PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10703297-B1
Application Number: US-201715686229-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: System for holding devices in a passenger vehicle

Abstract:
A system for securing a user device in a vehicle includes a magnet and an attraction plate. One of the magnet or the attraction plate is mechanically coupled to the vehicle, and the other of the magnet or the attraction plate is mechanically coupled to the user device. The magnet is selectively activated to hold the attraction plate and, thereby, secure the user device to the vehicle.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A system for securing a user device in a vehicle, comprising:
 a controller; 
 a magnet; and 
 an attraction plate, 
 wherein one of the magnet or the attraction plate is mechanically coupled to the vehicle, and the other of the magnet or the attraction plate is mechanically coupled to the user device, and 
 wherein the magnet is selectively activated by the controller to hold the attraction plate and, thereby, secure the user device to the vehicle. 
 
     
     
       2. The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the magnet is a component of a holding device that is mechanically coupled to the vehicle, and the attraction plate is mechanically coupled to the user device. 
     
     
       3. The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the magnet is an electropermanent magnet. 
     
     
       4. The system according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 multiple magnets and multiple attraction plates that each correspond to one of the magnets, 
 wherein the multiple magnets are activated progressively to firstly angularly orient the user device to magnets with a lesser force and secondly secure the user device to the magnets with a greater force, 
 wherein the multiple magnets include a first set of magnets having a first strength and a second set of magnets having a second strength that is greater than the first strength, and 
 wherein the magnets of the first set of magnets are activated to angularly orient the user device and the magnets of the second set of magnets are activated to secure the user device. 
 
     
     
       5. The system according to  claim 1 , further comprising a sensor, wherein the magnet is a component of a holding device and is activated by the controller upon detection with the sensor of the user device being positioned proximate the holding device. 
     
     
       6. The system according to  claim 5 , wherein the holding device includes the sensor that is one of an optical sensor, a Hall effect sensor, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) device, or a Near Field Communication (NFC) device to detect the user device. 
     
     
       7. The system according to  claim 5 , wherein the holding device is configured to determine whether the user device is an authorized device by at least one of communicating with the user device, optically recognizing the user device, magnetically recognizing the user device, or recognizing a wireless signal from the device. 
     
     
       8. The system according to  claim 1 , further comprising a sensor, wherein the magnet is a component of a holding device and is operated by the controller to release the user device upon detecting with the sensor grasping of the user device by a user. 
     
     
       9. The system according to  claim 8 , wherein the holding device releases the user device upon at least one of detecting with the sensor user contact on opposite sides of the user device, detecting with the sensor a force of contact as exceeding a threshold, or optically recognizing with the sensor the user as grasping the user device. 
     
     
       10. The system according to  claim 8 , wherein the holding device releases the user device in a staged manner by operating the magnet with the controller to reduce a magnetic force applied by the magnet to the attraction plate to lessen a holding force by which the user device is removable by the user from the holding device. 
     
     
       11. The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the magnet is a component of a holding device having multiple magnets that provide multiple holding locations to which the user device is movable relative to the holding device and at which the user device is securable by the holding device, wherein the holding device is configured to determine a present location of the user device and activate with the controller one or more of the magnets corresponding to the present location of the user device. 
     
     
       12. The system according to  claim 11 , wherein each magnet of the multiple magnets is associated with only one of the holding locations. 
     
     
       13. The system according to  claim 11 , wherein the multiple magnets are arranged in a matrix, and a majority of the magnets are associated with more than one of the holding locations. 
     
     
       14. The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the magnet is a component of a holding device, and holds the attraction plate with greater force upon detection of at least one of separation between the holding device and the user device, vehicle acceleration exceeding a threshold, or anticipated vehicle acceleration. 
     
     
       15. The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the user device is a portable electronic device. 
     
     
       16. The system according to  claim 15 , wherein the system provides active feedback determined by the controller to assist a user in positioning the portable electronic device relative to the magnet. 
     
     
       17. The system according to  claim 16 , wherein the active feedback comprises at least one of visual feedback, tactile feedback, or audible feedback. 
     
     
       18. The system according to  claim 16 , wherein the active feedback is visual feedback comprising a dynamic graphical representation on a display of the portable electronic device. 
     
     
       19. The system according to  claim 15 , wherein the portable electronic device has a display screen. 
     
     
       20. The system according to  claim 15 , further comprising a housing removably coupled to the electronic device and including the attraction plate. 
     
     
       21. The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the user device is an auxiliary device for holding contents. 
     
     
       22. A system for holding a user device, comprising:
 a passenger vehicle; and 
 a holding device mechanically coupled to the passenger vehicle, 
 wherein the holding device magnetically couples to the user device upon active detection of the user device using one or more sensors of at least one of the user device, the holding device, or the passenger vehicle. 
 
     
     
       23. The system according to  claim 22 , wherein the holding device releases the user device upon detecting both contact of the user device by a user and intent by the user to grasp the user device. 
     
     
       24. The system according to  claim 23 , wherein the intent of the user is determined by at least one of contacting opposing sides of the user device, contacting the user device with a force exceeding a threshold, or optical recognition of the user. 
     
     
       25. The system of  claim 22 , wherein the system is configured to provide feedback to a user of an angular orientation of the user device relative to the holding device by at least one of visually or tactilely. 
     
     
       26. The system according to  claim 22 , wherein the user device is a portable electronic device having a display screen. 
     
     
       27. The system according to  claim 22 , further comprising a controller in communication with the sensors and that selectively operates the holding device upon active detection of the user device with the sensors. 
     
     
       28. An object securing system for a vehicle, the system comprising:
 a controller; 
 a magnetic device that is connected to the vehicle and is switchable between a first state in which an external magnetic field is produced to attract ferromagnetic objects and a second state in which the external magnetic field output by the magnetic device is changed by the controller relative to the first state; and 
 an electronic device, wherein the electronic device is held by the magnetic device in the first state and the electronic device is released from the magnetic device in the second state. 
 
     
     
       29. The system according to  claim 28 , further comprising a sensor, wherein magnetic device is switched to the first state by the controller when the electronic device is detected in proximity of the magnetic device with the sensor. 
     
