Modular magnetic docking station

Abstract

The utility model discloses a modularization magnetic attraction expansion dock, including first part expansion dock, USB port expansion dock, type C port expansion dock, HDMI port expansion dock, DP port expansion dock, reinforcing piece and tail expansion dock. The electrical connection and data transmission are realized through the magnetic attraction connecting assembly that the magnetic attraction head and magnetic attraction interface constitute between each module, and the top auxiliary magnetic attraction connecting assembly cooperates the reinforcing piece and realizes physical reinforcement. The USB port expansion dock, type C port expansion dock integrated battery can be used as independent power supply, and the tail expansion dock integrated UFS flash memory chip and main controller can be used as large capacity storage equipment, and each function expansion dock module is combined as required. The utility model discloses through modularization magnetic attraction design, solved the traditional expansion dock interface solidification, the problem such as complicated connection, realized the flexible adaptation of function, and the combination was stable and safe, and the application scene of expansion dock was expanded, and the comprehensive practicability was improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of electronic device accessories, and more specifically, to a modular magnetic expansion dock. Background Technology

[0002] As a key accessory for solving the problems of insufficient interfaces and compatibility in electronic devices, docking stations are valuable because they integrate multiple port specifications to adapt to the trend of thinner and lighter electronic devices with fewer built-in interfaces, thus meeting users' diverse peripheral connection needs. However, docking stations on the market generally have core limitations. First, the types and numbers of interfaces are fixed and cannot adapt to rapidly evolving peripheral standards. Second, insufficient power supply or signal interference is prone to occur when multiple devices are connected simultaneously.

[0003] Finally, the lack of modular design prevents flexible adjustments to interface combinations based on usage scenarios. These issues affect the docking station's adaptability and stability.

[0004] To address the aforementioned issues, preliminary explorations have been conducted in related technologies. For example, utility model patent application (CN209447058U) discloses a modular combined computer expansion dock, comprising a base unit, pluggable functional modules, and a locking mechanism. The base houses the core circuitry and a main control chip, while the functional modules offer different combinations of SD card readers, network cable interfaces, and audio interfaces. These modules are connected to the base via metal spring pins and physically secured using a sliding rail snap-fit ​​mechanism. This utility model achieves on-demand interface configuration through modular design, effectively solving the problem of idle interfaces and supporting hot-swappable module replacement. However, significant shortcomings remain: the connection structure is susceptible to poor contact due to wear, heat dissipation efficiency is low when multiple modules operate simultaneously, and cable management between modules is somewhat chaotic.

[0005] Other existing products, although they have made some technical improvements to the interfaces, still have limitations such as fixed interface combinations, inability to replace or expand other types of interfaces, and voltage drops when connecting multiple high-power devices at the same time, which can cause peripheral devices to malfunction.

[0006] In summary, while the aforementioned existing technologies have made some improvements in individual dimensions such as data transmission stability and interface combination flexibility, they have failed to comprehensively resolve the contradiction between the fixed interface of the expansion dock and the adaptation to the rapidly iterating peripheral standards, the connection stability in the modular design, and the defects in cable management, making it difficult to meet users' comprehensive needs for flexible adaptation and stable use of the expansion dock. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This utility model aims to provide a modular magnetic expansion dock. By adopting a modular disassembly and assembly design and magnetic connection components to achieve electrical conduction and data transmission, and with the assistance of a magnetic reinforcement structure to ensure the stability of the modular disassembly and assembly design, combined with the innovative form of various types of functional expansion docks that can be matched as needed, it effectively solves the problems of traditional expansion docks such as fixed interfaces, cumbersome connections, and poor line management, and the inability to flexibly adapt to different usage scenarios, thus providing a new solution for the development of electronic device expansion dock technology.

[0008] Based on the first major aspect of this utility model, a modular magnetic expansion dock is provided, comprising a head expansion dock, at least one functional expansion dock, and a tail expansion dock that are connected in series along the length direction by magnetic connection components.

[0009] The magnetic connection components are located at both ends of the functional expansion dock, and auxiliary magnetic connection components are provided at the top of the functional expansion dock, the head expansion dock, and the tail expansion dock.

[0010] It also includes a reinforcement component that is magnetically connected to the auxiliary magnetic connection assembly.

[0011] As a further preferred embodiment, the magnetic connection assembly includes a magnetic head and a magnetic interface; the auxiliary magnetic connection assembly is composed of internal magnetic blocks.

