Back-Face Docking Connector Platform for Flush Multi-Accessory Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing docking systems for mobile electronic devices, which attach accessories via edges, result in inconvenient transport due to increased size or require edge openings, limiting accessory shapes and sizes, and restrict accessory movement.
Innovation Solution
A docking platform on the largest-surface-area surface, such as the back face, with recessed docking connectors and an accordion mechanism, allowing multiple accessories to attach simultaneously and independently without edge openings, accommodating various shapes and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If docking accessories are rigidly attached to the edge of the mobile electronic device, then the docking connection is stable and reliable, but the effective magnitude of the device dimensions increases significantly, rendering the system inconvenient for transport
Solution Approach 1:
The docking connector is relocated from the edge of the device to the back face, utilizing a different spatial dimension for accessory attachment. This allows the accessory volume to be distributed across the larger back surface area rather than extending from a narrow edge, thereby maintaining connection stability while reducing the effective increase in device dimensions during transport.
2Length of stationary object
If docking accessories are attached using flexible cables to the docking connector on the edge, then the device dimension increase is minimized, but the system comprises multiple independently moving bodies connected by flexible cable, making it inconvenient for transport
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the docking connector to the back face, the patent enables rigid attachment of accessories without significantly increasing device dimensions. The larger surface area allows the accessory to be positioned flush against the back face, creating a compact integrated unit that is convenient for transport while maintaining structural rigidity.
3Volume of stationary object
If docking accessories are manufactured as parts of mobile electronic device cases or sleeves that attach around edges and docking connectors, then the volume of docking accessories is distributed across the back face to minimize effective size increase, but the effective size still increases in the dimension perpendicular to the back face and perpendicular to the edge face
Solution Approach 1:
The docking connector is positioned on the back face rather than the edge, allowing accessories to attach directly to the back surface. This enables the accessory volume to be distributed across the back face area while keeping the accessory flush or nearly flush with the back surface, minimizing the increase in the dimension perpendicular to the back face.
4Length of stationary object
If a recessed cavity with rails is formed in the edge to house docking accessories, then accessories can attach without increasing effective carrying size, but the cavity must be open at one edge reducing space for other features and constraining accessory shapes to rectangular forms
Solution Approach 1:
The docking connector is relocated from the edge to the back face, eliminating the need for edge recesses and rail systems. This allows accessories of various shapes and sizes to attach directly to the back surface without being constrained by rectangular cavity boundaries, significantly improving accessory shape compatibility and design versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
Docking platforms formed in one of the largest-surface-area surfaces of mobile electronic devices. Such a docking platform may comprise a docking accessory cavity having a docking connection system comprising one or more docking connectors formed within the cavity, and optionally two or more electrical contacts within the cavity, the contacts electrically connected to electronics within the electronic device and constructed and arranged to allow electrical connection to detachable docking accessories. The docking connection system is operable to form detachable attachments to multiple independent docking accessories simultaneously. The cavities of the docking platforms are shaped to accommodate a broad range of docking accessories that are specially adapted to sit in a generally flush manner with the back surface of the mobile electronic device while attached to the docking connectors. One type of accessory forms an assembly with an expandable accordion attached to the docking platform.