inner surfaces of the trapezoidal magnetic elements and the charging element  150 . 
     In another implementation, the mount  120  includes a second set of crescent-shaped magnetic elements  128  arranged about the charging element  150 , such that distances between interior surfaces of the crescent-shaped magnetic elements and the charging element  150  are further increased. 
     6.3 Inductive Charging: Device Case 
     Furthermore, because the insert  112  is relatively thin (e.g., three millimeters or less), and/or is formed of a substantially non-conductive, non-ferromagnetic or low magnetic permeability material exhibiting minimal electromagnetic shielding, the insert  112  may interfere minimally with local electromagnetic radiation, thereby enabling a wireless charging signal (e.g., an electromagnetic field output by a wireless charging pad or station) to pass through the device case  110  and to reach a mobile device—housed in the device case  110 —with sufficient amplitude to recharge the mobile device. More specifically, because the insert  112  is relatively thin, the device case  110  may minimally offset the mobile device contained therein from an adjacent wireless charging pad and, because the insert  112  can be formed of a material exhibiting minimal electromagnetic shielding, the device case  110  may enable the mobile device to be recharged via the wireless charging pad or station even when housed in the device case  110 . 
     In this variation of the mounting system  100  configured to support wireless charging of the mobile device, the first set of magnetic elements  118  can also be arranged in a pattern relative to a wireless charging induction coil integrated into the mobile phone. For example, the first set of magnetic elements  118  can be located in the device case  110  such that the first set of magnetic elements  118  fall near or outside of a perimeter of an induction coil of a wireless charging circuit of the mobile device once the mobile device is loaded into the device case  110 . This arrangement of the first set of magnetic elements  118  outside of the wireless charging area of the mobile device may reduce interference of the device case  110  with an electromagnetic field generated by the induction coil of a wireless charging pad (or other wireless charging station), thereby enabling the mobile device to be recharged wirelessly even when installed in the device case  110  and allowing for compliance with wireless power specification standards (e.g. WPC QI). 
     7. Emplacement Mechanism 
     In one variation, the mount  120  also includes an emplacement mechanism  140  configured to affix the mount  120  to a surface such as: a vehicle air vent; a vehicle dashboard; a bicycle frame; bicycle or motorcycle handlebars; a wall; a desk; a table; an armband; a belt; or a waistband. For example, the emplacement mechanism  140  can be configured to permanently or transiently attach to a surface via a clamp, fasteners, a suction cup, an adhesive, or other surface anchor. In another example, the emplacement mechanism  140  can include a belt clip configured to couple the mount  120  to a belt or waistband or an armband configured to couple the mount  120  to a user&#39;s forearm. 
     The mount  120  can also be coupled to the emplacement mechanism  140  via a pivot mechanism (e.g., a ball and socket joint) or multiple pivot mechanisms to enable the mount  120  to be maneuvered relative to the emplacement mechanism  140  and the adjoining surface, such as by a user with a single hand and in a single motion immediately after locating the device case  110  on the mount  120 . 
     8. Mount Configurations 
     In one variation, the mounting system  100  includes a set of mounts  120 , each mount  120  assembled in a particular configuration. For example, a first mount  120 , in the set of mounts  120 , in a first configuration, can include: a first polygonal boss  124  extending from a first body  122  of the first mount  120  and configured to insert into a rectangular bore  114  of the device case  110 ; a set of locking jaws  126  arranged on the first polygonal boss  124  configured to transiently constrain the first polygonal boss  124  within the rectangular bore  114 ; and a second set of magnetic elements  128  configured to transiently couple to a first set of magnetic elements  118  in the device case  110 . Alternatively, a second mount  120 , in the set of mounts  120 , in a second configuration, can include: a second polygonal boss  124  extending from a second body  122  of the second mount  120  and configured to insert into the rectangular bore  114  of the device case  110 ; and a third set of magnetic elements configured to transiently couple to the first set of magnetic elements  118  in the device case  110 . In both configurations, the first and second mount  120  can include the first and second polygonal boss  124 , respectively, to transiently constrain movement of the mounts  120  within a plane of each mount  120 . However, the first mount  120  in the first configuration can further constrain the first polygonal boss  124  within the rectangular bore  114  of the device case  110  by constraining movement of the first polygonal boss  124  outward from the rectangular bore  114  via the set of locking jaws  126 . Mounts  120  in the set of mounts  120  can be assembled in these different configurations based on a type of mount  120  (e.g., wall mount  120 , car mount  120 , bike mount  120 , desktop charging mount  120 ) identified for each mount  120 . Each of these different types of mounts  120 —configured to mount the device case  110  to a particular surface—can include: the polygonal boss  124 ; the second set of magnetic elements  128 ; the set of jaws  126 ; the charging element  150 ; and/or a particular combination of these elements. 