[0012] Electrical connection and data transmission are achieved between expansion docks through the magnetic attraction of the magnetic head and magnetic interface.

[0013] As a further preferred embodiment, the first expansion dock is provided with a connecting line at one end and a magnetic head of the magnetic connection component at the other end, which is connected to the magnetic interface of the functional expansion dock.

[0014] One end of the tail expansion dock is provided with a magnetic interface of the magnetic connection component, which is connected to the magnetic head of the functional expansion dock.

[0015] As a further preferred embodiment, the tail extension dock integrates a UFS flash memory chip and a main controller, enabling it to be identified as a high-speed independent storage device for reading and writing data while serving as a system terminal.

[0016] The integrated design provides users with the ability to transfer emergency data and expand storage space without adding extra items, greatly enhancing the overall practicality of the docking station.

[0017] As a further preferred embodiment, the functional expansion dock includes one or more of the following: USB port expansion dock, Type-C port expansion dock, HDMI port expansion dock, and DP port expansion dock.

[0018] As a further preferred embodiment, each of the aforementioned functional expansion docks is provided with a physical interface on its side that is compatible with the interface of external electronic devices, and a display screen on its top that can be used to accurately display the battery level and connection status.

[0019] As a further preferred embodiment, the USB port expansion dock and the Type-C port expansion dock integrate a battery module and a charge / discharge management circuit.

[0020] Both types of docking stations have USB or Type-C ports on their sides that are compatible with external electronic devices. With the integrated battery and circuitry, they can be used as independent power banks when combined with the front and rear docking stations.

[0021] As a further preferred embodiment, the high-power output circuits of the USB port expansion dock and the Type-C port expansion dock are equipped with trigger switches.

[0022] As a further preferred embodiment, the trigger switch is closed only when the head expansion dock and the tail expansion dock form a complete physical enclosed unit.

[0023] Through the above design, the power bank function can only be safely activated and carried after it is combined with the front expansion dock and the rear expansion dock to form a complete insulating unit, eliminating the risk of leakage and short circuit when carried or used alone.

[0024] As a further preferred embodiment, the reinforcing member is provided with reinforcing magnetic blocks at both ends;

[0025] The reinforcing magnetic block and the internal magnetic block of the auxiliary magnetic connection assembly are attracted to each other by opposite polarities.

[0026] This magnetic reinforcement method can provide additional magnetic attraction and lateral mechanical restraint in the middle or key joints of a long chain formed by multiple modules connected in series, effectively resisting bending moments caused by external pulling forces or the weight of the equipment, and significantly enhancing the stability and reliability of the overall structure.

[0027] Compared to existing technologies, this invention, firstly, integrates the functions of different interfaces into independent functional expansion dock modules through a modular design. Combined with magnetic connection components at both ends of each functional expansion dock module, it achieves complete customization of the expansion dock interface type and requirements. Eliminating the need for complex cable connections, the magnetic adsorption assembly method allows for free, flexible, and convenient assembly. Users can freely select and combine different functional expansion docks according to different usage scenarios and devices, changing and configuring them as needed to meet usage requirements. This solves the problem of fixed and inflexible interfaces in traditional expansion docks.

[0028] Secondly, it adopts a structural design that combines core magnetic connection with auxiliary reinforcement. Electrical connection and data transmission are achieved through the precise attraction of the magnetic heads and interfaces at both ends of each functional expansion dock module. The opposing magnetic attraction between the top auxiliary magnetic connection component and the reinforcement component provides double stability for modular assembly without the need for additional fixing structures. Simultaneously, to address the risk of high-voltage contacts being exposed when the magnetic connection components are directly connected, the structural design incorporates the front and rear expansion docks as insulating protective components. When the module with the built-in battery is combined with these two components to form a complete enclosed unit, it completely covers the live contacts, ensuring operational safety when used as a power bank and eliminating the risk of leakage and short circuits when carried or used alone.

[0029] Finally, the entire system adopts a modular and independent design, with all modules physically connected via magnetic attraction. This allows for independent replacement of any damaged module or when the device needs upgrading, extending the overall product lifespan. Simultaneously, the USB and Type-C expansion docks integrate batteries and circuit modules, enabling independent power supply use. The rear expansion dock allows for expanded storage functionality, further enriching the product's practical value while providing flexible interface expansion. Attached Figure Description

[0030] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, obtaining other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort still falls within the scope of this utility model.