     
       30. The system according to  claim 28 , wherein the electronic device has a display screen. 
     
     
       31. A system for holding a user device, comprising:
 a passenger vehicle; 
 a holding device mechanically coupled to the passenger vehicle; 
 a controller by which the holding device is operated to magnetically couple to the user device; and 
 a sensor by which the holding device actively detects the user device; 
 wherein the holding device magnetically couples to the user device upon active detection of the user device by the holding device.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/379,817, filed on Aug. 26, 2016, and entitled “System for Holding Devices in a Passenger Vehicle,” the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to systems for holding devices and, in particular, systems for holding user devices in passenger vehicles. 
     SUMMARY 
     One aspect of the disclosure is a system for securing a user device in a vehicle. The system includes a magnet and an attraction plate. One of the magnet or the attraction plate is mechanically coupled to the vehicle, and the other of the magnet or the attraction plate is mechanically coupled to the user device. The magnet is selectively activated to hold the attraction plate and, thereby, secure the user device to the vehicle. 
     In some implementations of the system, the magnet is a component of a holding device that is mechanically coupled to the vehicle, and the attraction plate is mechanically coupled to the user device. The attraction plate may be external to the user device. 
     In some implementations of the system, the magnet is an electropermanent magnet. 
     In some implementations, the system includes multiple magnets and multiple attraction plates that each correspond to one of the magnets, wherein the magnets are activated progressively to firstly angularly orient the user device to magnets with a lesser force and secondly secure the user device to the magnets with a greater force. The multiple magnets may include a first set of magnets having a first strength and a second set of magnets having a second strength that is greater than the first strength, wherein the magnets of the first set of magnets are activated to angularly orient the user device and the magnets of the second set of magnets are activated to secure the user device. 
     In some implementations of the system, the magnet is a component of a holding device and is activated upon detection of the user device being positioned proximate the holding device. The holding device may include at least one of an optical sensor or a Hall effect sensor to detect the user device. The holding device may be configured to determine whether the user device is an authorized device by at least one of communicating with the user device, optically recognizing the user device, or magnetically recognizing the user device. 
     In some implementations of the system, the magnet is a component of a holding device and releases the user device upon detecting contact with user device by a user. The holding device may release the user device upon at least one of detecting the contact on opposite sides of the user device, detecting a force of the contact as exceeding a threshold, or optically recognizing the user as grasping the user device. The holding device may release the user device in a staged manner by reducing a magnetic force applied by the magnet to the attraction plate to lessen a holding force by which the user device is removable by the user from the holding device. 
     In some implementations, the system includes multiple magnets that provide multiple holding locations at which the user device is securable by the holding device, wherein the holding device is configured to determine a present location of the user device and activate one or more of the magnets corresponding to the present location of the user device. Each magnet of the multiple magnets may be associated with only one of the holding locations. The multiple magnets may be arranged in a matrix, and a majority of the magnets may be associated with more than one of the holding locations. 
     In some implementations of the system, the magnet is a component of a holding device, and holds the attraction plate with greater force upon detection of at least one of separation between the holding device and the user device or vehicle acceleration exceeding a threshold. 
     In some implementations of the system, the user device is a portable electronic device. The system may provide active feedback to assist a user in positioning the portable electronic device relative to the magnet. The active feedback may include at least one of visual feedback, tactile feedback, or audible feedback. The active feedback may be visual feedback comprising a dynamic graphical representation on a display of the portable electronic device. 
     In some implementations of the system, the user device is an auxiliary device for holding contents. The contents may be a beverage. The holding device may lack a power source. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure is a system for holding a user device. The system includes a passenger vehicle; and a holding device mechanically coupled to the passenger vehicle, wherein the holding device magnetically couples to the user device upon active detection of the user device by the holding device. 
     In some implementations of the system, the user device is detected using sensors of at least one of the user device, the holding device, or the vehicle. The holding device may release the user device upon detecting both contact of the user device by a user and intent by the user to grasp the user device. The intent of the user may be determined by at least one of contacting opposing sides of the user device, contacting the user device with a force exceeding a threshold, or optical recognition of the user. 
     In some implementations, the system is configured to provide feedback to the user of an angular orientation of the user device relative to the holding device by at least one of visually or tactilely. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure is an object securing system for a vehicle. The system include a magnetic device that is connected to the vehicle and is switchable between a first state in which an external magnetic field is produced to attract ferromagnetic objects and a second state in which the external magnetic field is not produced. The system also includes an electronic device, wherein the electronic device is held by the magnetic device in the first state and the electronic device is released from the magnetic device in the second state. 
     In some implementations of the object securing system, the magnetic device is automatically switched to the first state when the portable electronic device is detected in proximity of the magnetic device. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure is a system that includes a vessel for a beverage and a holding device. The holding device holds the vessel with an electropermanent magnet and an attraction plate. 
     In some implementations of the system, the holding device includes the electropermanent magnet, and the vessel includes the attraction plate. In some implementations of the system, the holding device is coupled to a passenger vehicle, and the vessel is coupleable to the passenger vehicle via the holding device. In some implementations of the system, the holding device is retractable to form a receptacle thereabove. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure is a system for coupling a user device to a passenger vehicle. The system includes a holding device comprising a vacuum source in communication with multiple nozzles formed in a plate, wherein the vacuum source is selectively activated when the user device is detected in proximity of the plate to secure the user device to the plate. 
     In some implementations of the system for coupling the user device to a passenger vehicle, the multiple nozzles are functionally grouped into regions of the nozzles, each region of the nozzles being selectively activated by an active valve in communication with the nozzles thereof and the vacuum source. In some implementations of the system for coupling the user device to a passenger vehicle, each nozzle includes a passive valve associated therewith that remains open when the user device is positioned adjacent to the nozzle associated therewith, and is closed when the user device is not positioned adjacent to the nozzle associated therewith simultaneous to the vacuum source being activated. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure is a holding device for securing an object to a passenger vehicle. The holding device includes a vacuum chamber that is enclosed by a flexible membrane, a media disposed in the vacuum chamber. The media includes solid particles that are flowable relative to each other. A vacuum source is configured to draw a vacuum in the vacuum chamber to compress the media together around the object when embedded into the flexible membrane. 
     In some implementations of the holding device, the vacuum is drawn selectively upon detection of a user device being embedded in the flexible membrane. In some implementations of the holding device, the holding device includes holding regions that are separately activated. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure is an adjustable mechanism for adjustably securing a user device to a passenger vehicle. The adjustable mechanism includes elongated members coupled to each other by joints therebetween. The joints are selectively released upon detection of a user&#39;s intent to adjust a position of the user device. 
     In some implementations of the adjustable mechanism, the user&#39;s intent is detected by at least one of a touch sensor of the user device or optically recognizing movements of the user. In some implementations of the adjustable mechanism, one or more of the joints comprise a male member coupled to one of the elongated members and positioned within a rigid chamber that is coupled to another of the elongated members, wherein a flowable media of solid particles is arranged in the chamber, and a vacuum is selectively drawn in the chamber to compress the media against itself and against the male member to prevent movement of the male member within the chamber. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a vehicle showing an interior of a passenger compartment thereof with holding devices arranged in the passenger compartment. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic view of the vehicle shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of one of the holding devices shown in  FIG. 1 , which is holding an electronic device. 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom view of the holding device shown in  FIG. 3 , which is holding the electronic device. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the holding device and the electronic device taken along line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of the holding device and the electronic device shown in  FIG. 3 , which depicts hidden internal components of a magnet in broken lines and an attraction plate with diagonal cross-hatching. 
         FIG. 6A  is a front view of a magnet of the holding device shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of other embodiments of a holding device and an electronic device, which depicts hidden internal components of magnets in broken lines and attraction plates with diagonal cross-hatching. 
         FIG. 8  is a front view of other embodiments of a holding device and an electronic device, which depicts hidden internal components of magnets in broken lines and attraction plates with diagonal cross-hatching. 
         FIG. 9  is a front view of other embodiments of a holding device and an electronic device, which depicts hidden internal components of magnets in broken lines and attraction plates with diagonal cross-hatching. 
         FIG. 10  a front view of the holding device shown in  FIGS. 3-6  and another embodiment of an electronic device, which depicts hidden internal components of the magnet in broken lines and attraction plates with diagonal cross-hatching. 
         FIG. 11  a front view of another embodiment of a holding device and the electronic device shown in  FIGS. 3-6 , which depicts hidden internal components of magnets in broken lines and the attraction plate with diagonal cross-hatching. 
         FIG. 12  a front view of another embodiment of a holding device and the electronic device shown in  FIG. 7 , which depicts hidden internal components of magnets in broken lines and the attraction plates with diagonal cross-hatching. 
         FIG. 13  a front view of another embodiment of a holding device and the electronic device shown in  FIG. 7 , which depicts hidden internal components of magnets in broken lines and the attraction plates with diagonal cross-hatching. 
         FIG. 14  a front view of another embodiment of a holding device and the electronic devices shown in  FIGS. 3-6, 9, and 10 , which depicts hidden internal components of magnets in broken lines and the attraction plates with diagonal cross-hatching. 
         FIG. 15  a front view of other embodiments of a holding device and an electronic device, which depicts hidden internal components of magnets in broken lines and an attraction plate with diagonal cross-hatching. 
         FIG. 16  a front view of another embodiment of a holding device and the electronic device shown in  FIGS. 3-6 . 
         FIG. 17  is a front view of the holding device and the electronic device shown in  FIGS. 3-6  with graphics on a display of the portable electronic device. 
         FIG. 18  is a front view of the holding device and the electronic device shown in  FIGS. 3-6 , which are disposed in a receptacle. 
         FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view of the holding device, the electronic device, and the receptacle taken along line  19 - 19  in  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 20  is a side view of the holding device and the electronic device shown in  FIGS. 2-6 , along with a mechanical retention device. 
         FIG. 21  is a side view of the holding device and the electronic device shown in  FIGS. 2-6 , along with an airbag retention device. 
         FIG. 22  is a cross-sectional view of the holding device shown in  FIGS. 2-6 , along with another embodiment of an electronic device and a case. 
         FIG. 23  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a holding device in a first configuration, and the electronic device shown in  FIGS. 2-6   
         FIG. 24  is a cross-sectional view of the holding device of  FIG. 23  in a second configuration, and the electronic device shown in  FIGS. 2-6 . 
         FIG. 25  is a cross-sectional view of other embodiments of a holding device and an electronic device. 
         FIG. 26  is an upper perspective view of a holding device and an auxiliary device. 
         FIG. 27  is a top view of the holding device and the auxiliary device shown in  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 28  is a cross-sectional view of the holding device and the auxiliary device taken along line  28 - 28  in  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 29  is a top view of another embodiment of an auxiliary device. 
         FIG. 30  is a cross-sectional view of other embodiments of a holding device and an auxiliary device. 
         FIG. 31  is a cross-sectional view of other embodiments of a holding device and an auxiliary device. 
         FIG. 32  is a cross-sectional view of other embodiments of a holding device and an auxiliary device. 
         FIG. 33  is a cross-sectional view of other embodiments of a holding device and an auxiliary device. 
         FIG. 34  is an upper perspective view of a console of a vehicle including multiple holding devices and an auxiliary device. 
         FIG. 35  is a cross-sectional view of the console, the holding device, and the auxiliary device taken along line  35 - 35  in  FIG. 34 . 
         FIG. 36  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a holding device in a first configuration with the auxiliary device shown in  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 37  is a cross-sectional view of the holding device of  FIG. 36  shown in a second configuration with another auxiliary device. 
         FIG. 38  is a cross-sectional view of other embodiments of a holding device and an auxiliary device. 
         FIG. 39  is a front view of another embodiment of a holding device and the electronic device of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 40  is a cross-sectional and partial schematic view of the holding device and the electronic device taken along line  40 - 40  in  FIG. 39 . 
         FIG. 41  is a cross-sectional and partial schematic view of another embodiment of a holding device and the electronic device shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 42  is a cross-sectional and partial schematic view of another embodiment of a holding device and the electronic device shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 43  is a cross-sectional view of a passive valve of the holding device shown in  FIG. 42 , the passive valve being in an open configuration. 
         FIG. 44  is another cross-sectional view of the passive valve shown in  FIG. 43  in a closed configuration. 
         FIG. 45  is an upper perspective view of another holding device with multiple portable electronic devices shown in  FIG. 7  and another object. 
         FIG. 46  is a cross-sectional view of the holding device and one of the portable electronic devices taken along line  46 - 46  in  FIG. 45 . 
         FIG. 47  is a detail cross-sectional view of an outer layer of the holding device shown in  FIG. 45 . 