     8.1 First Configuration: Polygonal Boss+Magnets 
     In a first configuration, as shown in  FIG. 8A , the mount  120  includes: a polygonal (e.g., octagonal) boss  124  extending from the inner face and configured to insert into a rectangular bore  114  of the insert  112  of the device case  110 ; and a second set of magnetic elements  128  configured to transiently couple to a first set of magnetic elements  118  arranged within the device case  110 . In the first configuration, the device case  110  can couple to the mount  120  via insertion of the polygonal boss  124  into the rectangular bore  114  of the insert  112  and attraction of magnetic elements in the first set of magnetic elements  118  to magnetic elements in the second set of magnetic elements  128 . 
     In the first configuration, the polygonal boss  124  is configured to constrain the mount  120  in rotation relative to the device case  110 . The second set of magnetic elements  128  in the mount  120  can be configured to align with the first set of magnetic elements  118  in the device case  110  to strengthen the retention of the polygonal boss  124  within the rectangular bore  114  of the insert  112  by drawing the inner face of the mount  120  toward a back face of the device case  110 . Thus, when coupled to the mount  120 , the device case  110 —and any mobile device housed within the device case  110 —can be constrained in rotation relative to the mount  120  via the polygonal boss  124  and within a plane adjacent and parallel to a plane defined by the polygonal boss  124  via the first and second set of magnetic elements  128 . For example, a user may couple her device case  110 —including a mobile device housed within the device case  110 —to a mount  120  in the first configuration by roughly aligning the polygonal boss  124  with the rectangular bore  114  of the insert  112  of the device case  110 . The device case  110  can realign accordingly to insert the polygonal boss  124  into the rectangular bore  114  via attraction of the first and second set of magnetic elements  128 . Once inserted, the polygonal boss  124  can constrain the mount  120  in rotation relative to the device case  110 . The first and second set of magnetic elements  128  can cooperate to constrain the polygonal boss  124  within a plane parallel and intersecting a plane defined by the device case  110 . However, the user may remove her device case  110  from the mount  120  in the first configuration by exerting a force, greater than the magnetic force between the first and second set of magnetic elements  128 , on the device case  110  outward (e.g., orthogonal) from the mount  120 . 
     In one implementation, the mount  120  in the first configuration includes: a square boss extending from the inner face  123  of the body  122  and configured to insert into the rectangular bore  114  of the device case  110 ; and a set of four magnets arranged about the polygonal boss  124  and configured to transiently couple to a first set of magnetic elements  118  of the device case  110  to transiently retain the mount  120  against a rear face of the device case  110 . In this implementation, the square boss of the mount  120  can define a square cross-section with radiused corners. Similarly, the rectangular bore  114  of the insert  112  can define a square frustum defining radiused corners to match the square boss of the mount  120 . 
     8.1.1 Variation: Vehicle Mount 
     In one variation, a mount  120  can be configured to couple the device case  110  to a surface in a vehicle, such as a dashboard, center console, and/or a vent. This mount  120  (or “vehicle mount  120 ”) can be assembled in the first configuration including the polygonal boss  124  extending from the body  122  of the vehicle mount  120  and the second set of magnetic elements  128  configured to couple to the first set of magnetic elements  118  in a device case  110 . The car mount  120  in the first configuration can cooperate with the insert  112  of the device case  110  to retain the device case  110  and a device housed within the device case  110  while the vehicle is in motion. 
     For example, a user may couple her smartphone—housed within a device case  110 —to a vehicle mount  120  fixed to a dashboard in her car, by aligning a rear face of the device case  110  with the inner face  123  of the body  122  of the vehicle mount  120 . A second set of magnets in the vehicle mount  120  can cooperate with a first set of magnets in the device case  110  to enable the user to quickly attach her smartphone to the mount  120  by drawing the polygonal boss  124  of the mount  120  into a rectangular bore  114  of the insert  112  of the device case  110 . As the user drives her car, the polygonal boss  124  can prevent her smartphone from rotating about the polygonal boss  124  and falling off the mount  120  while the magnetic forces between the first and second set of magnets restricts lateral movement of the smartphone off of the mount  120 . Further, because the car mount  120  in the first configuration does not include a set of locking jaws  126 , the user may place her mobile phone on the mount  120  and remove her mobile device from the mount  120  with less force and without searching for and/or pressing a release button(s), thus enabling the user to rapidly attach and detach her smartphone from the mount  120  with minimal effort and/or distraction. 
