Quad Lock MAG

The challenge was to design a solution that improved the everyday user experience without compromising the performance of adventure applications, and be backwards compatible for use on existing Quad Lock mounts to limit waste, environmental impact and cost to the user to upgrade to the new system

This was solved by redesigning the case incorporating both the ‘Twist and Lock’ feature with a magnet array making it compatible with all Quad Lock mounts. The magnet array improves usability in environments where a lower level of mounting security is required, whilst the Quad Lock ‘Twist and Lock’ feature allows for mounting where increased level of security is required. The addition of the embossed Quad Lock feature on the new MAG mounts was a substantial leap forward in design development, as this improves the shear resistance of the magnetic attachment which is a fundamental issue with conventional magnetic mounting.

The MAG case is designed to protect smartphones which are high-value electronic items and by nature of their design, are fragile and susceptible to being damaged easily and ending up in landfill. MAG cases offers superior protection and is built to survives all elements and extreme conditions that extends the lifespan of smartphones and often outlasts the users' time with their phone, This, in turn, enables users to pass down their smartphone to family or friends, or sell them if they choose to upgrade, providing both a positive environmental impact and an economical benefit to the user.

The introduction of the magnet array introduced a new challenge with wireless charging performance. We worked through several iterations of magnet strengths, positions, array styles and thicknesses to find the right balance between attachment strength and ensuring the magnets didn't cause interference with the wireless charging. We methodically worked through several iterations using exhaustive user trials to understand the user requirements and expectations, impact tests to ensure it met strength requirements (simulating rough terrain and bumps in the road when driving) and wireless charging performance tests to ensure fast wireless charging. The result of these investigations was a 36-segmented 1.5mm magnet array. 3 magnet segments are removed from the array and replaced with plastic inserts which changes the magnet field to meet our wireless charging performance requirements.