         FIG. 48  is an upper, left perspective view of another embodiment of a holding device. 
         FIG. 49  is a cross-sectional view of the holding device and the portable electronic device shown in  FIG. 7  taken along line  49 - 49  in  FIG. 48 . 
         FIG. 50  is a front view of another embodiment of a holding device. 
         FIG. 51  is a cross-sectional view of other embodiments of a holding device and a portable electronic device. 
         FIG. 52  is a side view of an adjustable mechanism. 
         FIG. 53  is a cross-sectional view of a joint of the adjustable mechanism shown in  FIG. 52 . 
         FIG. 54  is a cross-sectional view of another joint of the adjustable mechanism shown in  FIG. 53 . 
         FIG. 55  is another cross-sectional view of an alternative configuration of the joint shown in  FIG. 54 . 
         FIG. 56  is a cross-sectional view of another adjustable mechanism. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a passenger vehicle  100  (e.g., vehicle) includes one or more holding devices  110  (or variations thereof) that are configured to hold or otherwise secure one or more objects or other possessions of the passengers. The holding devices  110  may, for example selectively hold via magnetism (e.g., magnetically coupling) and/or a mechanical coupling user devices, such as portable electronic devices (e.g., smartphones, tablet computers, digital media players, etc.) or auxiliary devices (e.g., containers, mechanical device holders, etc.). The vehicle  100 , the holding devices  110 , the user devices, and/or subportions and subcombinations thereof may be considered to cooperatively form a system for securing a user device. 
     The holding devices  110  are positioned within a passenger compartment  101  that is defined by a vehicle body  102 . The one or more holding devices  110  may, for example, be mechanically coupled to different structures of the vehicle body  102  at forward locations (e.g., in a dashboard  102   a  or other forward structure), at side locations (e.g., in a door  102   b  or other side structure), at interior locations (e.g., in a seat back  103   a  of one of the seats, or in console  102   d ), at upper locations (e.g., in a roof  102   c ), and/or other locations. The holding devices  110  may be provided at more, fewer, and/or different locations than the aforementioned examples. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , according to a first embodiment, the holding device  110  is configured to hold the user device, such as a portable electronic device  250  and/or an auxiliary device  260  via magnetism. The holding device  110  generally includes one or more controllers  212 , one or more sensors  214 , and one or more magnets  220 , the various functions of which are discussed in further detail below. The discussion of  FIGS. 3-25  is with respect to embodiments of the holding device  110  and the portable electronic device  250 , but also applies to embodiments of the auxiliary device  260  that is further discussed in association with  FIGS. 26-38 . 
     The holding device  110  is integrated with the vehicle  100 , for example, by being in communication with one or more vehicle controllers  204 , input devices  205 , and/or vehicle sensors  206  of the vehicle  100  via a network  208  and/or by being powered by an electrical power system  207  of the vehicle  100  (e.g., for propelling the vehicle  100 ) via a power distribution system  209 . The holding device  110  is additionally in communication with the portable electronic device  250  via the network  208  or direct communication therewith (e.g., via near field communication). The holding device  110  may additionally include one or more sensors  214  in communication with the controller  212 . The holding device  110  may, thereby, receive various control and/or data signals for controlling operation of the holding device  110  from the vehicle sensors  206  and/or sensors  214  of the holding device  110  itself. More specifically, the controller  212  of the holding device  110  determines whether and how to operate the magnets  220  to hold the portable electronic device  250 . It should be noted that functions of the controller  212  of the holding device  110  and the vehicle controllers  204  may be consolidated or dispersed resulting in fewer or more controllers. 
     The holding device  110  may receive instruction and/or data signals from the vehicle controller  204  based on which the controller  212  of the holding device  110  determines whether and how to operate the magnets  220 . The instruction and/or data signals received from the vehicle controller  204  may be based on inputs received by the vehicle controller  204 , such as from the input devices  205  (discussed below), the vehicle sensors  206  (e.g., accelerometers, cameras, radar, LIDAR, etc.), the holding devices  110 , and/or the portable electronic devices  250 , and/or based on processing of such inputs by the vehicle controller  204  (e.g., via an autonomous driving plan, such as to execute emergency braking). The holding devices  110  may instead or additionally receive instructions, information, and/or other signals directly from the input devices  205 , the vehicle sensors  206 , and/or the portable electronic device  250 , while bypassing the vehicle controller  204 . 
     The user input devices  205  are configured to receive inputs from the user, for example, for the holding device  110  to hold or release the portable electronic devices  250 . The user input devices  205  may, for example, include buttons, touch sensors, touch sensitive displays, cameras, microphones, and/or other passenger or gesture observing sensors. The input devices  205  may be dedicated for controlling the one or more holding devices  110 , or may be configured to receive user inputs for controlling other vehicle functions (e.g., heating/cooling, entertainment, navigation, etc.) in addition to controlling the holding devices  110 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3-6 , according to an exemplary embodiment, the holding device  110  and the portable electronic device  250  are cooperatively configured for the one or more magnets  220  (represented with broken lines in  FIG. 5 ) of the holding device  110  to hold or otherwise secure the portable electronic device  250 . More specifically, the one or more magnets  220  (represented by a dashed outline in  FIG. 6 ) are selectively activated to draw one or more attraction plates  556  (represented with diagonal cross-hatching in  FIG. 5 ) of the portable electronic device  250  to secure the portable electronic device  250  against the holding device  110 . 
     During normal operation, the holding device  110  is configured to hold the portable electronic device  250  to prevent relative movement therebetween, which might otherwise be caused by standard vehicle dynamics (e.g., acceleration, braking, turning, vibrations, varied road surfaces, etc.). For example, using conservative multipliers, the one or more magnets  220  and the corresponding attraction plates  556  may be configured to secure the portable electronic device  250  up to approximately 1.5 G&#39;s in horizontal loading (e.g., resulting from acceleration, braking, and/or turning) and up to approximately 5 G&#39;s in vertical loading (e.g., due to vibrations and/or varied road surfaces). The force applied by the one or more magnets  220  to the attraction plates  556  holds the portable electronic device  250  against the holding device (or intermediate decorative surface of the vehicle  100 ), while friction prevents the portable electronic device  250  from sliding vertically and/or horizontally along the holding device  110 . 
     As discussed in further detail below, the holding device  110  may be activated manually (e.g., by receiving a user input) and/or automatically when the portable electronic device  250  is determined to be in proximity of the holding device  110 . 
     Furthermore, the holding device  110  and alternative embodiments thereof may be configured to accommodate portable electronic devices of different sizes. For example, the magnets  220  (and variations thereof) of the holding device  110  may be configured to provide sufficient strength for holding smaller and larger user devices (e.g., ranging between approximately 4 and 48 ounces for portable electronic device  110 ) by having sufficient strength to hold a larger device in various loading conditions. The holding device  110  may also be wide enough to provide sufficient bearing surface against the rear surfaces of portable electronic devices  250  having differing widths. In some embodiments, the holding device  110  may be able to recognize the type and/or size of the portable electronic device and, in response thereto, change the force by which the holding device  110  holds the portable electronic device  250 . 
     The magnet  220  of the holding device  110  is selectively activated to hold the electronic device  250  against a forward surface  316  (e.g., outer, upright, mating surface, etc.) of the holding device  110 . For example, a rearward surface  452  (e.g., rear or back surface) of the electronic device  250  is positioned against the forward surface  316  of the holding device  110 , while a display  354  of the electronic device faces away from the forward surface  316  of the holding device  110  (e.g., to be visible and/or accessible to the passenger). The rearward surface  452  of the electronic device  250  may be formed by the electronic device  250  itself (e.g., an integrated housing or casing that contains internal components of the electronic device,  250 ). The forward surface  316  of the holding device  110  may be leather, suede, polymer, composite, a display screen, or other material. 
     Alternatively, the holding device  110  is positioned behind another component of the vehicle  100 , such as a panel of the dashboard  102   a , door  102   b , seat back  103   a , etc. (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 26-28  in which the holding device  110  is positioned under an upper panel  2603   e  of a console  102   d ). In these configurations, the rearward surface  452  of the portable electronic device  250  is instead held by the holding device  110  against the other surface of the panel or other intermediate component. 
     Furthermore, while the forward surface  316  is depicted as being substantially planar, the forward surface  316 , panel, or other surface may include an indentation (e.g., recess, depression, etc.) that has an outer periphery slightly larger than the portable electronic device  250  on two or more sides thereof, so as to receive and guide the portable electronic device  250  into a position to be held by the holding device  110  (see discussion associated with the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 34-35 ). 
     The magnet  220  is fixedly positioned within a housing  318  of the holding device  110  (e.g., behind the forward surface  316  of the holding device  110 ), so as to be mechanically coupled to a structure of the vehicle  100 . The housing  318 , itself, is mounted to one of the vehicle structures (e.g., dashboard  102   a , door  102   b , roof  102   c , seat back  103   a , etc.). The magnets  220  may instead be movably mounted to the holding device  110 , as is discussed below in further detail with respect to  FIGS. 23-24 , for example, to facilitate release of the portable electronic device  250 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5-6 , the holding device  110  includes one or more magnets  220  that are cooperatively configured with the one or more attraction plates  556  (or permanent magnets) of the portable electronic device  250  to draw the electronic device  250  and hold the rearward surface  452  thereof against the forward surface  316  of the holding device  110 . That is, the one or more magnets  220  are configured to selectively emit magnetic fields that attract the one or more attraction plates  556  toward the one or more magnets  220 , so as to secure the portable electronic device  250  to the holding device  110 . The one or more magnets  220  of the holding device may be configured in various manners, including type, number, location, size and/or strength, mounting, and operation thereof. Similarly, the one or more attraction plates  556  (or permanent magnets) of the portable electronic device  250  may be configured in various manners, including number, location, and size. 
     The one or more magnets  220  may include one or more electropermanent magnets, one or more electromagnets, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the one or more magnets  220  of the holding device  110  include one or more electropermanent magnets. As is known in the art, an electropermanent magnet selectively provides an external magnetic field and, advantageously, maintains the magnetic field without continually drawing electrical power (e.g., draining batteries less, continuing a hold without power, etc.). For example, an electropermanent magnet may be an assembly of two permanent magnets of which the direction of one of the magnets is switchable (e.g., by providing a current pulse of sufficient magnitude thereto) thereby causing the two magnets to either cooperatively produce an external magnetic field (e.g., the electropermanent magnet is on) or not by cooperatively concentrating their magnetic flux (i.e., the electropermanent magnet is off). Thus, when a voltage pulse of sufficient magnitude is applied thereto (e.g., from the electrical power system  206  of the vehicle  100  to the magnet  220 ), the electropermanent magnet switches in a binary manner between providing the external magnetic field of predetermined magnitude and orientation and not providing the external magnetic field. The magnet  220  is, thereby, selectively actuatable to hold or to not hold the portable electronic device  250  by providing the magnetic field or not, respectively. As discussed in further detail below, other embodiments of the holding device  110  may instead include magnets of varying type (e.g., one or more electro magnets alone or in combination with one or more electropermanent magnets), number, type, strength, and/or location. 
     One example of an electropermanent magnet is shown in  FIG. 6A . The magnet  220  includes a plurality of first magnets  220   a  (e.g., AlNiCo magnets) and a plurality of second magnets  220   b  (e.g., NdFeB or neodymium magnets) that are arranged in pairs. In an off configuration, the magnetic field of each of the first magnets  220   a  offsets the magnetic field of the second magnet  220   b  to which it is paired or adjacent to, such that the magnet  220  does not emit an external magnetic field for attracting the attraction plate  556 . To switch the magnet  220  to an on configuration, a pulse is applied to the first magnets  220   a , which reverses the polarization of the first magnets  220   a  to be complementary to the second magnets  220   b , such that the magnet  220  does emit the external magnetic field for attraction the attraction plate  556 . As is shown in  FIG. 6A , the first and second magnets  220   a ,  220   b  are wedge-shaped to collectively define the magnet  220  with an overall circular shape. 
     In another embodiment, the one or more magnets  220  of the holding device  110  include one or more electromagnets alone or in combination with one or more electropermanent magnets. As is known in the art, an electromagnet selectively provides a magnetic field that varies in strength and polarity relative to the magnitude and direction, respectively, of current applied to the electromagnet. While producing a magnetic field with magnets  220  that are electromagnets requires a continual draw of electrical power from the electrical power system  207 , the one or more magnets  220  that are electromagnets allow the holding device  110  to modulate the strength and polarity of magnets  220 . 
     The one or more attraction plates  556  are members that are made of or otherwise include steel or another ferromagnetic material. The attraction plate  556  may additionally include cutouts, windows, or other features that allow passage of other signals (e.g., for near field communication, inductive charging, etc.) to the portable electronic device  250  (e.g., from the holding device  110 ). As is shown in  FIGS. 2-6 , the attraction plate may be a single continuous member having a circular shape, but may be configured differently, including being provided in different numbers (e.g., having multiple members or attraction plates), or having different shapes formed individually or collectively (e.g., square, rectangle, ring, etc.). Further, instead of attraction plates, the portable electronic device  250  may instead include permanent magnets that are attracted by the one or more magnets  220  of the holding device  110 , or magnetic components of the portable electronic device  250  (e.g., speakers, microphones, cameras, etc.) may be attracted by the magnets  220  of the holding device  110 . 
