Back-Surface Docking Connector Platform for Compact Attachments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing docking systems for mobile electronic devices increase the effective size and inconvenience for transport due to the placement of docking connectors on edges, which can lead to the formation of independently moving bodies or significant increases in device dimensions when accessories are attached, and existing solutions like docking cases and recessed edges have limitations in accommodating various accessory shapes and sizes.
Innovation Solution
A docking platform is integrated into the largest-surface-area surface, such as the back face, with a recessed docking accessory cavity and a docking connection system that allows multiple accessories to attach simultaneously and independently, expanding away from the surface at various angles without fixing the outer edges, and supports a broad range of accessory shapes and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If docking connectors are housed on the edge of the mobile electronic device, then power and data transmission between the device and docking accessories is enabled, but the effective size of the device increases significantly when accessories are rigidly attached, 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), allowing accessories to attach in a different spatial dimension. This enables the accessory volume to be distributed across the back surface area rather than extending linearly from the edge, thereby maintaining a compact overall form factor while preserving full docking functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible cable connection between the docking connector and the accessory interface, transforming the rigid fixed connection into a dynamic flexible connection. This allows the accessory to be attached securely for operation while enabling convenient separation and reconfiguration for transport, effectively decoupling the operational state from the transport state
2Length of stationary object
If docking accessories are manufactured as parts of mobile electronic device cases or sleeves, 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 in the dimension perpendicular to the edge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the docking connector from the case/sleeve structure and integrates it directly into the mobile device's back face. This separates the docking functionality from the protective case/sleeve components, allowing the connector to be built-in without requiring additional external attachments, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the benefit of distributed volume across the back surface
3Length of stationary object
If a recessed cavity with rail system is formed in the edge of the mobile electronic device, then docking accessories can attach without increasing effective carrying size, but the rail system requires the cavity to be open at one edge, reducing available space for edge-located features and constraining accessory design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the docking connector from the edge (requiring rail system and edge opening) to the back face surface. This dimensional change eliminates the need for edge openings and rail systems, preserving full edge availability for other features while allowing accessories to attach directly to the back surface without constraining their design freedom or expansion angles
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.