     A vehicle mount  120  can include an emplacement mechanism  140  configured to affix the mount  120  to a surface of the vehicle. For example, as shown in  FIG. 8A , the vehicle mount  120  can include a pressure-sensitive adhesive backing configured to affix the vehicle mount  120  to a surface of a dashboard and/or console in a vehicle. A user may press the vehicle mount  120  onto a (flat) surface of the dashboard or console within her vehicle to semi-permanently affix the vehicle mount  120  to the vehicle. In another example, the vehicle mount  120  can include: an emplacement mechanism  140  defining a vent locking mechanism. The vent locking mechanism can include a set of vent jaws configured to spread to fill the area of a vent in a vehicle and pull the mount  120  inwards to securely lock the vehicle mount  120  in place to enable the mounting system  100  to remain in place if the car is subjected to turbulent conditions (e.g., a bumpy road or highway). 
     8.1.2 Variation: Wallet Mount 
     In one variation, the device case  110  can be configured to couple to a mount  120  (or “wallet mount  120 ”) including the body  122  defining a wallet. In this variation, the body  122  of the wallet mount  120  can be configured to function as a wallet. For example, the body  122  can include a sleeve configured to store a user&#39;s cash, credit cards, and/or driver&#39;s license. 
     The wallet mount  120  can be assembled in the first configuration including a polygonal boss  124  extending from the inner face  123  of the body  122  and a second set of magnetic elements  128  configured to couple to the first set of magnetic elements  118  in a device case  110 . The wallet mount  120  in the first configuration can cooperate with the insert  112  of the device case  110  to retain the device case  110  and a device housed within the device case  110  while the user carries around and/or uses her mobile device throughout her day. Because the wallet mount  120  is relatively lightweight, the polygonal boss  124  and the second set of magnetic elements  128  may be sufficient to retain the polygonal boss  124  within a rectangular bore  114  of the insert  112  without a set of jaws  126 . Alternatively, the wallet mount  120  can also include a set of jaws  126  arranged on the polygonal boss  124 . 
     For example, a user may couple her smartphone—housed within a device case  110 —to a wallet mount  120  by aligning a rear face of the device case  110  with the inner face  123  of the body  122  of the wallet mount  120 . To prevent the wallet mount  120  from detaching from the device case  110 , the wallet mount  120  can include an octagonal boss, as described above, to enable the user to lock the octagonal boss to the device case  110  and thus constrain the wallet mount  120  in five degrees of freedom on the device case  110 . The wallet mount  120  can also include a second set of magnetic elements  128  configured to transiently couple to a first set of magnetic elements  118  in the device case  110  to prevent rotation of the wallet mount  120  about the device case  110 —and thus prevent rotation of the octagonal boss within the rectangular bore  114  of the insert  112 —thereby further constraining the wallet mount  120  to the device case  110  in a sixth degree of freedom. 
     The wallet mount  120  can be configured to minimize a gap between the back abutting surfaces of the sleeve(s) and device case  110  such that sleeves fall (nearly) flush with the device case  110 . Therefore, the wallet mount  120  can include only magnetic elements and the polygonal boss—with no set of jaws—for retention to the device case  110 , in order to limit thickness (or “profile”) of the wallet mount  120 . Therefore, by eliminating the set of jaws from the mount  120 , the total thickness of the assembly when loaded with credit cards, cash, etc., is minimized, thereby limiting obstruction when a user inserts and removes her phone from her pocket. 
     8.2.2 Variation: Tripod Mount 
     In one variation, a mount  120  can be configured to couple the device case  110  to a tripod (e.g., a camera tripod). This mount  120  (or “tripod mount  120 ”) can be assembled in the first configuration including the polygonal boss  124  extending from the body  122  of the tripod mount  120  and the second set of magnetic elements  128  configured to couple to the first set of magnetic elements  118  in the device case  110 . The tripod mount  120  can cooperate with the insert  112  of the device case  110  to retain the device case  110  and a device housed within the device case  110  while the user rotates (e.g., in x, y, and z directions) a head of the tripod to adjust a camera view and/or while the user moves the tripod. 