     The holding device  110  is configured to hold the portable electronic device  250  in a predetermined location and a user-selectable angular orientation. The magnet  220  of the holding device  110  includes a single, circular magnet, while the portable electronic device  250  includes one single, circular attraction plate  556  of similar size. The magnetic field of the magnet  220  draws the attraction plate  556 , so as to be substantially concentrically aligned with the magnet  220 , which locates the portable electronic device  250  both vertically and horizontally into a predetermined position. The magnetic field of the magnet  220  may have substantially equal strength circumferentially about a central axis thereof (i.e., that is perpendicular to the forward surface  316  of the holding device  110 ), which allows the attraction plate  556  to be attracted and held in different angular orientations relative to the central axis. The force between the magnet  220  and the attraction plate  556 , as well as the resultant friction between the rearward surface  452  of the portable electronic device  250  and the forward surface  316  of the holding device  110 , hold portable electronic device  250  vertically, horizontally, and rotationally along, as well as perpendicularly against, the holding device  110 . While the magnet  220  and the attraction plate  556  are described as being a singular magnet and attraction plate, a similar result may be provided by arranging multiple magnets  220  and/or multiple attraction plate  556  (or permanent magnets) in a similar circular arrangement. 
     It should be noted that various internal components of the portable electronic device  250  may be particularly susceptible to interference caused by the magnetic field of the magnet  220 , such as a compass. Various strategies may be employed to reduce such interferences. For example, the attraction plate  556  may also include additional layers of material (e.g., shielding layers; not shown) that minimize disturbance by the magnetic field of the magnet  220  of internal components of the portable electronic devices  250 . Instead or additionally, the holding device  110  may include additional magnets (not shown) positioned adjacent the magnets  220  used for holding the portable electronic device  250 , such additional magnets being arranged to direct or otherwise influence the magnetic field of the magnets  220  to prevent interference with such internal components. 
     The one or more attraction plates  256  are positioned mechanically coupled to the portable electronic device  250 , for example, by being provided within a housing of the portable electronic device  250 . For example, a standard portable electronic device may be modified to form a variant that includes the one or more attraction plates  250 . Instead, the attraction plates  256  may be located external to the device. For example, jumping ahead to  FIG. 22 , one or more attraction plates  2256  are positioned in or otherwise provided with a case  2258  (e.g., removable housing or member), which contains or is coupled to a standard electronic device  2250 . Alternatively, the attraction plates  2256  may be provided component that is coupled to a rear surface of the standard portable electronic device  2250  (e.g., with a pressure sensitive or other adhesive) and which may include a decorative surface (e.g., microfiber, leather, suede, etc.). In a still further alternative, a housing of the portable electronic device  250 , which contains various electronic components therein, may include or be formed from a suitable material that is attracted to the magnets  220  of the holding device  110  (e.g., the housing forms the attraction plate). 
     As discussed in further detail below, activation of the holding device  110  and its various alternative embodiments may be manual and/or automatic (e.g., based on determining a position, orientation, and/or trajectory of the portable electronic device  250  relative to the holding device  110 ). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7-9 , other embodiments holding device  110  are configured to hold alternative embodiments of the portable electronic device  250  in one or more predefined angular orientations relative to the holding device  110 . 
     Referring to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , a holding device  710  includes a plurality of magnets  720  (e.g., four; represented by broken outlines), while a portable electronic device  750  includes a plurality of corresponding attraction plates  756  (e.g., four; represented by diagonal cross-hatching). By using multiple magnets  720  and multiple corresponding attraction plates  756 , the portable electronic device  750  may be secured in one or more predefined angular orientations relative to the holding device  710 . For example, as shown, the magnets  720  and the attraction plates  756  form a square shape, which allows for the portable electronic device to be secured in orientations that are 90 degrees apart (e.g., in landscape and portrait orientations). Alternatively, the magnets  720  and the attraction plates  756  may provide for a single orientation (e.g., only landscape or only portrait orientation), for example, by being arranged to form a rectangle or other elongated shape. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8-9 , other embodiments of the holding device  110  and corresponding other embodiments of the portable electronic device  250  are cooperatively configured to help move the portable electronic devices into proper orientations. 
     Referring to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 , a holding device  810  includes a plurality of low strength magnets  820   a  and a higher strength magnet  820   b  (or magnet assembly) having greater size and/or strength than each of the low strength magnets  820   a . The portable electronic device  850  includes a plurality of corresponding small attraction plates  856   a  and a single large attraction plate  856   b  that is larger than the small attraction plates  856   a . The low strength magnets  820   a  and the corresponding small attraction plates  856   a  function to initially locate and/or orient the portable electronic device  950  relative to the holding device  910  with a lesser force but finer precision. The larger magnet  820   b  and the corresponding attraction plate  856   b  of greater size and/or strength function subsequently secure the portable electronic device  850  to the holding device  810  with a greater force. Alternative to the small attraction plates  856   a , the electronic device  850  may instead include small permanent magnets, while the low strength magnets  820   a  are also small permanent magnets. 
     More specifically, as the portable electronic device  850  is initially moved to the holding device  110 , the holding device  810  applies an initial force (e.g., first, low, locating, or orienting force) via the low strength magnets  820   a , which aids the user in locating and/or orienting the portable electronic device  250  by drawing the small attraction plates  856   a  toward the low strength magnets  820   a . This initial force may, for example, be sufficient to hold the portable electronic device  850  without significant loading thereto, while not aggressively pulling the portable electronic device  850  from the user&#39;s hand. Once the portable electronic device  850  is brought close to its proper location and/or orientation (e.g., by a combination of the initial force and the user&#39;s movements), a holding force (e.g., second, normal force), which is sufficient to hold the portable electronic device  850  during normal operating conditions, as described above. Instead of activating the lower strength magnets  820   a  and the higher strength magnet  820   b  in a stepped manner, as required for electropermanent magnets, the initial and holding forces may instead be provided by the magnets  220 ,  720  magnets of the other holding devices  110 ,  710  (or other variations) by modulating current to the magnets  220 ,  720 , respectively, in a staged or progressive manner. The holding devices may also be configured to provide additional tactile feedback to the user by oscillating (e.g., quickly turning on/off or increasing/decreasing) the magnets  220 ,  720  and, thereby, providing a vibration sensation to the user holding the portable electronic device. Still further, the holding devices may be configured to increase to a peak and then decrease the magnetic force applied to the portable electronic device and, thereby, provide the user a sensation of a mechanical connection (e.g., a snap or button). 
     This increase of force may also be felt by the user to provide feedback that the portable electronic device  850  has been secured and/or provide a satisfying user experience of the portable electronic device  850  being sucked to the holding device  810 . Other manners of providing active feedback to the user discussed in further detail below. 
     The holding device  810  may also be configured to change the force applied to the portable electronic device  850  as the portable electronic device  850  is removed. For example, upon receipt of a user input to release or remove the portable electronic device  850 , the force may be reduced (e.g., from the holding force to the initial force), which may prevent inadvertent dropping of the portable electronic device  850 , while also lessening the force required of the user to remove the portable electronic device  850 . Various strategies for receiving the user input for removing the portable electronic device  850  are discussed in further detail below. 
     It should also be understood that the small and higher strength magnets  820   a ,  820   b  and corresponding small and large attraction plates  856   a ,  856   b  may be provide in lesser or greater quantities, the same quantity as each other, and/or in different locations and/or arrangements relative to each other. For example according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , a holding device  910  includes a plurality of low strength magnets  920   a  and a plurality of higher strength magnets  920   b  of lesser and greater sizes and/or strengths, respectively, while a portable electronic device  950  includes a plurality of corresponding attraction plates  956   a ,  956   b . For example, as shown, the smaller magnets  920   a  and correspondingly small attraction plates  956   a  are arranged in a diamond pattern, between the larger magnets  920   b  and correspondingly large attraction plate  956   b  that are arranged in a square pattern. The low strength magnets  920   a  and the small attraction plates  956   a  function similar to the low strength magnets  820   a  and the small attraction plates  856   a , as described above. The higher strength magnets  920   b  and the large attraction plates  956   b  cooperatively function similar to the higher strength magnet  820   b  and the large attraction plate  856   b , as described above. 
     The magnets  920   a  and the corresponding attraction plates  956   a  of lesser size and/or strength function to initially locate and/or orient the portable electronic device  950  relative to the holding device  910  with a lesser force. The magnets  920   b  and the corresponding attraction plates of greater size and/or strength function subsequently secure the portable electronic device  950  to the holding device  910  with a greater force. Additional functionality of magnets  920   a ,  920   b  with different size and/or strength is discussed in further detail below. It should also be understood that the magnets  920   a ,  920   b  and corresponding attraction plates  956   a ,  956   b  may be provided in lesser or greater quantities, different quantities than each other, and/or in different locations or arrangements relative to each other. 
     Activation of the holding device  810  and the holding device  910 , including the progressive operation of their respective magnets, may be based on determining the current location, angular orientation, and/or orientation of the portable electronic devices  850 ,  950  relative to the holding device, strategies for which are discussed in further detail below. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10-14 , still further alternative embodiments of the holding device  110  and the portable electronic device  250  are cooperatively configured to provide for selective locating and/or orienting the portable electronic devices relative to the holding devices. 
     Referring to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 , in one example, the holding device  110  provides a single mounting location, while a variation of the portable electronic device  250  provides a range of locations at which it attaches to the single mounting location of the holding device  110 . The holding device  110  is configured as described above, while a portable electronic device  1050  includes an attraction plate  1056  (represented by diagonal cross-hatching). The attraction plate  1056  has a width and/or a height that is larger than the magnet  220  (e.g., the diameter thereof), which allows varied positioning in horizontal and/or vertical directions of the portable electronic device  1050  relative to the holding device  110 . For example, the attraction plate  1056  may extend a majority of a width and/or a length of the portable electronic device  1050  (e.g., &gt;75%). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11-14 , other alternative embodiments of the holding device  110  use a plurality of magnets that are arranged in an array or matrix to provide multiple mounting at which the user may selectively secure the portable electronic devices. As is evident from the embodiments disclosed below, increasing the spatial density of selectively activated magnets can increase the granularity for the user to choose a position in which the portable electronic device is to be held. Selective activation of the magnets for the embodiments below may, for example, be performed according to the strategies discussed below for determining the current location and/or angular orientation of the portable electronic devices relative to the holding devices. 
     Referring to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 11 , a holding device  1110  is configured to hold the portable electronic device  250  at multiple, discrete locations. The holding device  1110  is configured similar to the holding device  110  but instead includes multiple magnets  1120  (e.g., an array or matrix of magnets; represented by dashed outlines) that are spaced about in one axis (e.g., vertically or horizontally) or two axes (as shown) to provided multiple discrete holding positions (e.g., six as shown) at which the portable electronic device  250  may be secured to the holding device  1110 . Each magnet  1120  is cooperatively configured with the attraction plate  556  of the portable electronic device  250 , so as to hold the portable electronic device  250  in the manner described previously. Still further variations of the holding device  1110  may simply repeat the securing strategies at different locations in a single holding device (e.g., using those magnet and attraction plate strategies discussed with reference to  FIGS. 2-10 ). By providing multiple mounting locations, the holding device  1110  may additionally be configured to hold multiple portable electronic devices  250  simultaneously. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12-14 , other variations of the holding device  1110  include pluralities of magnets (e.g., arrays or matrices of magnets) of which overlapping subgroups of those magnets may be activated to hold the portable electronic device  250  (or variations thereof). Stated differently, a holding device includes a plurality of magnets that are spaced apart to form a matrix of magnets. The portable electronic device can be held in a first position by a first subset of the magnets and in a second position by a second subset of the magnets that includes some but not all of the magnets of the first subset of the magnets. In each of these embodiments, the holding devices may be configured to not activate their respective magnets if an insufficient number of attraction plates are aligned therewith (e.g., if the portable electronic device is biased upward and/or sideward of edges of the holding device, such that only a subset and/or subportions of the attraction plates are aligned with the magnets of the holding device). 
     Referring to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 12 , a holding device  1210  includes a plurality of magnets  1220  of which overlapping subgroups of the magnets  1220  may be activated to hold the portable electronic device  750  at multiple different positions. The magnets  1220  are spaced apart (e.g., in two axes as shown) distances and directions that correspond to spacing of the attraction plates  756  of the portable electronic device  750 . The magnets  1220  are configured to be activated with any grouping (e.g., subgroup or subset) of the magnets that are adjacent to each other to provide multiple positions at which the portable electronic device  750  may be held (e.g., fifteen positions as shown). As a result, each magnet  1220  may be activated to hold the portable electronic device  750  in each of one or more positions (e.g., one position for each corner magnet, two positions for each edge magnet, and four positions for each interior magnet  1220 ). Still further variations of the holding device  1210  may implement the alignment and orientation strategies discussed with reference to  FIGS. 8-9  (e.g., activating magnets in a staged or gradual manner and/or by including magnets of varying strength). 
     To provide even further granularity for the user to position the portable electronic devices  250 ,  750  (or variations thereof), magnets may be provided at increasing spatial density. Referring to  FIG. 13 , a holding device  1310  includes a plurality of magnets  1320  that are provided at four times the density of the magnets  1220  of the holding device  1210  (e.g., resulting in forty-five mounting positions instead of fifteen). Still further variations of the holding device  1210  may implement the alignment and orientation strategies discussed with reference to  FIGS. 8-9  (e.g., activating magnets in a staged or gradual manner and/or including magnets of varying strength). 
