Abstract: A mobile device mounting system includes a device case and a mount. The device case includes: an insert including a rectangular bore and defining a set of undercut sections about the rectangular bore; and a first set of magnetic elements arranged in a first pattern about the rectangular bore. The mount includes: a body; a polygonal boss extending from the body and configured to insert into the rectangular bore; a set of locking jaws arranged on the polygonal boss configured to transiently mate with the set of undercut sections to constrain the polygonal boss within the rectangular bore; and a second set of magnetic elements arranged in a second pattern about the polygonal boss and configured to transiently couple to the first set of magnetic elements to transiently retain the mount against the device case and to drive the set of locking jaws toward the set of undercut sections.

Abstract: A mobile device mounting system includes a device case and a mount. The device case includes: an insert including a rectangular bore and defining a set of undercut sections about the rectangular bore; and a first set of magnetic elements arranged in a first pattern about the rectangular bore. The mount includes: a body; a polygonal boss extending from the body and configured to insert into the rectangular bore; a set of locking jaws arranged on the polygonal boss configured to transiently mate with the set of undercut sections to constrain the polygonal boss within the rectangular bore; and a second set of magnetic elements arranged in a second pattern about the polygonal boss and configured to transiently couple to the first set of magnetic elements to transiently retain the mount against the device case and to drive the set of locking jaws toward the set of undercut sections.

Abstract: One variation of a device case includes a device case body: configured to accept and retain a mobile device; defining a strap receptacle; and including a first set of magnetic features arranged across a base surface of the strap receptacle. The device case further includes a strap: coupled to the device case body; configured to seat within the strap receptacle in a retracted position; configured to accept a finger of a user in a deployed position; and including a second set of magnetic features configured to transiently couple to the first set of magnetic features to drive the strap from the deployed position to the retracted position and to retain the strap within the strap receptacle in the retracted position.

Abstract: A mobile device mounting system includes a device case and a mount. The device case includes: an insert including a rectangular bore and defining a set of undercut sections about the rectangular bore; and a first set of magnetic elements arranged in a first pattern about the rectangular bore. The mount includes: a body; a polygonal boss extending from the body and configured to insert into the rectangular bore; a set of locking jaws arranged on the polygonal boss configured to transiently mate with the set of undercut sections to constrain the polygonal boss within the rectangular bore; and a second set of magnetic elements arranged in a second pattern about the polygonal boss and configured to transiently couple to the first set of magnetic elements to transiently retain the mount against the device case and to drive the set of locking jaws toward the set of undercut sections.

Abstract: A mobile device mounting system includes a device case and a mount. The device case includes: an insert including a rectangular bore and defining a set of undercut sections about the rectangular bore; and a first set of magnetic elements arranged in a first pattern about the rectangular bore. The mount includes: a body; a polygonal boss extending from the body and configured to insert into the rectangular bore; a set of locking jaws arranged on the polygonal boss configured to transiently mate with the set of undercut sections to constrain the polygonal boss within the rectangular bore; and a second set of magnetic elements arranged in a second pattern about the polygonal boss and configured to transiently couple to the first set of magnetic elements to transiently retain the mount against the device case and to drive the set of locking jaws toward the set of undercut sections.

Abstract: A mobile device mounting system includes a device case and a mount. The device case includes: an insert including a rectangular bore and defining a set of undercut sections about the rectangular bore; and a first set of magnetic elements arranged in a first pattern about the rectangular bore. The mount includes: a body; a polygonal boss extending from the body and configured to insert into the rectangular bore; a set of locking jaws arranged on the polygonal boss configured to transiently mate with the set of undercut sections to constrain the polygonal boss within the rectangular bore; and a second set of magnetic elements arranged in a second pattern about the polygonal boss and configured to transiently couple to the first set of magnetic elements to transiently retain the mount against the device case and to drive the set of locking jaws toward the set of undercut sections.

Abstract: A mobile device mounting system includes a device case and a mount. The device case includes: an insert including a rectangular bore and defining a set of undercut sections about the rectangular bore; and a first set of magnetic elements arranged in a first pattern about the rectangular bore. The mount includes: a body; a polygonal boss extending from the body and configured to insert into the rectangular bore; a set of locking jaws arranged on the polygonal boss configured to transiently mate with the set of undercut sections to constrain the polygonal boss within the rectangular bore; and a second set of magnetic elements arranged in a second pattern about the polygonal boss and configured to transiently couple to the first set of magnetic elements to transiently retain the mount against the device case and to drive the set of locking jaws toward the set of undercut sections.

Abstract: One variation of a device case includes a device case body: configured to accept and retain a mobile device; defining a strap receptacle; and including a first set of magnetic features arranged across a base surface of the strap receptacle. The device case further includes a strap: coupled to the device case body; configured to seat within the strap receptacle in a retracted position; configured to accept a finger of a user in a deployed position; and including a second set of magnetic features configured to transiently couple to the first set of magnetic features to drive the strap from the deployed position to the retracted position and to retain the strap within the strap receptacle in the retracted position.

Abstract: One variation of a device case includes a device case body: configured to accept and retain a mobile device; defining a strap receptacle; and including a first set of magnetic features arranged across a base surface of the strap receptacle. The device case further includes a strap: coupled to the device case body; configured to seat within the strap receptacle in a retracted position; configured to accept a finger of a user in a deployed position; and including a second set of magnetic features configured to transiently couple to the first set of magnetic features to drive the strap from the deployed position to the retracted position and to retain the strap within the strap receptacle in the retracted position.