     A tripod mount  120  can include: an emplacement mechanism defining an adapter to quickly lock the device case  110  to a camera tripod. The adapter can define a base configured to engage with the head of camera tripod such that the tripod mount  120  can be removed by the user via a tripod camera lock or the locking control of the tripod. 
     For example, a user may couple her mobile device (e.g., tablet)—housed within a device case  110 —to a tripod mount  120  set up outdoors on rough terrain. The user may couple her mobile device to the tripod mount  120  via aligning the rear face of the device case  110  with the inner face  123  of the body  122  of the tripod mount  120 . A second set of magnets in the tripod mount  120  can cooperate with a first set of magnets in the device case  110  to enable the user to quickly attach her mobile device to the mount  120  by drawing the polygonal boss  124  of the mount  120  into a rectangular bore  114  of the insert  112  of the device case  110 . The tripod mount  120  can include an adapter coupled to the body  122  opposite the polygonal boss  124  and configured to attach to the head of the tripod via a camera lock of the tripod. 
     8.2 Second Configuration: Polygonal Boss+Magnets+Jaws 
     In a second configuration, as shown in  FIG. 8B , the mount  120  includes: a polygonal boss  124  extending from the inner face and configured to insert into a rectangular bore  114  of the device case  110 ; a second set of magnetic elements  128  configured to transiently couple to a first set of magnetic elements  118  arranged within the device case  110 ; and a set of locking jaws  126  arranged on the polygonal boss  124  configured to transiently mate with a set of undercut sections  116  within the device case  110  to constrain the polygonal boss  124  within the rectangular bore  114 . In the second configuration, the device case  110  can couple to the mount  120  via insertion of the polygonal boss  124 —including the set of locking jaws  126 —into the rectangular bore  114  of the device case  110 . The second set of magnetic elements  128  of the mount  120  can cooperate with the first set of magnetic elements  118  of the device case  110  to align the polygonal boss  124  with the rectangular bore  114  and pull the device case  110  toward the mount  120 . Once inserted, the set of locking jaws  126  can latch around the set of undercut sections  116  of the insert  112  to constrain the mount  120  both in rotation and in orthogonal translation relative to the device case  110 . 
     In the second configuration, the polygonal boss  124  is configured to constrain the mount  120  in rotation relative to the device case  110  as in the first configuration. However, the mount  120  in the second configuration can further include the set of locking jaws  126  to constrain the mount  120  in orthogonal translation relative to the device case  110 . The first and second set of magnetic elements  128  can cooperate to draw the set of locking jaws  126  through the rectangular bore  114  of the insert  112  which can then latch onto the set of undercut sections  116  within the device case  110 , as described above. The first and second sets of magnetic elements can also strengthen retention of the polygonal boss  124  within the rectangular bore  114  by further constraining orthogonal translation of the mount  120  relative to the device case  110 . 
     In one variation, the mount  120  in the second configuration can further include a locking control  130  configured to trigger a subset of locking jaws  126 , in the set of locking jaws  126 , to decouple from a subset of undercut sections  116 , in the set of undercut sections  116  responsive to compression (e.g., by a user). For example, a user may compress a locking control  130  (e.g., release button) on the mount  120  to release a first locking jaw, in the set of locking jaws  126 , from a first undercut section, in the set of undercut sections  116 , triggering a side of the polygonal boss  124 , corresponding to the first locking jaw, to elevate away from the device case  110 . The user may then remove the device case  110  from the mount  120  by rotating the device case  110  about a pivot point on the polygonal boss  124  opposite the first locking jaw and lifting the device case  110  away from the mount  120 . 
     In one implementation, the mount  120  in the second configuration includes: a square boss extending from the inner face  123  of the body  122  of the mount  120  configured to insert into the rectangular bore  114  of the device case  110 ; a set of locking jaws  126  arranged on the polygonal boss  124  and configured to transiently mate with a set of undercut sections  116 —defined by the insert  112  of the device case  110 —to constrain the polygonal boss  124  within the rectangular bore  114 , the set of locking jaws  126  including a first locking jaw and a second locking jaw arranged opposite the other on the polygonal boss  124 ; and a second set of magnetic elements  128  arranged in a second pattern about the polygonal boss  124  and configured to transiently couple to a first set of magnetic elements  118  of the device case  110  to align the polygonal boss  124  with the rectangular bore  114  of the insert  112  of the device case  110 , to transiently retain the mount  120  against a rear face of the device case  110 , and to drive the set of locking jaws  126  toward the set of undercut sections  116  of the insert  112 , the second set of magnetic elements  128  including four magnetic elements evenly spaced about the polygonal boss  124  on the mount  120 . 