     Referring to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 14 , a holding device  1410  employs a matrix of magnets  1420 , while various portable electronic devices include one or more attraction plates that are each proximal (e.g., overlap) and drawn to more than one of the magnets. The holding device  1410  includes a plurality of magnets  1420  arranged in a matrix at a greater density than the magnets  1320  of the holding device  1310 . The portable electronic devices  250 ,  950 ,  1050  are held by those magnets  1420  that are in proximity to (e.g., behind or overlapped by) the attraction plates  556 ,  956   a  and  956   b , and  1056  of the respective portable electronic devices  250 ,  950 ,  1050 . As is illustrated with the portable electronic device  950 , the various alignment techniques described above with respect to  FIGS. 8-9  may be implemented (e.g., by activating magnets in a staged or gradual manner). 
     Further variations and combinations of the above-described strategies for locating, orienting, and securing the various portable electronic devices to the holding devices. In one additional example, referring to  FIG. 15 , which is discussed in further detail below, a portable electronic device  1550  includes a single attraction plate  1556  (e.g., similar to the singular attraction plates  256 ,  1056 ) that is associated with multiple magnets. The periphery of the attraction plate  1556  corresponds to an outer periphery of low strength magnets  1520   a  and/or higher strength magnets  1520   b  (e.g., similar to the lower strength and higher strength magnets  920   a ,  920   b ), which function to location, orient, and secure the portable electronic device  1250 . The holding device  1510  additionally includes a high strength magnet  1520   c , which may be activated during high G scenarios, as discussed in further detail below. 
     The various embodiments of the holding device may implement additional functionality pertaining to activation, user feedback, removal, further securing during detected events, device security, and/or by having movable magnets. 
     As referenced above, activation and/or control of the holding devices may be manual or automatic. Manual activation of the holding device  110  and alternative embodiments may occur upon receipt or observation of a user input by sensors of at least one of the holding device  110 , the portable electronic device  250 , and/or the vehicle sensors  206 . The various user inputs may, for example, include pressing one or more physical or virtual buttons, observing defined movement gestures of the user, receiving defined touch gestures, receiving audible commands, etc. 
     Automatic activation of the holding device  110  may, for example, be based on natural behaviors associated with the user intending the portable electronic device  250  to be held, such as the user moving toward the holding device  110 . For example, the holding device  110  may be activated when the portable electronic device  250  is determined to be in close proximity to the holding device  110 , in proper angular orientation relative to the holding device  110 , and/or have a trajectory moving toward the holding device  110 . 
     For example, activation and control the holding device  110  and its various alternative embodiments may occur automatically based on determining the current location, angular orientation, and/or trajectory of the portable electronic device  250  and its various alternative embodiments. Determination of the position, angular orientation, and/or trajectory may be performed using various sensors of the various embodiments of the holding device, the portable electronic device, and/or the vehicle  100 . For simplicity, the strategies discussed below are made reference to the holding device  810  and the portable electronic device  850 , but are applicable to the various other embodiments of holding devices and portable electronic devices disclosed herein. 
     Various conventional sensors (e.g., cameras, accelerometers, etc.) of the portable electronic device  250  may be used to determine the position, orientation, and/or trajectory of the portable electronic device  250 . For example, a rear-facing camera of the portable electronic device  250  may be used to visually recognize its location and/or orientation relative to the holding device  810  (e.g., based on structures or indicia of the vehicle  100 ). An accelerometer and/or compass of the portable electronic device  850  may also be used to determine the orientation of the portable electronic device  850  relative to the holding device  810 , for example, by determining the direction (e.g., in three axes) in which the display of the portable electronic device  850  faces and/or determining the direction in which the forward surface of the holding device  810  faces. Hall effect sensors of the portable electronic device  850  may also detect magnetic fields produced by the holding device  810 . Control and/or data signals may then be sent by the portable electronic device  850  to the holding device  810  in accordance with the one or more aforementioned sensors. 
     Instead of or in addition to using sensors of the portable electronic device  850 , one or more sensors  214  of the holding device  810  may recognize the position, orientation, and/or trajectory of the portable electronic device  850 . For example, the sensors  214  may include an optical sensor (e.g., retroreflective sensor, camera, etc.) that optically observes and recognizes the position and/or orientation of the portable electronic device  250  (e.g., structures and/or other visual indicia of the portable electronic device  850 ). The sensors  214  may instead include one or more Hall effect sensors that recognize the position and/or orientation of the portable electronic device  850  by detecting a unique magnetic signature of the portable electronic device  850  (e.g., produced by magnetic field-producing components of the portable electronic device  850 , such as speakers, microphones, cameras, etc.), and/or detect variations in the magnetic field of the magnets  820  caused by movement of the attraction plates  856 . The sensors  214  may include other types of sensors, such as proximity sensors, or RFID sensors. 
     Instead or in addition to using sensors of the holding device  810  or the portable electronic device  850 , the one or more sensors  206  of the vehicle  100  may be used to determine the position, orientation, and/or trajectory of the portable electronic device  250 . For example, the one or more sensors  206  of the vehicle  100  may include a camera that observes and recognizes the location and/or orientation of the portable electronic device  250 , or movements of the user. 
     Feedback may be provided to the user when activating the holding device  110  and/or locating, orienting, and/or securing the portable electronic device  250  to the holding device  110 . Feedback may be tactile, visual, and/or audible. 
     Tactile feedback may include haptic feedback, such as a momentary and/or sustained vibration of the portable electronic device  250 , that is produced during the various stages of operating the holding device (e.g., when the holding device  110  is activated, and/or when the portable electronic device  250  is located, oriented, and or secured to the holding device  110 ). This haptic feedback may vary based on the operating stage (e.g., by duration and/or intensity) and/or proximity of the portable electronic device  250  to the holding device  110 . 
     Tactile feedback may instead or additionally be provided by the magnetic force. For example, the magnetic force pulling the portable electronic device  250  may be increased in a manner noticeable to the user to indicate the portable electronic device  250  is secure (see, e.g., discussion regarding the embodiments disclosed in  FIGS. 8 and 9 ). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 16-17 , visual indicators and/or feedback may be provided by the different embodiments of holding device  110 , the portable electronic device  250 , and/or the vehicle  100 . Feedback may be positive feedback to indicate that the portable electronic device  250  is being properly secured (e.g., located, oriented, and/or held), or may be negative feedback to indicate that the portable electronic device  250  is not being properly secured or cannot be secured (e.g., due to incompatibility or being unauthorized). 
     Referring to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 16 , a holding device  1610  includes one or more lights  1622  that are illuminated during one or more of coupling stages of activating the holding device  1610 , locating and orienting the portable electronic device  250 , securing the portable electronic device  250 , and/or releasing the portable electronic device  250 . For example, the light  1622  may illuminate upon occurrence of one or more of the coupling, change colors upon occurrence of one or more of the coupling stages (e.g., illuminate as yellow when the holding device  1610  is activated, and turn green when the portable electronic device  250  is secured), or change brightness as the portable electronic device  250  is moved closer the holding position of the holding device  1610 . The light  1622  may, for example, include a small indicator light  1622  (as shown), or illuminate a large region (e.g., the forward surface  1616 ) of the holding device  1610  from behind the portable electronic device  250 . 
     Referring to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 17 , the portable electronic device  250  provides a visual guide (e.g., dynamic graphical representation) on the display  354  thereof. More particularly, the visual guide includes a first reference graphic  1762  and a second reference graphic  1764  that represent the positions and/or orientations of the portable electronic device  250  and the holding device  110 , relative to each other, as may be determined according to any of the locating and/or orienting strategies discussed above with respect to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     The first and second reference graphics  1762 ,  1764  graphically represent the relative vertical and horizontal position of the portable electronic device  250  relative to the holding device  110 , respectively. For example, the first reference graphic  1762  is positioned upward and leftward of the second reference graphic  1764 , just as the portable electronic device  250  is positioned upward and leftward of the holding device  110  (or the holding location thereof). 
     The first and/or second reference graphics  1762 ,  1764  may additionally graphically represent the relative spacing between the portable electronic device  250  relative to the holding device  110 . For example, as the spacing is decreased, the second reference graphic  1764  may increase in size. 
     The first and/or second reference graphics  1762 ,  1764  may still further graphically represent the angular orientation of the portable electronic device  250  relative to the holding device  110 . For example, the first reference graphics  1762  is tilted leftward relative to the second reference graphic  1764 , just as the portable electronic device  250  is tilted leftward relative to the holding device  110 . 
     The portable electronic device  250  may be configured to provide other visual indicators and/or feedback, such as changing the color, hue, or brightness of the display  354  as the portable electronic device  250  is moved into closer proximity to activate and/or be held by the holding device  110 . The portable electronic device  250  may instead, or additionally, display different graphics or patterns indicating the location and/or angular orientation of the portable electronic device  250  relative to the holding device  110 . In a still further embodiment, when the portable electronic device  250  is secured, the portable electronic device  250  displays visual media (e.g., picture, video, or other images) that is also displayed by another display of the vehicle. 
     Audible feedback may instead or additionally be provided by the holding device  110 , portable electronic device  250 , and/or the vehicle  100 . Audible feedback may include verbal instructions and/or statuses, as well as non-verbal indicators, such as a chime (e.g., to indicate that the portable electronic device  250  is secured to the holding device  110 . 
     Release of the various embodiments of the portable electronic device  250  may be triggered, indicated, and operated in various manners. 
     Release by the holding device  110  may be initiated manually using dedicated inputs, as described above for activating the holding device  110 . 
     Release may also be initiated by actions that a user might otherwise perform to physically remove or grasp the portable electronic device  250 . In the various strategies described below, release or removal is initiated by both determining contact with the portable electronic device  250  and determining or confirming intent by the user to grasp the portable electronic device  250 . Intent of the user may be determined in various manners, such as by contact to opposing sides of the portable electronic device, contact meeting a certain threshold magnitude, certain movements of the portable electronic device  250  or the user (e.g., using various sensors, such as cameras of the portable electronic device  250  or the vehicle  100 ). 
     In one example, physical inputs of the portable electronic device  250  may be arranged in positions at which the user might normally engage the portable electronic device  250  to grasp the portable electronic device  250  (e.g., opposing front/back or left/right sides thereof). The display  354  and the rear surface  452  of the portable electronic device  250  are configured as discrete touch sensors (e.g., as capacitive sensors). Thus, when the user engages the front and back of the portable electronic device  250 , the sensors of the display  354  and the rear surface  452  both simultaneously register contact, which triggers release of the portable electronic device  250  by the holding device  110  (e.g., by sending signals to the holding device  110  via the network  208  or directly via near field communication). Contact with the display  354  and the rear surface  452  may thereafter be maintained to hold the portable electronic device  250 . 
     The display  354  may also be configured to detect varied forces applied thereto, such that release by the holding device  110  may be prevented below certain force thresholds and allowed above those thresholds. The rear surface  452  of the portable electronic device  250  may also be configured to detect varied magnitudes of capacitance that may correspond to a user grabbing the portable electronic device  250  (e.g., increasing capacitance with more fingers touching the rear surface  452 ), such that release by the holding device  110  may be prevented below certain capacitance thresholds. In this manner, removal of the portable electronic device  250  is initiated by determining both contact of the user with the portable electronic device  250  and intent of the user to remove the device (e.g., by determining contact on opposing sides and/or by the force or pressure of the contact exceeding a certain threshold). 
     In another example, pressing certain combinations of buttons of the portable electronic device  250  may initiate release by the holding device  110 . For example, the portable electronic device  250  may include physical buttons or touch sensors on peripheral edges on opposite lateral sides (e.g., a volume button and a camera shutter button). By pressing the two buttons or touch sensors, the portable electronic device  250  triggers the holding device  110  to release the portable electronic device  250 . Contact with the buttons or sensors may thereafter be maintained to hold the portable electronic device  250 . In this manner, removal of the portable electronic device  250  is also initiated by determining both contact of the user with the portable electronic device  250  and intent of the user to remove the device (e.g., by contacting buttons or sensors on opposing edges of the portable electronic device  250 ). 
     In a still further example, rotation of the portable electronic device  250  may initiate release by the holding device  110 . More particularly, the user may rotate the portable electronic device  250  in plane with the forward surface  316  of the holding device  110  (i.e., about the axis perpendicular to the forward surface  316 ) to initiate release by the holding device  110 . Such rotation may be detected, for example, using sensors of the portable electronic device  250  (e.g., an accelerometer, Hall effect sensors, the camera, etc.), using the sensors  214  of the holding device  110  (e.g., Hall effect sensors, etc.), and/or the vehicle sensors  206  (e.g., a camera). Intended rotation for removal may also be confirmed using other sensors of the portable electronic device  250  (e.g., with the display  354  and/or the rear surface  452  functioning as touch sensors) and/or the vehicle sensors  206  (e.g., a camera recognizing movements of the user). 