Abstract: A mobile device mounting system includes a device case and a mount. The device case includes: an insert including a rectangular bore and defining a set of undercut sections about the rectangular bore; and a first set of magnetic elements arranged in a first pattern about the rectangular bore. The mount includes: a body; a polygonal boss extending from the body and configured to insert into the rectangular bore; a set of locking jaws arranged on the polygonal boss configured to transiently mate with the set of undercut sections to constrain the polygonal boss within the rectangular bore; and a second set of magnetic elements arranged in a second pattern about the polygonal boss and configured to transiently couple to the first set of magnetic elements to transiently retain the mount against the device case and to drive the set of locking jaws toward the set of undercut sections.

Abstract: A mobile device mounting system includes a device case and a mount. The device case includes: an insert including a rectangular bore and defining a set of undercut sections about the rectangular bore; and a first set of magnetic elements arranged in a first pattern about the rectangular bore. The mount includes: a body; a polygonal boss extending from the body and configured to insert into the rectangular bore; a set of locking jaws arranged on the polygonal boss configured to transiently mate with the set of undercut sections to constrain the polygonal boss within the rectangular bore; and a second set of magnetic elements arranged in a second pattern about the polygonal boss and configured to transiently couple to the first set of magnetic elements to transiently retain the mount against the device case and to drive the set of locking jaws toward the set of undercut sections.

Abstract: Substrates having laser textured surfaces and methods for forming the same are described. The methods involve using a laser to form three-dimensional features on a surface of the substrate. The laser three-dimensional features can be designed to interact with incident light to create unique visual effects. In some embodiments, the substrate is further treated with a pre-anodizing process and an anodizing process to form a protective metal oxide coating. In some cases, the type of pre-anodizing and anodizing process are chosen based on the geometry of the three-dimensional features and to enhance the visual effects.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for smart automation of robotic surface finishing of a three-dimensional surface of a work piece is described. A three-dimensional motion path is created along the surface of the work piece. A variable contact force profile is specified along the three-dimensional motion path. The three-dimensional motion path is modified based on the specified variable contact force profile. The surface of the work piece is finished using one or more surface finishing tools along the modified three-dimensional motion path. The surface of the work piece includes at least a flat region and a curved region.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for smart automation of robotic surface finishing of a three-dimensional surface of a workpiece is described. A finite element analysis simulation is conducted providing data for generation of a three-dimensional path along the surface of the workpiece. The finite element can include properties of the workpiece, finishing tool, and the robot configured to maneuver the finishing tool. The surface of the workpiece is finished using one or more surface finishing tools along the three-dimensional path. The surface of the workpiece includes at least a flat region and a curved region.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein relate to anodic oxides and methods for forming anodic oxides. The methods involve incorporating an ultraviolet (UV) light absorbing compounds into anodic oxides to prevent color fading of the anodic oxides caused by exposure to UV light. In some embodiments, the UV light absorbing compound includes para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA). The UV light absorbing compound can be incorporated within the anodic oxide during a sealing process. The UV light absorbing compound becomes infused within a seal layer, which is formed during the sealing process. The resultant anodic oxide has a UV light absorbing seal layer that can block UV light from reaching any underlying colorant existing within the anodic oxide.

Abstract: Embodiments may generally take the form of systems and techniques for reducing or eliminating crazing in anodized metal. In particular, one embodiment may take the form of a method for sealing an anodized metal member including placing the anodized metal member in a sealing bath having water. The sealing bath initially has a first temperature that is less than a sealing temperature. The method also includes continuously heating the sealing bath to the sealing temperature, maintaining the bath at the sealing temperature for a period of time, and removing the anodized metal member from the sealing bath after the period of time has lapsed.

Abstract: Substrates having laser textured surfaces and methods for forming the same are described. The methods involve using a laser to form three-dimensional features on a surface of the substrate. The laser three-dimensional features can be designed to interact with incident light to create unique visual effects. In some embodiments, the substrate is further treated with a pre-anodizing process and an anodizing process to form a protective metal oxide coating. In some cases, the type of pre-anodizing and anodizing process are chosen based on the geometry of the three-dimensional features and to enhance the visual effects.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein relate to anodic oxides and methods for forming anodic oxides. The methods involve incorporating an ultraviolet (UV) light absorbing compounds into anodic oxides to prevent color fading of the anodic oxides caused by exposure to UV light. In some embodiments, the UV light absorbing compound includes para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA). The UV light absorbing compound can be incorporated within the anodic oxide during a sealing process. The UV light absorbing compound becomes infused within a seal layer, which is formed during the sealing process. The resultant anodic oxide has a UV light absorbing seal layer that can block UV light from reaching any underlying colorant existing within the anodic oxide.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for machining an exterior surface of a metal alloy casing of a portable electronic device to form a combination of a flat edge surface, a curved edge surface and a flat bottom surface is disclosed. The flat edge surface is abraded by contacting a first flat section of a rotating cutting tool along a first circuit of a pre-determined continuous spiral path. The curved edge surface is abraded by contacting a convex section of the rotating cutting tool along additional circuits of the first pre-determined continuous spiral path. The pitch of vertical movement of the cutting tool is adjusted for each circuit of the continuous spiral path based on a resulting curvature of the metal alloy casing. The bottom surface is abraded by contacting a flat section of the cutting tool along a second pre-determined alternating direction linear path.