Phone Holder with Wireless Charger Pad for Mercedes C-class (W206, S206) Cup Holder, parametric, incl. Fusion 360 project files

This design features a phone holder that can be placed in the cup and accessory compartment of the center console in Mercedes cars, replacing a cup. It is designed specifically for the W206/S206 models of the C-Class but should be compatible with other models that share the same type of compartment.

In addition to the phone holder functionality, the design integrates a wireless charger and a mounting option for a USB-C socket. This USB-C socket can be used for slow charging or to connect a USB stick with media files.

Autodesk Fusion 360 project files are provided, allowing you to modify the model as needed. Most customizations can be done via parameters. The provided STL exports are optimized for the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 Mini.

Two different designs are available as Fusion 360 project files. This description focuses on the main design, "Phone Holder with a Small Pad for Mercedes 206 Cup Holder." Another version, "Phone Holder with Qi for Mercedes 206 Cup Holder," accommodates a Qi wireless charging module. However, over time, using a ready-made charging pad proved to be simpler. You might find opportunities to extend this version for your needs.

Charging and USB Access on One USB-C Connector

This project began from the frustration that my car has only one USB-C socket and lacks a wireless charger pad. As a result, it is impossible to charge two smartphones simultaneously or charge a smartphone while using a USB stick for music.

Since Mercedes does not support USB hubs, you need a special USB splitter with separate lines for power and data. If you search online, you will find many USB splitters, but most are unsuitable. I purchased four different versions, and only one worked as expected.

Fortunately, it is widely available from different sellers and comes in three versions:

Seller on AliExpress: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006960589965.html
Seller on German eBay: https://www.ebay.de/itm/393932724905

Note: One of the output sockets is for charging only, while a USB stick can only be used with the other.

Use High-Quality USB-C Cables

I initially tried more flexible and compact cables to connect the holder to the USB-C socket in the Mercedes dashboard, but they failed to supply sufficient power for charging while also powering the USB stick. I use this cable, and it works well:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007345684516.html

To ensure proper fit, use a 90-degree angled plug on the USB splitter side. Regular USB plugs would not fit inside the holder body. I used 25cm version. 50cm would be too long for the front cup tray.

USB-C Socket Adapter

The section of the body behind the smartphone houses the wireless charger pad and the USB-C socket adapter. This adapter enables easy swapping of USB sticks if needed.

Some adapters use low-quality USB-C cables and may fail. I use this one in 20cm length and it works well:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003311183241.html

Wireless Charger Pad

The wireless charger pad should have a detachable cable so that a short cable can fit inside the holder body. This pad is widely available from various sellers, for example here:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005731597571.html

Placement in the Car

The ideal placement is in the front cup holder. The model is tuned to minimal height so it does not protrude excessively from the console surface. This design strikes a compromise, as the smartphone is angled slightly on both the vertical and front axes. While generally secure, the phone may fall off during strong acceleration. You might optimize it further for your car's setup.

Adapting for Other Smartphones

When adapting the holder for other smartphones, the key parameters are:

“PhoneMaxWidth”: Defines the maximum width of the smartphone that can fit in the holder.

“QiSpoolCenterFromPhoneBottom”: Specifies the offset from the phone's bottom edge to the center of the Qi charging coil.

You can determine the latter by placing the charger pad on the phone and measuring the distance from its center to the phone's bottom edge.

Please spend some time to understand how parameters work. If you exceed some ranges, the design can break.

Printing

Use PETG, ASA, or PC filament for printing, as PLA cannot withstand the high temperatures inside a car.

Printing requires supports. I recommend using "organic" supports selectively on overhangs. This approach works well. Removing the support near the USB-C socket along the body chamber requires some patience.

Have fun and drive safely!