Collapsible Magnetic Docking Stand for Compact Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing docking solutions for mobile electronic devices increase the effective size and inconvenience during transport due to the placement of docking connectors on edges, limiting the attachment of variously shaped and sized accessories without significantly increasing the device's carrying size.
Innovation Solution
A detachable accessory docking platform with a mobile electronic device connection system that allows multiple docking accessories to attach simultaneously and independently, with the option to expand and rotate, without requiring ports or openings on the device's edges, featuring a processor subassembly for communication and power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If docking connectors are placed on the edge of mobile electronic devices, then accessories can be attached to enable power and data transmission, but the effective size of the device increases and transport convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The docking connector is relocated from the edge of the device to the back face, utilizing a different spatial dimension for accessory attachment. This allows accessories to connect to the back surface without protruding beyond the device's original edge boundaries, thereby maintaining compact carrying size while preserving accessory compatibility and functionality.
2Reliability
If docking accessories attach rigidly to the docking connector, then stable connection is achieved, but the device requires reinforcement or enlarged housing increasing effective magnitude
Solution Approach 1:
The docking connector incorporates a flexible cable management system that allows the connection to adapt dynamically between rigid and flexible states. The flexible cable can be routed through or along the device housing, providing structural support when needed while maintaining flexibility for transport, thereby achieving stable connection without requiring permanent reinforcement of the device housing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible cable is used to connect docking accessories, then adaptability is improved, but cable management becomes complex and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The device housing itself serves as an intermediary structure that routes and organizes the flexible cable between the docking connector on the back face and the accessory. The housing provides built-in cable channels or attachment points that guide the flexible cable, eliminating the need for separate cable management systems and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining cable flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A docking accessory adapted to couple to a platform of a mobile electronic device. The docking accessory includes a docking connector portion comprising a first magnetic element configured to detachably attach to a second docking connector portion of the platform, wherein the second docking connector portion comprises a second magnetic element. The docking accessory further includes an accordion forming a tapered shape capable of extending outward from the platform generally along its axis to achieve an extended position, and retracting back toward the platform by collapsing generally along its axis to achieve a collapsed position, as well as a foot disposed at the distal end of the accordion. The docking accessory is operable as a stand for the platform and mobile electronic device when the docking accessory is in the extended position.