Electronic Device Casing with Stowable Adapting Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic devices with multiple input/output ports suffer from protrusions that detract from their aesthetic appeal and make them more cumbersome, as ports like VGA and DVI are typically larger than the device casing, leading to a less streamlined appearance and increased risk of external components being lost.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device design featuring a casing with a containing space for an adapting element, which includes a smaller first connecting port on the device and a larger second connecting port for external devices, allowing the adapting element to be stowed when not in use, thus maintaining a sleek appearance and reducing external components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standard-size connecting port (e.g., VGA port) is disposed at the casing, then the device can be connected with external devices, but the port protrudes from the casing and deteriorates the aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The adapting element is nested within a containing space formed by the upper casing and lower casing when not in use. When needed, it can be extended outward to provide connectivity. This nesting approach allows the device to maintain a streamlined appearance while preserving adaptability to different external devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting port system transitions from a static protruding port to a dynamic configuration where the adapting element can be extended or retracted. The upper casing can be moved relative to the lower casing to expose or conceal the adapting element, allowing the device to adapt its shape between streamlined and functional states.
2Ease of operation
If the adapting element is kept outside the casing for easy access, then connectivity is convenient, but the device becomes more cumbersome and components are prone to being lost
Solution Approach 1:
The adapting element is stored within the containing space formed by the upper and lower casings when not in use, reducing the device's external dimensions and preventing loss. When needed, the upper casing can be moved to expose the adapting element for convenient access and connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapting element is transitioned from an external component occupying external space to an internal component stored within the containing space between upper and lower casings. This dimensional reorganization reduces the device's external footprint while maintaining accessibility when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple external components are attached to the device, then connectivity options increase, but the device becomes more complex and harder to handle
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple connecting ports (first connecting port, second connecting port, third connecting port) are merged into a single integrating component - the adapting element. This adapting element can be connected to the casing through different ports, allowing multiple connectivity options to be achieved through one integrated component rather than multiple separate external attachments.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention provides an electronic device capable of being connected with an external device. The electronic device includes a first connecting port, an adapting element, and a casing. The first connecting port is disposed at the casing. The adapting element has a second connecting port and a connector. The size of the second connecting port is greater than that of the first connecting port. The casing has a containing space for containing the adapting element. When the electronic device is connected with the external device, the adapting element is separated from the containing space, the connector is connected with the first connecting port, and the second connecting port is connected with the external device.