Mobile Device Case Guide Protrusion and Modular Cradle Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile device cases and cradles lack efficient mechanisms for guiding and securely holding devices, as well as modular solutions that accommodate various device sizes and types, limiting versatility and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A case with a guide protrusion and an adapter that includes contacts for electrical coupling, paired with a cradle featuring a latch and guide indentation for secure positioning, and a modular cradle system comprising device-specific and universal modules for adaptable compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cases and cradles are used without guide elements, then the structure is simpler, but the device cannot be efficiently guided and securely held in the cradle
Solution Approach 1:
Guide protrusions are pre-formed on the case and guide indentations are pre-formed on the cradle, enabling automatic alignment and guidance of the mobile device into the correct position before docking occurs. This preliminary structural preparation ensures reliable securing without requiring complex active guidance mechanisms during the docking process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed non-modular cradles are used, then the structure is simpler, but the cradle cannot accommodate various device sizes and types
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle is divided into modular components including removable side walls and adjustable guide elements. This segmentation allows the cradle structure to be reconfigured for different mobile device sizes and types, providing versatility without requiring a completely different cradle for each device variant.
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle incorporates movable and adjustable elements such as removable side walls and repositionable guide indentations. These dynamic components enable the cradle to adapt its configuration to accommodate various mobile device dimensions and forms, transforming a static structure into a versatile platform.
3Reliability
If cases without adapters are used, then the case structure is simpler, but electrical connectivity with the cradle cannot be established
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is integrated within the case structure, merging the protective case function with the electrical connectivity function. This combination allows the case to serve dual purposes: protecting the mobile device and establishing electrical contact with the cradle through the adapter's contacts, without requiring separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A case for a mobile device can include a cover defining a cavity for receiving and holding the mobile device and including a guide protrusion extending away from the cavity and a remainder of the cover. A docking cradle can include a cradle body to receive a mobile device disposed in the case and a latch that is slidable to be at least partially disposed over the cover of the case to retain the mobile device and case received in the docking cradle. A portion of the latch defines a guide indentation having a shape complementary to the guide protrusion of the cover to laterally guide the case and mobile device into the docking cradle. Additionally or alternatively, a modular docking cradle can have a device-specific module, a universal retention module, and a universal connector module.