     Advantageously, unintended rotation about the axis perpendicular to the forward surface  316  is unlikely to occur during normal operation of the vehicle  100 . Loading from vehicle dynamics may act on the portable electronic device  250  in translational directions in three normal axes and rotationally about axes parallel to the forward surface  316  of the holding device  110  (e.g., if a more significant portion of the portable electronic device  250  is positioned above/below or left/right of the surface against which the portable electronic device  250  is held by the holding device  110 ). Since portable electronic devices  250  tend to have generally even weight distribution (e.g., left/right and top/bottom for a centrally located center of gravity), loading from vehicle dynamic event is less likely to cause rotation of the portable electronic device  250  about the axis normal to the forward surface  316  of the holding device  110 . Thus, rotation about the axis normal to the forward surface  316  may be uniquely less affected than the five other degrees of freedom, thereby allowing rotation thereabout to be attributable to intended movement by the user and, thereby, be utilized as an input for initiating release thereof by the holding device  110 . 
     Release may be triggered in various other manners, such as by detecting separation of the portable electronic device  250  from the holding device  110  in combination with another input (e.g., capacitive and/or force sensing by the display  354  of the rear surface  452  of the portable electronic device  250 ). In still further examples, release may be triggered or validated by the various user inputs described above with respect to activating the holding device  110  (e.g., buttons, gestures, movements, etc.). Furthermore, any of the above described strategies for triggering release may be used in combination with each other, for example, to confirm the user&#39;s intent to take possession of the device. 
     Release may be operated in various manners. For example, upon triggering the release, the holding device  110  may remove all force applied to the portable electronic device  250  by decreasing (inclusive of terminating) the magnetic field provided by the one or more magnets  220  of the holding device  110  (e.g., by switching electropermanent magnets, reducing current to electromagnets, or stopping current to electromagnets). 
     Release may instead be operated in a staged manner, as was described above with respect to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 . Upon triggering release, the holding device  110  reduces the force applied to the portable electronic device  250 , while maintaining sufficient force to hold the portable electronic device  250  during low G events and to prevent inadvertent dropping of the portable electronic device  250 . For example, the electropermanent magnets may be switched and/or current reduced to any electromagnets. After the force is reduced, the user may grasp and remove the portable electronic device  250  with less resistance. 
     Release may also be indicated in various manners. For example, the haptic, visual, and/or audible feedback may be provided in the manners described above with respect to activating the holding device  10 . 
     The holding device  110  may also be configured to prevent unauthorized release of the portable electronic device  250 , while security measures may be implemented if unauthorized release does occur. For example, release may be authorized, for example, by identifying the user, such as using fingerprint recognition, facial recognition, and/or voice recognition (e.g., using appropriate sensors or cameras of the portable electronic device  250 , the holding device  110 , and/or the vehicle  100 ). Instead or additionally, release may be authorized by providing a predefined input from the user, such as a user defined passcode, gesture sequence, voice command, etc. 
     If unauthorized release occurs, such as by forcible removal of the portable electronic device  250 , various security measures may be taken, such as sending an alert to another device of the user or another person from the portable electronic device  250  and/or the vehicle  100 . Instead, or additionally, the portable electronic device  250  may be further secured (e.g., requiring additional verification for access) and/or have data deleted therefrom. 
     The holding device  110  (and variations thereof) may be configured to further secure the portable electronic device  250  upon detection of certain circumstances. For example, the holding device  110  may apply additional magnetic force and/or utilize mechanical devices when relative movement of the portable electronic device  250  is detected and/or upon prediction or detection of high acceleration events. This allows use of a smaller nominal holding force as compared to holding forces applied in response to or in anticipation of high acceleration, which reduces the necessary size and energy consumption of the device  250 . 
     Relative movement of the portable electronic device  250  may be detected by the holding device  110 , the portable electronic device  250 , and/or the sensors  206  of the vehicle  100 . Such relative movement may be caused by the user (e.g., inadvertent bumping of the portable electronic device  250 ), vehicle dynamics, etc. 
     The portable electronic device  250  may detect relative movement, for example, optically (e.g., with a rear facing camera), magnetically (e.g., using Hall effect sensors that detect variations in the magnetic field applied by the magnets  220 ), and/or using accelerometers (e.g., by measuring acceleration of the portable electronic device  250  that differs from that measured by an accelerometer of the vehicle  250 ). 
     The holding device  110  may also detect movement of the portable electronic device  250 . For example, the one or more sensors  214  of the holding device  110  includes Hall effect sensors that changes in the magnetic field produced by the one or more magnets  220  and/or the magnetic components of the portable electronic device  250 , which suggest movement of the portable electronic device  250  relative to the sensors  206 . The one or more sensors  214  of the holding device  110  may instead or additionally include an optical sensor (e.g., retroreflective sensor, camera, etc.) that may observe minor relative movements of the portable electronic device  250 . Relative movement may also be detected by various circuitry of the holding device  110 , such as a changes in power draw by the magnets  220  (e.g., if electromagnets) and/or changes in power draw (e.g., frequency) by a telemetry coil of the holding device  110  that is charging the portable electronic device  250 . 
     The holding device  110 , the portable electronic device  250 , and/or the sensors  206  of the vehicle are configured to detect and/or predict high G events. For example, high G events may be detected or predicted using vehicle sensors  206  that observe the external environment of the vehicle  100  (e.g., cameras, radar, LIDAR, etc. for detecting upcoming road conditions or an upcoming impact), using accelerometers of the vehicle  100  and/or the portable electronic device  250  (e.g., detecting an impact as it occurs), and/or using various vehicle controllers  204  (e.g., an airbag ECU). 
     The holding device  110  (and variations thereof) may be configured to increase the magnetic force applied to the portable electronic device  250 . It should be noted that for the magnetic force to increase, the attraction plate  556  must not be saturated by the magnetic field of the magnets  220 . Thus, the attraction plate  556  is designed with margin, so as to not be saturated by the magnetic field during normal usage. 
     In one example, the one or more magnets  220  of the holding device are electromagnets. Upon detecting relative movement of the portable electronic device  250 , increased current is supplied to the magnets  220 , which strengthens the magnetic field produced thereby to apply a greater holding force to the attraction plate  556 . 
     In other examples, additional magnets (e.g., electropermanent magnets or electromagnets) are activated to increase the holding force applied to the portable electronic device  250 . For example, in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 13-14 , additional ones of the magnets  1320 ,  1420  may be activated. Alternatively, as is shown in  FIG. 15 , the holding device  1510  includes a high strength magnet  1520   c , which is activated only when increased holding force is required. 
     The holding device  110  and/or the vehicle  100  may instead or additionally use one or more mechanical devices for further preventing movement of the portable electronic device  250 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 18-19 , the holding device  110  may be positioned in or behind a receptacle  1870 . The receptacle  1870  includes peripheral walls  1872  that extend outward from a rear wall  1874 , behind which or flush with is the holding device  110 . The peripheral walls  1872  have a depth to the rear wall  1874 , which is greater than a thickness of a periphery of the portable electronic device  250 . If the portable electronic device  250  slides (e.g., shears) relative to the holding device  110 , the periphery of the portable electronic device  250  engages the peripheral walls  1872  of the receptacle to prevent further movement thereof. The receptacle  1870  may be sized to accommodate devices of different sizes (e.g., smartphones, tablets, etc.). Alternatively, the peripheral walls  1872  have a depth to the rear wall  1874 , so as to be coextensive with or extend slightly beyond the most peripheral portion of a sloped edge of the electronic device  250  (e.g., the peak of a convex edge), or to extend partially along a perpendicular edge to the rear surface  452  of the portable electronic device  250 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 20 , the holding device  110  additionally includes an actuatable clasp  2070 . The actuatable clasp  2070  includes clasp members  2072  (e.g., hooks or retention members) that deploy around the periphery of the portable electronic device  250  to prevent movement thereof. For example, the clasp members  2072  may be hingedly or slidably coupled to the housing  318  of the holding device  110 , and be deployed with sliding pins  2076  or other actuators (e.g., motor, linear actuators, etc.). 
     Referring to  FIG. 21 , the holding device  110  additionally includes an airbag mechanism  2170 . The airbag mechanism  2170  includes an airbag cushion  2172  that deploys around the periphery of the portable electronic device  250  to prevent movement thereof. For example, the airbag cushion  2172  may deploy from the housing  318  of the holding device  110  with a suitable inflator (e.g., pyrotechnical, chemical, etc.). The airbag cushion  2172  is additionally configured to deploy from a position behind to around a front of the portable electronic device  250 , for example, using a combination of folding and rolling of the airbag cushion  2172  when stored. According to another embodiment, variations of the airbag cushion  2172  may be used in conjunction with the receptacle  1870  described above, in which the alternative airbag deploys over the portable electronic device  250  positioned in the receptacle  1870 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 23-24 , a holding device  2310  includes one or more magnets  2320  that are movably coupled with a spring  2317  to a housing  2318  of the holding device  2310 . The spring  2317  is configured to normally bias the magnet  2320  to a retracted position (see  FIG. 23 ) in which the magnet  2320  is positioned away from a forward surface  2316  of the holding device  1810 . As the portable electronic device  250  is moved into proximity of the holding device  2310  and, more particularly, as the attraction plate  556  is moved to within the magnetic field of the magnet  2320 , the magnet  2320  is pulled by the magnetic force into an extended position (see  FIG. 24 ) adjacent the forward surface  2316  of the holding device  2310 . In this manner, the holding device  2310  is connected passively to the portable electronic device  250 . While in the extended position, the magnetic field of the magnet  2320  draws the attraction plate  556  with sufficient force to overcome the force of the spring  2317  and to secure the portable electronic device  250  to the holding device  2310 . 
     The actuators  2319  are depicted schematically but may be any suitable type of actuator. In one example, the actuators  2319  are mechanical actuators that physically engage the magnet  2320  (or another member coupled thereto) to move the magnet to the retracted position (e.g., screw, helix, or other ramped device that gradually pulls the magnet  2320  away from the attraction plate  556  and reduces the force therebetween). Alternatively, the actuators  2319  may be electromagnets or electropermanent magnets having an opposite pole positioned proximate the magnet  2320  (e.g., which may be a permanent magnet). 
     Referring to  FIG. 25 , a holding device  2510  includes on one or more magnets  2520  that are permanent magnets. The portable electronic device  2550  includes a permanent magnet  2556  instead of an attraction plate, and has a rear pole of opposite polarity to that of a forward pole of the magnet  2520  of the holding device  2510  to draw the magnet  2556  thereto. 
     To remove or release the portable electronic device  2550 , the holding device  2550  includes a selectively actuatable magnet  2519  (e.g., an electromagnet or an electropermanent magnet). The actuatable magnet  2519  is positioned proximate (e.g., behind) the permanent magnet  2520  and has the opposite polarity thereof. Thus, when the actuatable magnet  2519  is activated, its magnetic field offsets that of the magnet  2520  and/or repels the magnet  2556  of the portable electronic device  2550 . 
     Various embodiments of holding device  110  and/or the vehicle controller  204  of the vehicle  100  may also be configured to identify the portable electronic device  250  to be held (e.g., by manufacturer, product line, product type, owner, etc.). Based on the detected identity of the portable electronic device  250 , the holding device  110  may alter the manner in which the holding device  110  holds or does not hold the portable electronic device  250 . For example, based on the detected identity, the holding device  110  may vary the strength by which the holding device  110  holds the portable electronic device  250 . Use of unidentified or unauthorized portable electronic devices may be prevented with the holding device  110 . 
     The detection sensors  214  may be Hall effect sensors that are configured to determine a magnetic signature of the portable electronic device  250  that is unique to a particular device type (e.g., smartphone or tablet computer of certain lines by certain manufacturers). For example, each line or type of portable electronic device  250  may include various internal components (e.g., speakers, cameras, etc.) that emit magnetic fields of certain strength, spacing, and orientation, which result in a unique magnetic signature that identifies the type of the portable electronic device  250 . Instead or in addition to identification by way of the detection sensors  214 , the portable electronic device  250  may otherwise send an identification or authentication signal to the holding device  110  (e.g., by way of the network  208  and/or the vehicle controller  204 ) by which the controller  212  of the holding device  110  identifies the portable electronic device  250 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 26-38 , as referenced above, the user device may instead be the auxiliary device  260  may be held by the various embodiments of the holding device  110 . Depending on the use of the auxiliary device  260 , the holding device  110  may be reoriented for its surface  316  to be arranged substantially horizontally. 
     Referring to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 26-28 , the auxiliary device  260  is configured as a vessel (e.g., cup, bottle, etc.) for holding liquids or other contents. The holding device  110  (shown in broken lines in  FIGS. 26-27 ) is positioned behind a decorative surface  2602   e  (e.g., glass, plastic, etc.), for example, as part of a console  102   d  of the vehicle  100 . When the auxiliary device  260  is positioned on the surface  2602   e  of the vehicle  100 , the holding device  110  holds the auxiliary device  260  via magnetism. According to other exemplary embodiments, the auxiliary device  260  may instead be a cup holder, electronic device holder, storage compartment, or other device. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 27-28 , the auxiliary device  260  includes an attraction plate  2766  (depicted in diagonal cross-hatching) in a bottom thereof, which is drawn to and held by the magnet  220  (depicted in broken outline) of the holding device  110 . As is shown in  FIGS. 27-28 , the attraction plate  2766  is a single continuous member similar to the attraction plate  556  described previously, but may be configured in different manners, including having different quantity (e.g., having multiple members or attraction plates) and having different shapes formed individually or collectively (e.g., square, rectangle, ring, etc.). The attraction plate  2766  and the magnets  220  may also be configured and/or operated in the manners described above with respect to  FIGS. 7-15  (e.g., for detecting, locating, and or orienting the auxiliary device  260  and providing multiple holding locations for the auxiliary device  260 ). 