     8.2.1 Variation: Bike Mount 
     In one variation, a mount  120  in the second configuration can be configured to couple to a bike (e.g., a bicycle, a motorcycle) and thus mount a mobile device to the bike. This mount  120  (or “bike mount  120 ”) can include the polygonal boss  124  extending from the body  122  of the bike mount  120 , the second set of magnetic elements  128  configured to couple to the first set of magnetic elements  118  in a device case  110 , and a set of locking jaws  126  configured to constrain the polygonal boss  124  within a rectangular bore  114  of the insert  112 . Because the mount  120  and the device case  110  may experience a significant amount of force while the bike is in motion, the magnetic forces between magnetic elements in the mount  120  and device case  110  may not be sufficient to retain the bike mount  120  against the rear face of the device case  110 . Therefore, the bike mount  120  includes the set of locking jaws  126  to mechanically constrain the polygonal boss  124  within the rectangular bore  114  of the insert  112  of the device case  110 . 
     For example, a user may couple a device case  110 —housing her mobile phone—to a bike mount  120  attached to a handlebar on her bicycle, by aligning the device case  110  with the mount  120  and gently pushing until the set of locking jaws  126  couple to the undercut sections  116  of the insert  112  of the device case  110 . As the user pushes down on the device case  110 , the magnetic elements in both the device case  110  and the mount  120  can cooperate to guide the polygonal boss  124  of the mount  120  including the set of locking jaws  126  into the rectangular bore  114  of the insert  112  of the device case  110 . The set of locking jaws  126  can slide along a set of undercut sections  116  defined by the insert  112  of the device case  110  and eventually drop past the apex of these undercut sections  116  to seat under the rear face of the device case  110  and positioned against the set of undercut sections  116 . Once the device case  110  is mechanically locked into the mount  120  via the set of locking jaws  126 , the user may ride her bicycle and view her mobile phone fixed relative to the handlebar, such as to track her ride via GPS. 
     In one implementation, as shown in  FIG. 8B , a bike mount  120  can include an emplacement mechanism  140  defining a clasp configured to attach to a surface (e.g., a handlebar, a stem, a top tube) of a bike; and an oversized jaw spring defining an increased spring stiffness configured to expand the locking jaws with greater force in order to retain the device case  110  against the mount  120  with greater force to compensate for road vibration during use. 
     Additionally and/or alternatively, the mount  120  in the second configuration can be configured to couple to surfaces of other vehicles. For example, the mount  120  in the second configuration can be configured to couple to a surface of a stroller. In another example, the mount  120  in the second configuration can be configured to couple to a surface of a golf cart. 
     8.2.2 Variation: Tablet 
     In one variation, a mount  120  in the second configuration can be configured to couple to a device case  110  configured to house a tablet. This mount  120  (or “tablet mount  120 ”) can include the polygonal boss  124  extending from the body  122  of the bicycle mount  120 , the second set of magnetic elements  128  configured to couple to the first set of magnetic elements  118  in a device case  110 , and a set of locking jaws  126  configured to constrain the polygonal boss  124  within a rectangular bore  114  of the insert  112 . Because the tablet is larger and/or heavier than a smartphone, magnetic forces between the first of magnetic elements  118  in the device case  110  and the second set of magnetic elements  128  in the tablet mount  120  may not be sufficient to retain the mount  120  against the rear face of the device case  110  against the weight of the tablet. Therefore, the tablet mount  120  can include a set of locking jaws  126  to mechanically constrain the tablet mount  120  relative to the device case  110 . 
     A tablet mount  120  can include a release extension extending to proximal an edge of a tablet and configured to engage the locking control  130 , thereby enabling a user to release the tablet from the tablet mount  120  with a single hand and in a single motion when reaching for the tablet and without reaching behind the tablet. 
