Custom Phone Mount for Vent (3D Print)

Hey all, just wanted to share my progress on a custom phone/device mount for the HVAC vent. I will admit I was inspired by the Hondo Garage one, I actually ordered it last week, but then realized it didn't let you fully close or adjust the vent once installed. I didn't like that approach so decided to go look at what I could do about it.

I have a 3D printer, and mill, so figured I could come up with something.

The first step was simply looking where I could mount my current phone mount. I'm a huge fan of the TecheMatte magnetic holders, they're made to slip onto the vent shrouds, but the Tacoma simply doesn't lend itself to these very well, they fall off and move around. I wanted to continue using this, but knew it needed to be mounted more securely.

After looking around and not seeing any viable options for mounting locations that were clean and not protruding massively, I opted to pull the dash cover off. (I've already had it off to swap out the colored plastic parts). I presumed I could 3D print something similar to the Hondo version, but perhaps make changes, a simple clip on (snap in) version was my initial idea, since I'm not looking for ultimate "off road stability".

Long story short, I discovered a neat little bonus from Toyota. The HVAC vent has some extra tabs on it a little lower from the default ones used for installation. These tabs, line up perfectly for installation, but leave a 0.225" gap between the vent and the front bezel. This is a perfect gap for some kind of spacer mount.

The following are images expressing what I found.



Here are those tabs (red) default mounting, (blue) extra tabs that already exist and I utilize.


Here you can see the gap that is created if you install the vent using those alternative snap points.


3D Design prototype, this was version 3 or 4, the tabs on the outside are to keep the mount/spacer from rotating.


This is the magnetic mount I prefer to use.


First printed prototype (note the missing outer tabs). This one ended up being a little too thick.




Disassemble the magnetic mount.


Mount the magnetic mount to the spacer-mount.


Re-assemble everything - note the vent closes fully.


Re-assembled - note the vent opens fully.


Installed


So I'm still fiddling with things, but I currently have it installed (dark out so no fully-installed photos). I tested it, and it's as stable as can be. The vent still swivels and opens/closes. This design could easily facilitate other mounts or RAM balls quite easily, especially the "bar mount bolt-on version of the RAM Ball.

I'll consider printing out some for those interested as well at a small fee (material and shipping).

Those curious, I'm currently printing with ABS filament, a) because it's what I had loaded in the printer already b) it holds up better to heat, since this will be a mounted inside a potentially hot vehicle and used in the heat vent.

Thanks, and enjoy!


**UPDATE**

Decided to attempt a RAM mount (1" ball) but the bolt on version looked like it would be a bit much to mount, so for a concept, I simply printed a version with a 1" ball on it to test. I know up-front this isn't a design I'm interested for my own needs, but know others might like it.




I already know it sticks out a little far, but wanted to test for clearence, etc. I can probably push the "stick-out" back in ~0.500"


Here it is with a RAM X-Mount (small) - this is the only RAM product I own (for the street bike).




In the photos I have it positioned in the top, as that seems the most reasonable, but it can go anywhere really. Looking for feedback.

Thanks

 

Reserved

 

Definitely interested.

 

Definitely interested, esp since I use the magnetic mounts similar to that and have the vent ones but it doesn't play well with our types of vents.

 

This is exactly why I decided to make this. I have multiple versions of the magnetic mounts. Some use a screw, some have the clamp part mounted directly to a threaded rod, so variants exist. So trying to finalize a more "universal" mounting method, especially for other options (RAM mount, etc). Thinking simply provide a recess, and let whatever wants to be mounted to be nut/bolt fixed to it.

Literally just got it going, but thought I'd share to get feedback / thoughts / ideas

 

I think there's a great niche for this type of low profile mount. I have a magnetic windshield mount that I currently use. I like the usefulness of the Hondo mount but it's much too bulky for my tastes. If you need a tester to give you feedback, I'd be more than happy to pay you shipping and give feedback.

 

Nice. +1 for fusion360!

 

Add me to the list please!

 

Looks like something that I could definitely use.

 

I'm in for one. Please add me to the list. Thanks

 

this is a great idea! I currently use a vent clip style, and when my phone isn't in it, it rattles like crazy and drives me INSANE! this looks to be very solid and sturdy! But, I use I Magpul bump case on my iPhone, and I've never tried the magnetic mount but assume it wouldn't be strong enough to make it through my case?

 

watching this. looks nice, also watching the bar mount development.

 

I'm interested too. Good work.

 

Send me an image or product page of the mount that you use, I'd be curious if it would lend itself to this type of fixture. As for the magnetic mount, they come with adhesive metal plates you can either put on your phone or simply between the case and the phone, they work quite well actually, but I've only ever tested on thinner cases.

 

Thanks, I'll be pulling the RAM ball off my motorcylce today to give it a try and see how sturdy it is when fully mounted on a plate. I personally won't run with it, as the extra mounting hardware required for the RAM stuff is way to much to have sticking off my dash (personal preference), but know some people love it.

I'm also looking to see if it would be worth it to mill out an aluminum version as well, not sure if it's worth my effort, but I'm sure I'll do at least one prototype and judge from there.

 

I'll take one as long as the installation isn't crazy. I really don't want to have to rip my dash apart.

Do you have to remove the dash to install this?

 

I thought it was obvious from some of the photos, but I presume not. The bezel surrounding the radio, has to be removed, it's one piece spanning both center vents. It's easy to remove, grab above/below the radio where there's a lip easy to grab, and pull out. If you can't do this, or don't want to, then move on as this is a required step in order to install.

 

Yea I wasn't sure if you removed extra stuff to work up your design

 

Ah, nope, everything can be done from that one bezel/trim panel. The vents are secured onto that piece (three tabs), it all comes apart quite easy. But I have experience working with fiddly plastic crap and have the right tools, so I'm sure for some, it might take some effort. Depending on how far this goes, I might make a full installation video.

 

Good work OP!
I'm sure that'll look good too, but to much work for me. I'm lazy and don't want to permanently change the appearance yet, in case I decide to trade for more (TSS) safety features in '18-19? But maybe 10yrs down the line If I keep it lol!

This is what I use, (magnet mount) it just tapes on top and I let the phone rest on dash for extra support. I've had it for over a year, hasn't fallen yet.

Keep those innovation ideas coming!
Cheers!