Integrated Charger Support for Handheld Device Orientation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing charger devices for handheld communication devices either lack support for convenient orientation or are bulky and limit portability, with simple cables offering no support and docking stations being inconveniently sized.

Innovation Solution

A charger device comprising a cable, a connector element, and a support element that allows the handheld device to be oriented in either portrait or landscape mode, with a rigid connector and support member that securely positions the device for easy viewing and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a simple cable assembly is used for charging, then the device is compact and portable, but it provides no means of supporting the handheld device in a convenient orientation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice support and orientationVSAvoidcharger structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the charging cable with an integrated support element that includes a connector element and a support element. The support element is affixed to the connector element, merging the charging function and support function into a single integrated device, thereby providing device support without significantly increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The charger is divided into distinct functional segments: a cable portion for power transmission, a connector element for electrical connection, and a support element for positioning the device. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a docking station is used to support the handheld device in a readable orientation, then the device can be positioned conveniently, but the size becomes inconvenient and limits portability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice positioning and readabilityVSAvoidcharger size
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support element is integrated directly with the connector element, eliminating the need for a separate docking station structure. This merging reduces the overall volume of the charger while maintaining the ability to support the handheld device in readable orientations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support element is designed to be flexible or adjustable, allowing it to adapt to different device sizes and orientations without requiring a large, rigid docking station structure. This dynamic design enables compact dimensions while maintaining positioning functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2387124B1Desktop charger for handheld communication device
Publication Date: 2013.08.28 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2387124B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2387124B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2387124B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

A charger device for use with a handheld communication device. the charger device comprises a cable, a connector element and a support element affixed to the connector element. The connector element includes a connector for engagement with a port of the handheld communication device. The support element is configured to support the handheld communication device in either one of a portrait orientation and a landscape orientation, when the connector is engaged with the port of the handheld communication device.