     8.2.3 Variation: Textile Mount 
     In one variation, a mount  120  in the second configuration can be configured to couple to a textile panel, such as an article of clothing worn by a user (e.g., an armband). This mount  120  (or “textile mount  120 ”) can include the polygonal boss  124  extending from the body  122  of the textile mount  120 , the second set of magnetic elements  128  configured to couple to the first set of magnetic elements  118  in a device case  110 , and a set of locking jaws  126  configured to constrain the polygonal boss  124  within a rectangular bore  114  of the insert  112 . 
     In one example, the textile mount  120  can be configured to be worn as an armband. Thus, as the user exercises while wearing the armband, the set of jaws and magnetic elements can cooperate to constrain the user&#39;s mobile device to the armband. In this example textile mount  120  can include an emplacement mechanism  140  defining a cloth band for securing to the user&#39;s arm. The cloth band can be formed of an elastic material to enable the armband to secure tightly to the user&#39;s arm without causing discomfort to the user. 
     8.3 Third Configuration: Polygonal Boss+Magnets+Inductive Charging 
     In a third configuration, the mount  120  includes a second set of magnetic elements  128  configured to transiently couple to a first set of magnetic elements  118  arranged within the device case  110 ; and a charging element  150  housed within the body  122  of the mount  120 , inset from the second set of magnetic elements  128 , and configured to inductively charge a mobile device installed within the device case  110 . The mount  120  in the third configuration can also include a polygonal boss  124  configured to insert into the rectangular bore  114  of the insert  112  of the device case  110 . The second set of magnetic elements  128  of the mount  120  can cooperate with the first set of magnetic elements  118  of the device case  110  to: align the charging element  150  within the body  122  of the mount  120  with a charge receiving element in the mobile device installed within the device case  110 ; and to transiently retain the mount  120  against a rear face of the device case  110 . When the device case  110  is coupled to the mount  120 , in the third configuration, the first and second set of magnetic elements  128  in the device case  110  and the mount  120  can couple to retain the mount  120  against the rear face of the device case  110  and align the charging element  150  (e.g., an induction coil) to the charge receiving element in the mobile device housed within the device case  110  in order to charge a battery of the mobile device. 
     In the third configuration, the charging element  150  in the mount  120  can be configured to sit within a threshold distance of the charge receiving element in a mobile device housed within the device case  110  in order to transfer a maximum charge to the charge receiving element. Therefore, in the third configuration, the mount  120  can be assembled without the polygonal boss  124  such that the charging element  150  can supply charge to the charge receiving element without interference from the polygonal boss  124 . 
     In one implementation, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the mount  120  in the third configuration includes: a ferrite insert defining a central cavity  154  and a set of receptacles  156  arranged in a first pattern about the central cavity  154 , the first set of magnetic elements  118  in the device case  110  also arranged in the first pattern; a second set of magnetic elements  128  arranged within the set of receptacles  156  within the ferrite insert; and an induction coil arranged within the central cavity  154 , inset from the second set of magnetic elements  128 , and configured to inductively charge a device installed within the device case  110 . The ferrite insert can be configured to shield the inductive coil from the second set of magnetic elements  128  and focus a magnetic field output by the inductive coil toward a charge receiving element in the device. Further, the induction coil can be coupled to a printed circuit board (or “PCB”). The ferrite insert—including the induction coil and the second set of magnetic elements  128 —and the PCB can be housed within the body  122  of the mount  120 . In this implementation, the body  122  can: include a chassis formed of a non-magnetic material and configured to house the ferrite insert and the PCB; and a landing pad formed of a polymer material (e.g., polyurethane), arranged on the inner face  123  of the body  122 , and configured to couple to a rear face of the device case  110 . 
     For example, a user may place her smartphone housed within a device case  110  on a thermoplastic polyurethane (or “TPU”) landing pad of a mount  120  such that a rear face of the device case  110  contacts the TPU landing pad. The user may shift her smartphone about the TPU landing pad until the first set of magnetic elements  118  in the device case  110  align with the second set of magnetic elements  128  in the mount  120 , thus securing the smartphone on the mount  120  and providing feedback to the user that the smartphone is properly secured to the mount  120  and in the correct position. While the smartphone housed within the device case  110  is coupled to the mount  120 , the induction coil in the mount  120  can cooperate with a charge receiving element in the mobile device and facing the induction coil in order to charge a battery of the mobile device. The user may easily remove her mobile device from the mount  120  by applying a force to her mobile device greater than the magnetic force between the first and second set of magnetic elements  128 . 
