Back-Face Docking Connector Layout for Flush Mobile Accessories
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile electronic devices face challenges in transporting docking systems due to the inconvenience caused by docking accessories attached to edges, which increase the device's size and obstruct edge features, and existing solutions like docking cases and recessed edges restrict accessory shapes and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A docking platform integrated into the largest surface area, such as the back face, with recessed docking accessory cavities that allow multiple accessories of various shapes and sizes to attach independently and rotate, without edge openings, using magnetic and electrical connections for secure and flexible attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If docking connectors are housed on the edge of a mobile electronic device, then power and data transmission between the device and docking accessories is enabled, but the effective magnitude of at least one dimension of the device increases significantly, rendering the system inconvenient for transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the docking connector from the edge (one-dimensional attachment) to the back face (two-dimensional surface) of the device. This dimensional transition allows the docking accessory to be distributed across a larger surface area, reducing the protrusion distance and enabling more compact transport configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking connector is segmented into multiple independent contact points and attachment zones on the back face, allowing the accessory to be distributed across different areas rather than concentrated at a single edge location, thereby reducing overall dimension increase.
2Reliability
If docking accessories are rigidly attached to the edge, then stable connection is achieved, but the system becomes inconvenient for transport due to increased size
Solution Approach 1:
By relocating the docking interface from the edge to the back face, the patent enables the accessory to be positioned in a different spatial dimension, reducing the lateral extension while maintaining vertical attachment stability through the same rigid connection mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If docking accessories attach by flexible cable to the docking connector, then portability is improved, but the system becomes inconvenient for transport due to multiple independently moving bodies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the docking connector directly into the back face of the device body, merging the connection interface with the main structure. This allows the accessory to be securely attached as a unified system rather than separate components connected by cables, reducing complexity while maintaining portability.
4Length of stationary object
If docking cases and sleeves are used to distribute accessory volume across the back face, then effective size increase is minimized, but the device size still increases in dimensions perpendicular to the back face and edge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the docking connector from the edge and places it directly on the back face, eliminating the need for separate docking cases or sleeves. This integration removes the additional layers and structural complexity while achieving the same goal of distributing accessory volume across the back surface.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables convenient transportation of mobile devices with multiple accessories attached without significant size increase, accommodating diverse accessory shapes and sizes, and allowing for independent operation and rotation, while maintaining device functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a docking connector formed with an elongated magnetic element formed beneath the outermost surface of a back face of the mobile electronic device, for forming a detachable magnetic attachment to multiple independent docking accessories
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.