[0031] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the modular magnetic expansion dock is shown in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 This invention provides a schematic diagram showing the disassembly of various functional expansion docks in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a USB port expansion dock is shown in one embodiment of this utility model;

[0034] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the magnetic attraction between expansion docks in one embodiment of this utility model is shown.

[0035] The label in the attached diagram is: 1 - Modular magnetic expansion dock;

[0036] 2-Connecting cable, 3-Head expansion dock, 4-USB port expansion dock, 5-Type-C port expansion dock, 6-HDMI port expansion dock, 7-DP port expansion dock, 8-Tail expansion dock, 9-Display screen, 10-Reinforcement components, 11a-Magnetic interface, 11b-Magnetic head, 12-Internal magnetic block. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The preferred embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below to provide a clearer understanding of its purpose, features, and advantages. It should be understood that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model, but are merely illustrative of its essential spirit.

[0038] In the following description, certain specific details are set forth for the purpose of illustrating various disclosed embodiments in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various disclosed embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details. In other instances, well-known techniques associated with this application may not have been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments.

[0039] Throughout this specification, references to "an embodiment" or "an embodiment" indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, the appearance of "in an embodiment" or "an embodiment" in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic may be combined in any manner in one or more embodiments.

[0040] It should be noted that in the description of this application, the terms "upper," "lower," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, this utility model provides a modular magnetic expansion dock 1, characterized in that it includes a head expansion dock 3, at least one functional expansion dock, and a tail expansion dock 8, which are connected in series along the length direction by magnetic connection components.

[0042] Combination Figure 2 As shown, magnetic connection components are located at both ends of the functional expansion dock, and auxiliary magnetic connection components are provided at the top of the functional expansion dock, the head expansion dock 3, and the tail expansion dock 8.

[0043] The first expansion dock 3 has a rectangular structure. One end of it is equipped with a connecting line 2, and the other end is equipped with a magnetic interface 11a that matches the functional expansion dock. At the top of it is an internal magnetic block 12 of the auxiliary magnetic connection component. The N-pole of the internal magnetic block 12 faces upward, and the surface of the internal magnetic block 12 is flush with the top surface of the expansion dock.

[0044] The first expansion dock 3 integrates a signal conversion circuit, which can convert the signals transmitted by external devices into universal signals applicable to various expansion docks. At the same time, it adopts built-in overload protection to prevent abnormal current from damaging the equipment.

[0045] Specifically, the magnetic connection component of the functional expansion dock consists of a magnetic head 11b at one end and a magnetic interface 11a at the other end, both arranged coaxially with their central axis aligned with the length of the expansion dock. The magnetic head 11b is cylindrical with the N-pole of the internal magnet facing outwards. The magnetic interface 11a is a cylindrical countersunk structure that fits with the magnetic head 11b with a clearance. A magnet is embedded in the center of the bottom of the magnetic interface 11a, with the S-pole facing outwards. The opposite polarity of the N-pole of the magnetic heads 11b of adjacent functional expansion dock modules attracts each other, ensuring sufficient attraction to maintain the connection and electrical and data communication between the various expansion dock modules.

[0046] The auxiliary magnetic connection component of the functional expansion dock has two symmetrical magnetic block mounting holes centered on the top surface. An internal magnetic block 12 is embedded in each mounting hole. The N-pole of the internal magnetic block 12 faces upward, and the surface of the internal magnetic block 12 is flush with the top surface of the expansion dock. The magnetic attraction direction is perpendicular to the top surface of the expansion dock, and it is used to cooperate with the reinforcing magnetic block 10a of the reinforcement component 10.

[0047] Meanwhile, a display mounting slot is provided in the upper right corner of the top, into which an LCD display 9 is embedded. The display 9 is connected to the internal circuitry via a cable to display battery power or connection status information.

[0048] The surface of display screen 9 is covered with a transparent acrylic cover plate, which is flush with the top surface of the function expansion dock and serves to protect display screen 9.

[0049] Specifically, the functional expansion dock includes four types: USB port expansion dock 4, Type-C port expansion dock 5, HDMI port expansion dock 6, and DP port expansion dock 7. The main structure, size, magnetic connection components, and auxiliary magnetic connection components of each type of functional expansion dock are completely identical, and the differences only lie in the interface type, internal circuit and other modules.

