Back-Face Docking Connector Platform for Flush Mobile Accessories
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing docking systems for mobile electronic devices are inconvenient for transport due to the placement of docking connectors on edges, which increases the device's size and restricts the attachment of accessories of varying shapes and sizes without requiring edge openings.
Innovation Solution
A docking platform integrated into the largest-surface-area surface, such as the back face, featuring recessed docking accessory cavities with connectors that allow multiple accessories to attach simultaneously and independently, expanding or rotating relative to the device without significantly increasing its size, and using magnetic or snap-fit mechanisms for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If docking connectors are housed on the edge of the mobile electronic device, then the device can attach to docking accessories, but the resultant system increases the effective magnitude of dimensions and becomes inconvenient for transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the docking connector from the edge of the device to the back surface, changing the spatial dimension of attachment. This allows accessories to attach to the back face rather than extending from the edge, distributing volume more evenly and minimizing increases to any single dimension, thereby maintaining compact form factor and transport convenience while preserving docking functionality
2Stability of the object's composition
If docking accessories are rigidly attached to the docking connector on the edge, then the connection is stable, but the resultant system significantly increases the effective magnitude of dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
By relocating the docking connector to the back surface, the patent enables rigid accessory attachment without significantly increasing the device's length, width, or thickness. The accessory volume is distributed across the back face area rather than extending from the edge, maintaining stable connection while preserving compact dimensions
3Device complexity
If docking connectors are placed on the edge with small surface area, then the device structure is simple, but it restricts the attachment of accessories of varying shapes and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the back surface docking connector to accommodate accessories of varying shapes, sizes, and configurations. The connector is positioned and dimensioned to provide universal attachment capability for multiple accessory types (speakers, batteries, cases, sleeves) without requiring edge openings, thereby enhancing versatility while maintaining structural simplicity
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 secure, versatile, and space-efficient attachment of diverse docking accessories without edge openings, maintaining the device's compact form and allowing for flexible operation modes.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic element formed beneath the outermost surface of the back face of the mobile electronic device, for forming a detachable magnetic bond with compatible 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.