     In one embodiment, the auxiliary device  260  is a passive device that does not communicate with the holding device  110 . The holding device  110  detects, holds, and releases the auxiliary device  260  without send/receiving any signals therebetween. The one or more sensors  214  of the holding device  110 , alone or in conjunction with the vehicle sensors  206  of the vehicle  100 , are configured to detect receive inputs for manually and/or automatically activating/deactivating the magnets  220  to hold/release the auxiliary device  260 . For example, the one or more sensors  214  of the holding device  110 , alone or in conjunction with the vehicle sensors  206 , are configured to detect and/or determine the location of the auxiliary device  260  in manners described above with respect to the portable electronic device  250  (e.g., with the sensors  214  being optical sensors, and/or Hall effect sensors). The auxiliary device  260  may also be used with the holding devices that provide multiple discrete or overlapping holding positions (refer to discussion of holding devices  1110  and  1410 ). 
     The one or more sensors  214  of the holding device  110  may also be configured to receive inputs and/or detect user behaviors for releasing the auxiliary device  260 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 29 , an auxiliary device  2960  includes a plurality of discrete zones  2962  (e.g., eight) that are circumferentially spaced about the vessel formed by the auxiliary device  2960 . The zones  2962  may, for example, be formed by separate members. The sensors  214  of the holding device  110  are configured to detect whether each contact zone  2962  of the auxiliary device  2960  has been contacted by the user (e.g., by detecting or measuring changes in capacitance). When the user contacts the contact zones  2962  that are positioned generally opposite each other (e.g., with 90 degrees or more separation therebetween), such as when the user grasps the auxiliary device  2960  as opposed to bumping one side thereof, the holding device  110  releases the auxiliary device  2960 . In this manner, release is initiated by determining contact along with user intent (i.e., by simultaneously contacting opposite sides of the auxiliary device  2960 ). 
     Alternative embodiments of the auxiliary device  260  are active devices that communicate with the holding device  110 , such as to identify the auxiliary device and/or for activating/deactivating the holding device  110 . 
     Referring to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 30 , an auxiliary device  3060  is configured to communicate with a holding device  3010  using a passive data transmission device but does not include its own power source. Examples of passive data transmission devices include radio-frequency identification (RFID) devices and Near Field Communication (NFC) devices. In one implementation, the auxiliary device  3060 , for example, includes an RFID device  3064  that communicates with the holding device  3010 . The holding device  3010  is configured similar to the holding device  110 , but additionally includes a coil  3014  or other actuator that provides remote power to the RFID device  3064  when the RFID device  3064  is in close proximity to the coil  3014 . 
     The RFID device  3064  of the auxiliary device  3060  receives power from the coil  3014  of the holding device  3010  to send one or more signals a receiver  3016  of the holding device  3010 . The holding device  3060  activates a magnet  220  to hold the auxiliary device  3060  in response to receiving the signal from the RFID device  3064  and/or the strength of the signal, which may indicate proximity of the auxiliary device  3060  to the holding device  3010 . The RFID device  3064  may also store and communicate certain information, for example, device information (e.g., serial number, model, compatibility, etc.), and/or user information (e.g., user identifier, preferences, etc.) that may be used in some manner to control holding device  3010  (e.g., holding strength, heating/cooling of the contents, activation/deactivation with authorized/unauthorized use, etc.). While the coil  3014  and the RFID device  3064  are depicted as being biased toward a side of the holding device  3010  and the auxiliary device  3060 , respectively, they may be arranged at any suitable position as may be compatible with the magnet  220  and attraction plates  3066 , respectively, thereof. In other embodiments, another RFID device may be used, which is powered by a self-contained power source (e.g., battery) of the auxiliary device. 
     Referring to the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 31-32 , various auxiliary devices include their own power source (e.g., a battery) for performing various functions. Alternatively, the various auxiliary devices may be configured for physical electrical and/or communication connections with the holding devices. 
     Referring to  FIG. 31 , an auxiliary device  3160  includes a battery  3168  and one or more sensors  3170  configured to detect a user grasping the auxiliary device  3160 . The sensors  3170  may, for example, be capacitive sensors positioned on opposite sides of the auxiliary device  3160  and/or distributed circumferentially there about (e.g., similar to spacing of the contact zones  2962  described above). When a user grasps the auxiliary device  3160 , contact by the user is detected at multiple sensors  3170 . The auxiliary device  3160  sends one or more signals (e.g., via near field communication, or the network  208  of the vehicle  100 ) based on this detected contact or lack of contact for the holding device  110  to release or hold, respectively, the auxiliary device  3160 . Moreover, the sensors  3170  may be configured to detect magnitudes in changes of capacitance (e.g., based on greater contact surface area and/or pressure by the user), which may be used to distinguish between inadvertent contact or insufficient grasping force by the user from intentional contact and sufficient grasping force. The sensors  3170  may instead include resistive force sensors having resistance that changes according to the pressure (e.g., from grasping). 
     The battery  3168  may be charged via a physical connection or inductive charging. For example, the auxiliary device  3160  may include a secondary inductive charging coil  3172  that inductively couples to and receives power from a primary inductive charging coil  3118  of the holding device  3110 , or another charging source. While the secondary inductive charging coil  3172  and the primary inductive charging coil  3118  are depicted as being biased toward a side of the auxiliary device  3160  and the holding device  3110 , respectively, they may be positioned and/or arranged in any suitable manner (e.g., relative to an attraction plate  3166  of the auxiliary device  3160  and/or magnet  220  of the holding device  3110 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 32 , an auxiliary device  3260  includes one or more selectively activated magnets  3266  that hold the auxiliary device  3260  to a passive attraction plate  3202   f  in the console  102   d  of the vehicle  100 . The magnet  3266  may, for example, be an electropermanent magnet or an electromagnet as described previously. The magnet  3266  is selectively activated and/or powered by a battery  3268  of the auxiliary device  3260 , which may be charged by inductive charging coils  3272 ,  3203   g  of the auxiliary device  3260  and the vehicle  100 , respectively. The magnet  3266  is activated based on inputs to sensors  3270  of the auxiliary device  3260  (see discussion of sensors  3170  above), such as to emit an external magnetic field when grasping touch is not detected (e.g., based on location and/or magnitude of touch detected) to hold the auxiliary device  3260  to the attraction plate  3203   f . Conversely, when grasping touch is detected by the sensors  3170 , the magnet  3266  does not emit the external magnetic field to allow release the auxiliary device  3260  from the attraction plate  3203   f.    
     Referring to  FIG. 33 , as an alternative to the magnet  3266  of the auxiliary device  3260  being selectively activated and/or powered by the battery  3268  thereof, an auxiliary device  3360  includes a magnet  3366  that is an electropermanent magnet that is activated by a holding device  3310 . The holding device  3310  includes an attraction plate  3316  to which the magnet  3366  draws the auxiliary device  3260 . The holding device  3310  additionally includes an actuator  3312  (e.g., an electromagnet) that selectively emits a magnetic field that, when emitted, switches the magnet  3366  of the auxiliary device  3360  between emitting an external magnetic field (i.e., for holding the auxiliary device  3360  to the attraction plate  3316  of the holding device  3310 ) and not emitting the magnetic field (i.e., for releasing the auxiliary device  3360 ). Upon switching the magnetic field of the magnet  3366  of the auxiliary device  3360 , the actuator  3312  of the holding device  3310  is deactivated, so as to stop drawing power. Locating and activation of the auxiliary device  3260  may be performed using the strategies described previously (e.g., using sensors  214  in the holding device  3310 , RFID, vehicle sensors  206 , etc.). 
     The various embodiments of the holding device  110  may also be configured to indicate to a user locations at which the auxiliary device  260  may be held. For example, as is shown in  FIGS. 34-35 , a holding device  110  is configured in conjunction with a mounting surface  3402   e  of a center console  102   d  of the vehicle  100  to hold multiple auxiliary devices  110  at multiple different locations. To identify each location, holding areas  3402   f  of the mounting surface  3402   e , behind which holding devices  110  (or variations thereof) are positioned, are identified physically and/or visually. For example, as shown in  FIG. 35 , the mounting surface  3402   e  includes a depression  3402   g  whose periphery is larger than the auxiliary device  260 , so as to visually and/or tactilely identify the holding area  3402   f . In some embodiments, the depression  3602   g  may be slightly larger than a mating end of the auxiliary device  260 , so as to guide the auxiliary device  260  into position. Instead or additionally, the holding areas  3402   f  may be identified visually, for example, with a contrast of materials, colors, surface finishes, indicia, and/or lighting (e.g., emanating from or around the holding areas  3402   f  and/or the auxiliary device  260 ). 
     Referring to another embodiment shown in  FIGS. 36-37 , a holding device  3610  is configured to hold authorized and/or magnetically compatible auxiliary devices  260  via magnetism and to hold non-authorized and/or non-magnetically compatible devices by selectively forming a receptacle  3602   h . The holding device  3610  is configured substantially similar to the holding device  110  (or variations thereof), but the sensing and magnetic components are movable vertically within the receptacle  3602   h  (e.g., receptacle, cavity, etc.) of the console  102   d  or other component of the vehicle  100 . 
     The holding device  3610  includes one or more sensors  3614  and one or more magnets  3620  that are positioned underneath an upper surface  3616  of the holding device  3610 , which may be configured in any of the manners described above (e.g., magnet/attraction plate configuration, detecting and locating strategies, etc.). When an authorized or compatible device is both detected and recognized or identified (e.g., the holding device  3610  optically recognizing the auxiliary device  260 , magnetically recognizing the magnetic signature of the auxiliary device  260 , and/or communicating with the auxiliary device  260 ), the upper surface  3616  is maintained flush with (as shown) or slightly recessed from (e.g., to form a depression) surrounding upper surfaces  3602   i  of the console  102   d  (see  FIG. 36 ). When another auxiliary device  3760  that is detected but is not authorized or identified, the upper surface  3616  of the holding device  3610  is biased downward to form the cavity  3602   h , which functions as a conventional cup holder or other receptacle (see  FIG. 37 ). The holding device  3610  is reconfigurable by operating an actuator  3618  (e.g., linear actuator, screw actuator, rack and pinion, etc.), which moves the upper surface  3614 , sensors  214 , and/or magnet  3620 . 
     Referring to another embodiment shown in  FIG. 38 , an auxiliary device  3860  and a holding device  3810  are cooperatively configured to heat and/or cool contents of the auxiliary device  3860  (e.g., a liquid beverage). The auxiliary device  3860  is configured as a vessel having a conductive mass  3867  (e.g., metal member, such as aluminum, steel, etc.) at a bottom thereof. An upper surface of the conductive mass  3867  (or an intermediate conductive member or layer) is exposed internal to the auxiliary device  3860 , while a lower surface (or another intermediate conductive member or layer) is exposed below the auxiliary device  3860 . The conductive mass  3867  is also thermally insulated from an exterior of the auxiliary device  3860  that might be touched by the user (e.g., the auxiliary device  3860  may have an outer insulating layer of silicone or other material). 
     The holding device  3810  includes a Peltier device, or other thermoelectric device, that, when the auxiliary device  3860  is positioned on the holding device  3810 , directly contacts the conductive mass  3867 . The Peltier device may be switched between cooling and heating modes to conductively heat or cool the conductive mass  3867  to, thereby, heat or cool the contents of the auxiliary device  3860 . Heating and/or cooling may, for example, be determined based on information communicated through an RFID device (see description of RFID device  3064  above) and/or by user input. Alternatively, the holding device  3810  and/or the auxiliary device  3860  may incorporate a temperature sensor to sense the temperature of the auxiliary device  3860  or its contents and regulate the temperature of based on the current temperature. Detection, identification, and holding of the auxiliary device  3860  may be implemented in the manners described previously (e.g., using one or more sensors  214  and/or one or more magnets  220 ) arranged in a manner suitable for use with the conductive mass  3867  (e.g., functioning as an attractor plate or with a separate attractor plate) and the Peltier device  3816 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 39-51 , various other holding devices may secure user devices, such as the various embodiments of the portable electronic devices  250  and/or the auxiliary devices  260  in other manners, such as direct vacuum, directional adhesives, deformable receivers, and/or movable pins. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 39-44 , user devices are held via a vacuum or suction. 
     Referring to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 39-40 , a holding device  3910  is configured to secure the standard portable electronic device  2250  via a vacuum. More particularly, the holding device  3910  is configured to apply a vacuum to a rear surface  452  of the portable electronic device  750 . 
     The holding device  3910  includes one or more vacuum sources, or may be functionally coupled to another vacuum system of the vehicle  100 , and a plurality of nozzles  3912  through which a vacuum is pulled relative to the passenger compartment  101  of the vehicle  100 . The one or more nozzles  3912  are, for example, apertures formed in a plate  3914  (e.g., aluminum, plastic, or other substrate) that engages the rear surface  452 . According to other embodiments, rather than use nozzles  3912  in a substrate, the vacuum may be pulled through a porous material, such ceramic, wood, micro-perforated material, porous plastic, etc. 
     One or more valves  4016  are arranged between the nozzles  3912  and the vacuum source. For example, as shown in  FIG. 40 , all nozzles  3912  are associated with a single valve  4016  that is selectively activated for the vacuum source  4018  to draw the vacuum through the nozzles  3912  simultaneously. All nozzles  3912  are in communication with a common chamber  4020 , which is in turn in communication with the single valve  4016 . To prevent continual air flow through unused nozzles  3912 , the nozzles  3912  may be concentrated in a small enough area, such that all nozzles  3912  engaged the rear surface  452  of the portable electronic device  450 , while still providing sufficient area to hold devices of greater mass. 
     The valve  4016  may be activated in the manners described above, for example, based on a user input and/or detection of the portable electronic device  250  in proximity of the holding device  3910  (e.g., by the holding device  3910  including sensors  214  described previously and/or using vehicle sensors  204 ). To ensure continued holding of the portable electronic device  750 , the vacuum level may be monitored and maintained at a predetermined level (e.g., 10 psi) and/or the location of the portable electronic device  750  monitored. 
     The holding device  3910  may additionally employ the various magnetic strategies for alignment/orientation (e.g., using low strength magnets to initially aligned the device, then fully securing with the vacuum) and/or using additional higher strength magnets to further secure the portable electronic device  750  upon detection of high acceleration of the vehicle  100 . 
     Referring to another embodiment shown in  FIG. 41 , multiple valves  4116  are each associated with a subset of the nozzles  3912  (e.g., vertical and/or horizontally divided zones of nozzles). For example, lower, middle, and upper zones of nozzles  3912  are each in communication with lower, middle, and upper chambers  4120  that are each associated with one valve  4116 . Each valve  4116  is operated to provide vacuum at the nozzles  3912  associated therewith based on the location of the portable electronic device  250  as detected in the manners described previously. 