[0050] Combination Figure 3 As shown, the USB port expansion dock 4 has a USB interface mounting hole on the side away from the display screen 9, embedding a USB interface with an exposed length of 4mm, supporting data transmission and power output. Internally, it integrates a 1000mAh lithium polymer battery, charge / discharge management circuitry, and signal transmission circuitry.

[0051] The battery is connected to the charge / discharge management circuit via a nickel strip. The charge / discharge management circuit is electrically connected to the magnetic connection components at both ends, the USB interface, and the display screen. It also has overcharge, over-discharge, overcurrent, and short-circuit protection functions to ensure the safety of battery use.

[0052] The signal transmission circuit is used to convert the signals received and transmitted by the magnetic component into signals compatible with the USB interface, thereby enabling data transmission.

[0053] The Type-C port expansion dock 5 has a Type-C interface mounting hole on the side away from the display screen 9, with a Type-C interface embedded inside. The exposed length of the interface is 4mm, supporting PD fast charging protocol and data transmission. Internally, it integrates a 1000mAh lithium polymer battery and PD protocol management circuitry.

[0054] The battery is connected to the PD protocol management circuit, which is electrically connected to the magnetic components at both ends, the Type-C interface, and the display screen. It also has overcharge, over-discharge, and overvoltage protection capabilities.

[0055] The HDMI port expansion dock 6 has an HDMI port mounting hole on the side away from the display screen 9, with an HDMI port embedded inside to support video signal transmission. The exposed length of the port is 5mm.

[0056] The internal HDMI signal conversion circuit is electrically connected to the magnetic connection components at both ends, the HDMI interface and the display screen 9 via wires. The HDMI signal conversion circuit is used to convert the digital signal received and transmitted by the magnetic connection components into the HDMI standard video signal.

[0057] The DP port expansion dock 7 has a DP interface mounting hole on the side away from the display screen 9, with a DP interface embedded inside, supporting video signal transmission, and the exposed length of the interface is 5mm.

[0058] It integrates a DP signal conversion circuit, which is electrically connected to the magnetic connection components at both ends, the DP interface, and the display screen 9 via wires.

[0059] The overall structure of the tail expansion dock 8 is basically the same as that of the head expansion dock 3. One end is provided with a magnetic interface 11a for connecting with the magnetic head 11b of the end functional expansion dock. At its top is an internal magnetic block 12 of the auxiliary magnetic connection component. The N-pole of the internal magnetic block 12 faces upward, and the surface of the internal magnetic block 12 is flush with the top surface of the expansion dock.

[0060] It integrates a UFS flash memory chip and a main controller, and supports signal conversion. When connected to a matching converter, it can read and write data to the corresponding device.

[0061] It also includes a reinforcement component 10, which has a long strip structure with a flat bottom surface. A magnetic block mounting slot is opened at each end of the bottom surface, and a reinforcement magnetic block 10a is embedded in each mounting slot with the S pole of the reinforcement magnetic block 10a facing down.

[0062] Combination Figure 4 As shown, the reinforcing magnetic blocks 10a at both ends of the reinforcing member 10 can be connected to the internal magnetic block 12 at the top of the expansion dock via magnetic attraction. When it is necessary to reinforce two adjacent expansion dock modules, the reinforcing member 10 can be rotated 180° and spanned across the joint between the two modules, so that the reinforcing magnetic block 10a at one end is attracted to the internal magnetic block 12 of the preceding module, and the reinforcing magnetic block 10a at the other end is attracted to the internal magnetic block 12 of the following module, thereby forming a stable lateral connection and effectively enhancing the overall structural strength when multiple modules are connected in series.

[0063] In one embodiment, during assembly, the first expansion dock 3 is taken out, and its end with the magnetic interface 11a is aligned with the end with the magnetic head 11b of the USB expansion dock 4. The positioning protrusion and positioning groove are aligned and gently brought close together. The two are fixed by magnetic attraction, and the first expansion dock 3 and the USB expansion dock 4 establish an electrical connection. The display screen 9 of the USB expansion dock 4 lights up to show the current battery level.

[0064] Take out the Type-C port expansion dock 5 and align the end with the magnetic head 11b with the end with the magnetic interface 11a of the USB port expansion dock 4. Alternatively, take out the DP port expansion dock 7 or the HDMI port expansion dock 6 according to user needs and connect them magnetically in the same way as described above.

[0065] Take out the tail expansion dock 8, align the end with the magnetic interface 11a with the end with the magnetic head 11b of the last functional expansion dock, and the whole module is connected in series. At this time, the module group forms a complete physical closed unit.