     Alternatively, the mount  120  in the third configuration can additionally include the polygonal boss  124  to strengthen coupling between the mount  120  and the device case  110  by constraining rotation of the mount  120  relative to the device case  110 . For example, the ferrite insert—including the charging element  150  and the second set of magnetic elements  128 —can be arranged adjacent the inner face  123  of the body  122  of the mount  120 , such that the charging element  150  falls within a threshold distance (e.g., less than five millimeters) of a charge receiving element in a mobile device housed within the device case  110  when the device case  110  is coupled to the mount  120 . 
     (In this configuration, the mount  120  can exclude the second set of magnetic elements to enable a larger charging element to fit within the mount  120 . Alternatively, the mount  120  can include the second set of magnetic elements for primary retention of the mount  120  to the device case  110  and exclude the polygonal boss. Alternatively, the mount  120  can include both the polygonal boss and the second set of magnets for mechanical and magnetic retention of the mount  120  to the device case  110 .) 
     8.3.1 Variation: Desktop Mount 
     In one variation, a mount  120  can be configured to couple the device case  110  to a flat surface (e.g., a desktop surface). This mount  120  (or “desktop mount  120 ”) can also be configured to charge a mobile device housed within the device case  110 . The desktop mount  120  can be configured to include the second set of magnetic elements  128  configured to couple to the first set of magnetic elements  118  in the device case  110  and a charging element  150  inset from the second set of magnetic elements  128 . In one implementation, the wireless charging mount  120  can lock the mobile device using only the magnetic force (e.g., without a set of locking jaws) to enable a user to remove the device more quickly from the desktop mount  120 . 
     A desktop mount  120  can include an emplacement mechanism  140  defining a base configured to rest on a surface (e.g., a table or desk). For example, the desktop mount  120  can include a base configured to rest flat on a desktop surface and coupled on one end to the body of the mount  120  via a pin extending the width of the base, such that the body—and a mobile device housed within the device case  110  coupled to the body—can rotate about the pin while the base rests flat and motionless on the desktop surface. 
     8.3.2 Variation: Wall Mount 
     In one variation, a mount  120  can be configured to couple the device case  110  to a wall. The mount  120  (or “wall mount  120 ”) can be assembled in the third configuration including the second set of magnetic elements  128  configured to couple to the first set of magnetic elements  118  in the device case  110  and a charging element  150  inset from the second set of magnetic elements  128  and configured to transiently inductively charge a mobile device installed within the device case  110 . Because the wall mount  120  is configured to couple to a surface of a wall, rotation of the wall mount  120  about the device case  110  (or visa versa) is unlikely. Therefore, the wall mount  120 —in some instances—may not include a polygonal boss  124 . For example, the wall mount  120  can be secured to a wall in the user&#39;s garage, such that the user may secure her mobile phone (or tablet) while playing a car-maintenance tutorial and thus keep her hands free while accessing tools. 
     A wall mount  120  can include an emplacement mechanism  140  defining an anchor bore for receiving a wall anchor (e.g., a screw, fastener, adhesive, double stick tape, etc.). In one example, the wall mount  120  includes a backing coupled to the body  122  of the wall mount  120  and including an adhesive coating applied to an outer face of the backing—opposite the body and configured to affix the mount  120  to a surface of a wall. 
     In one variation, the wall mount  120  also includes a polygonal boss  124  configured to insert into the rectangular bore  114  of the device case  110 , to constrain rotation of the wall mount  120  relative to the device case  110  and further strengthen the connection between the wall mount  120  and the device case  110 . 
     9. Variation: Adapter 
     In one variation, the mounting system  100  includes the insert  112  exclusive of the device case  110  and configured to couple—such as with an adhesive, tape, hook-and-loop strip, or suction—to a surface of a mobile device, a case, or other object. For example, the insert  112  can be affixed directly to a back surface of a user&#39;s mobile device or to a back surface of the user&#39;s existing mobile device case  110  to enable the mobile device or existing mobile device case  110  to transiently install on the mount  120 . In this variation, the insert  112  can therefore adapt any device case  110 , mobile device, or other object to interface with the mount  120 . 
     As a person skilled in the art will recognize from the previous detailed description and from the figures and claims, modifications and changes can be made to the embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of this invention as defined in the following claims.