     Referring to a still further embodiment shown in  FIG. 42 , a holding device  4210  includes a plurality of passive valves  4216   a  and one or more active valves  4216   b . Each passive valve  4216   a  is associated with one of the nozzles  3912 , while the one or more active valves  4216   b  are associated with all (as shown) or a subset of the passive valves  4216   a  and nozzles  3912  (e.g., vertical and/or horizontally divided zones). 
     Upon detection of the portable electronic device  250 , the active valve  4216   b  is opened to pull a vacuum through the passive valves  4216   a . Those passive valves  4216   b  positioned directly behind the rear surface  452  of the portable electronic device  250  remain open, while those passive valves  4216   b  in communication with the passenger compartment  101  of the vehicle  100  are closed due to the airflow therethrough. 
     As shown in  FIG. 43 , each passive valve  4216   a  generally includes a conduit  4317   a  and one or more elastic members  4317   b  therein. The elastic member  4317   b  defines an orifice  4317   c  that is normally open. With airflow therethrough, the elastic member  4317   b  biases together to close the orifice  4317   c  (see  FIG. 44 ), which remains closed until the vacuum is released. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 45-47 , a holding device  4510  is configured as a deformable receiver that selectively hardens to secure a user device therein (e.g., portable electronic devices  250 , a standard drinking vessel  4570 , etc.). As shown, the holding device  4510  is divided into selectively actuatable regions  4510   a , which may each individually receive and hold the user device, or may cooperatively hold a single device (see, e.g., the lower portable electronic device  250 ). Lower embedded portions of the user devices, which are embedded in and held by the holding device  4510 , are depicted in dashed lines. Alternatively, the holding device  4510  may include a single actuatable region  4510   a.    
     Referring to  FIG. 46 , each region  4510   a  of the holding device  4510  generally includes a compliant outer layer  4612  (e.g., flexible membrane) that defines a chamber  4614  (e.g., vacuum chamber) containing a media  4616  of solid particles (e.g., beads of glass, polymer, or other suitable material) that are flowable over each other. The holding device  4610  additionally includes a vacuum source  4618  in communication with the chamber  4614  to selectively form a vacuum therein. 
     When the vacuum is not provided, the compliant outer layer  4612  is deformable, such that pressing on the outer layer  4612  with one of the user devices causes the outer layer  4612  to deform therearound and the media  4616  to flow therearound within the chamber  4614 . When the vacuum is provided, the media  4616  is compressed within the chamber  4614  bound by the outer layer  4612 , so as to form a rigid assembly around the user device. 
     The vacuum source  4618  may be activated upon receiving a user input and/or detecting the user device being pressed against the outer layer  4612  and between the media  4616 . Depending on the type of user device, detection and determining a location of the user device may be performed according to any of the suitable methods described previously and/or by detecting pressure variances within the chamber  4614 . For example, user devices that are not in communication with the holding device  4610 , the user may manually activate one or more regions  4510   a  of the holding device  4510  (e.g., using manual inputs as described previously) and/or the location of the user device may be determined according to the methods described previously for activating corresponding regions  4510   a  thereof. 
     Detecting and/or locating the user devices may be instead or additionally be based on detecting pressure variances within the chamber  4614 , optically recognizing a position of the object (e.g., using a camera of the vehicle  100  and/or the holding device  4510 ), and/or by including a touch sensitive sensor (e.g., capacitive or resistive) in, on, or below the outer layer  4612 . The holding device  4510  is activated when the user device is embedded an appropriate depth, as detected automatically or when determined by a user, such as to hold a bezel but not cover a display of the portable electronic device  250 . 
     The outer layer  4612  may be a unitary layer of an elastomeric material (e.g., EPDM, neoprene, silicon, etc.), or as shown in  FIG. 47 , a composite material comprising one or more elastomeric layers  4712   a , a strengthening layer  4712   b , and a decorative layer  4712   c . In one embodiment, the elastomeric layers  4712   a  are EPDM layers, the strengthening layer  4712   b  is Kevlar, and the decorative layer  4612   c  is a fly-knit material. 
     The outer layer  4712  is manufactured by pressing or embedding the strengthening layer  4712   b  to a first of the elastomeric layers  4712   a  when uncured, subsequently pressing a second of the elastomeric layers  4712   a  while uncured to the strengthening layer  4712   b , and finally pressing or embedding the decorative layer  4712   c  to the second elastomeric layer  4712   a  while still uncured. After all the layers  4712   a ,  4712   b ,  4712   c  are pressed together, the layered structure may then be formed to a desired shape and then cured. Alternatively, the respective layers may be formed (e.g., cured and/or cut) into a desired shape, and then assembled/coupled into a final desired shape of the outer layer  4712 . 
     The chamber  4614  may be approximately one inch deep or other suitable depth as may be appropriate for expected devices (e.g., portable electronic devices having greater mass for which a greater holding depth would be desirable). The different regions  4510   a  may have different chamber depths. 
     The vacuum source  4518  may, for example, be a vacuum source of the vehicle, a dedicated vacuum pump, or an actuatable piston (e.g., via solenoid). Once the vacuum is pulled by the vacuum source  4518 , the vacuum is locked (e.g., with a valve or the vacuum source  4518 ), such that the vacuum source  4518  need not continually operate to continue securing the object. Chambers may additionally include isolation valves (e.g., pistons movable in response to airflow) that isolate any chamber that has failed (e.g., leaks) from the vacuum source  4518  to prevent continued flow through such failed chamber. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 48-49 , a holding device  4810  is configured to retain a portable electronic device  750  using a reusable dry adhesive  4812 . For example, the holding device  4810  includes members  4810   a  on opposing sides of the electronic device  750  (e.g., top/bottom and left/right) with patches of dry adhesive  4812  thereon, which engage opposing edges of the portable electronic device  750 . 
     The dry adhesive  4812  may, for example, be a uni-directional adhesive configured to retain the portable electronic device  750  in one direction. As shown in  FIG. 49 , the portable electronic device  250  may be inserted into the holding device  4810  in a direction indicated by the arrow  4900   a , but is retained (i.e., is prevented from moving) in an opposite direction indicated by the arrow  4900   b . The portable electronic device  250  may be removed, for example, by moving a back plate  4910   b  away from the members  4810   a  in the direction  4900   a , pushing the portable electronic device in the direction  4900   a , and removing the through the gap formed between the members  4810   a  and the back plate  4910   b . Instead, the portable electronic device may be released by moving the members  4810   a  away from each other (e.g., up/down and left/right as shown in  FIG. 48 ) to move the adhesive patches  4812  out of contact with the opposing edges of the portable electronic device  750 . 
     The dry adhesive patches  4812  may, for example, comprise high friction, synthetic fibers (e.g., “gecko fibers”) that are angularly aligned to engage a surface of an object to prevent movement of the object in one direction. 
     Referring to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 50 , a holding device  5010  comprises a planar member  5010   a  and a plurality of directional adhesive patches  5012  that are aligned in opposing directions in two axes (e.g., perpendicular axes). The holding direction of each adhesive patch  5012  is indicated by the arrows depicted within the respective patches  5012 . 
     The planar member  5010   a  may be a flexure that is slightly deformable so as to move the adhesive patches  5012  toward each other to engage and compress a portion of the rear surface  752  of the portable electronic device  750  therebetween substantially in plane with the rear surface  752 . The planar member  5010   a  (e.g., planar structure) may, for example, deform to hold the portable electronic device  750  by a first pressing the portable electronic device  750  against the planar member  5010   a , and deform to release the portable electronic device  750  upon a second pressing. 
     To prevent unintended release, the holding device  5010  may maintain the planar member  5010   a  in its flexed state using one or more actuators that are responsive to sensors receiving user inputs or otherwise sensing actions of the user indicative of their intent to remove the portable electronic device  250 . As an alternative to using the planar member  5010   a  configured as a flexure, the adhesive patches  5012  may otherwise be movable (e.g., using one or more actuators that are controllable in response user inputs and/or user behaviors). 
     Referring to  FIG. 51 , a holding device  5110  receives actuatable pins  5152  of a portable electronic device  5150  in receptacles  5112 . The actuatable pins  5152  and each corresponding receptacle  5112  are arranged at non-parallel angles relative to each other to prevent movement of the portable electronic device in six degrees of freedom relative to the holding device  5110 . The pins  5152  may be activated according to the user input and device detection strategies described previously. Further, the male/female relationship of the pins  5152  and the receptacles  5112  may be reversed to the holding device  5110  and portable electronic device  5150 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 52 , a portable electronic device  250  is adjustably coupled to a structure of the vehicle  100  via an adjustable mechanism  5280  and a holding device  5210 . A distal end  5280   a  of the adjustable mechanism  5280  is coupled to the vehicle  100  (e.g., in a cavity of a back of a seat  106 , door  103   c , etc.), while a proximal end  5280   b  of the adjustable mechanism  5280  is coupled to the portable electronic device  250  via one of the embodiments of the holding device  110  described above or another type (e.g., snap-fit, etc.). 
     The adjustable mechanism  5280  includes one or more rigid, elongated members  5282  (e.g., links; two as shown) that are movably coupled to each other, the vehicle  100 , and/or the holding device  110  via joints  5284  that are selectively lockable. The joints  5284  generally provide one, two, or three rotational degrees of freedom between the members  5282  coupled thereto. The elongated members  5282  may also be interconnected with springs (e.g., coil or gas springs; not shown) to assist in lifting each adjacent member  5282 . Collectively, the elongated members  5282  and the joints  5284  allow the portable electronic device  250  to be moved to several positions and in any desired angular orientation. In some embodiments, adjustable mechanism  5288  may limit movement of the portable electronic device  750  to five degrees of freedom, while the sixth degree of freedom (rotation in plane with the holding device) being reserved for a user input for releasing the portable electronic device  750  from the holding device  5210  (as described above). 
     The joints  5284  are configured to allow movement upon user input or upon detecting certain combinations of contact using, for example, sensors of the portable electronic device  750 , sensors of the holding device  5210  (refer to sensors  214  above), and/or vehicle sensors  206 . Such input may be a manual selection by a user to unlock the adjustable mechanism  5280 , or may be more closely tied to natural movements expected of a user for moving the portable electronic device  750 . For example, the holding device  5210  and/or the portable electronic device  250  may detect certain contact, acceleration, and/or relative movement of the portable electronic device  250  to the holding device  5210 , which suggest intended movement (e.g., contact on a lower surface and upward acceleration, contact on an upper portion and downward acceleration, etc.). Such contact, movement, and/or combinations of contact/movement that initiate release of the joints  5284  should be distinguishable from other contacts, movement, and/or combinations of contact/movement used for other inputs (e.g., to initiate release of the portable electronic device  250 ). Such input may also be based on observations of the passenger with a vehicle camera. 
     The joints  5284  may, for example, include friction plates that are released with decompression, interleaved plates with interlocking circumferentially spaced peaks/valleys and which are released with decompression, etc. The joints  5284  may include any suitable actuator. 
     In another example, as shown in  FIG. 53 , a joint  5384  is operated on principles used in the holding device  4510  by using a male member  5384   a  (e.g., a ball) that is movable within a rigid chamber  5384   b  bound by an outer layer  5834   c  and lockable within media  5384   d . The male member  5384   a  is positioned and rotatable (e.g., in one, two, or three axes) within the rigid chamber  5384   b . The male member  4884   a  may also include one or more flanges or engagement regions that provide bearing surfaces that bear in a normal direction against the media  5384   d  (as opposed to a ball having only friction thereagainst). 
     The joint  5384  is locked by applying a vacuum to the rigid chamber  5384   b , which draws the outer layer  5384   c  (e.g., membrane) against the media  5384   d  to lock the male member  5384   a  therein. The vacuum source (not shown) may be configured in the manners described for the vacuum source  4618 . The joint  5384  is released by releasing the vacuum. 
     According to another embodiment, a joint  5484  is configured similar to the joint  5384  but includes no male member  5384   a  rotatable within a cavity. Rather, an outer layer  5484   c  forms a flexible chamber  5484   b , which is coupled to the members  5282  on either side thereof. When the joint  5484  is unlocked (i.e., when no vacuum is drawn), the members  5282  may be moved relative to each other, which causes the outer layer  5484   c  and the flexible chamber  5484   b  formed thereby to flex and the media  5484   d  therein to flow over itself. The joint  5484  is locked by drawing a vacuum, which compresses the media  5484   d  within the flexible chamber  5484   b  to prevent flow therein, to thereby hold the members  5282  in fixed relation to each other. 
     As shown in  FIG. 55 , a joint  5484  may be particularly advantageous for coupling a member  5282  to the holding device  5210 , as shown in  FIG. 55  to provide limited movement (e.g., +/−approximately 15 degrees or less) in two degrees of rotational freedom but substantially prevents movement in a third degree of rotational freedom. 
     Referring to  FIG. 56 , an adjustable mechanism  5680  may instead include an elongated, flexible chamber  5684   b  formed by an outer layer  5684   c , which extends from the holding device  5210  the structure of the vehicle  100 . When a vacuum is drawn, the media  5684   d  contained in the flexible chamber  5684   b  is compressed together to prevent flow therein and form a generally rigid, elongated structure. When the vacuum is released, the holding device  5210  may be moved to a desired location, while the flexible chamber  5684   b  is deformed and the media  5684   d  flows within the chamber  5684   b.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20170825
Publication Date: 20200707
Grant Date: 20200707
Priority Date: 20160826
Inventors: COHEN, SAWYER I.
WANDERMAN, JACK J.
TEIL, ROMAIN A.
Sedlacek, Mikael P.
FIALHO, JORGE C.
KALINICHEV, Kirill
SILFVAST, ROBERT D.
Crosby, Justin D.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "B60R2011/0091", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R2011/0078", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R2011/0077", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R2011/0075", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R2011/0071", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R2011/007", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R11/02", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R2011/0091", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R2011/007", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60N3/103", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R11/02", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R2011/0077", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R2011/0091", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60N3/103", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R2011/0077", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R2011/007", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R11/02", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 71408256