[0066] Finally, rotate the reinforcement component 10 180° and place it across the joint between the two modules, so that the reinforcement magnetic block 10a at one end of it is attached to the internal magnetic block 12 of the previous module. The reinforcement is achieved through magnetic attraction, and the overall assembly is completed.

[0067] During operation, external electronic devices are connected to the first expansion dock 3 via connection cable 2, which simultaneously powers the entire module expansion dock. Alternatively, the internal batteries of the USB port expansion dock 4 and the Type-C port expansion dock 5, through the charging and discharging management circuit and the magnetic connection component, power the first expansion dock 3, the HDMI port expansion dock 6, the DP port expansion dock 7, the rear expansion dock 8, and external devices. The display screen 9 shows the real-time power level.

[0068] The data signals from external devices are converted by the internal signal conversion circuit of the first expansion dock 3 and then transmitted to the corresponding functional expansion dock through the magnetic connection component. The functional expansion dock receives the data signals, converts them into corresponding data information through its internal signal conversion circuit, and outputs them to the external devices through the corresponding physical interface, thereby realizing data signal expansion.

[0069] When the tail expansion dock 8 is connected in series with the head expansion dock 3 and the functional expansion dock to form a complete system, the main controller communicates with the head expansion dock 3 through signal conversion via magnetic connection components. The head expansion dock 3 recognizes the tail expansion dock 8 as an external storage device and realizes the computer's read and write operations on the UFS flash memory chip through the connection link with the external electronic device. At this time, the tail expansion dock 8 serves as the system terminal and undertakes the high-speed storage function.

[0070] If you need to replace a module, rotate the reinforcement 10 180° back to the original adsorption position, hold both ends of the module to be removed, and apply pulling force along the series direction to separate the magnetic head 11b from the magnetic 11a interface, and replace or add modules individually.

[0071] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of this utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claims. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A modular magnetic expansion dock, characterized in that, It includes a head expansion dock (3), at least one functional expansion dock, and a tail expansion dock (8) that are connected in series along the length direction by magnetic connection components. The magnetic connection components are located at both ends of the functional expansion dock, and the top of the functional expansion dock, the head expansion dock (3) and the tail expansion dock (8) are all provided with auxiliary magnetic connection components. It also includes a reinforcement component (10) that is magnetically connected to the auxiliary magnetic connection assembly.

2. The modular magnetic expansion dock according to claim 1, characterized in that, The magnetic connection assembly includes a magnetic head (11b) and a magnetic interface (11a); the auxiliary magnetic connection assembly is composed of an internal magnetic block (12).

3. The modular magnetic expansion dock according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first expansion dock (3) has a connecting line (2) at one end and a magnetic head (11b) of the magnetic connection component at the other end, which is connected to the magnetic interface (11a) of the functional expansion dock. The tail expansion dock (8) has a magnetic interface (11a) at one end that is connected to the magnetic head (11b) of the functional expansion dock.

4. The modular magnetic expansion dock according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tail extension dock (8) integrates a UFS flash memory chip and a main controller.

5. The modular magnetic expansion dock according to claim 1, characterized in that, The functional expansion dock includes one or more of the following: USB port expansion dock (4), Type-C port expansion dock (5), HDMI port expansion dock (6), and DP port expansion dock (7).

6. The modular magnetic expansion dock according to claim 5, characterized in that, Each of the aforementioned functional expansion docks has a physical interface on its side that is compatible with the interface of external electronic devices, and a display screen (9) on its top.

7. The modular magnetic expansion dock according to claim 5, characterized in that, The USB port expansion dock (4) and the Type-C port expansion dock (5) have integrated battery modules and charging / discharging management circuits.

8. The modular magnetic expansion dock according to claim 5, characterized in that, The high-power output circuits of the USB port expansion dock (4) and the Type-C port expansion dock (5) are equipped with trigger switches.

9. The modular magnetic expansion dock according to claim 8, characterized in that, The trigger switch closes only when the head expansion dock (3) and the tail expansion dock (8) form a complete physical enclosed unit.

10. The modular magnetic expansion dock according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The reinforcement component (10) is provided with reinforcement magnetic blocks (10a) at both ends; The reinforcing magnetic block (10a) and the internal magnetic block (12) of the auxiliary magnetic connection assembly are attracted to each other by opposite polarities.

Images