Docking Station Connector Preload Isolator System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing docking stations for portable electronic devices are limited in providing a secure connection between expansion connectors and I/O communication ports, especially in environments with shock and vibration.
Innovation Solution
A docking station design featuring a floating expansion connector with a 3-D elastomeric isolator system that allows for resilient movement in three dimensions, combined with biasing members to maintain constant engagement with the device's I/O port, effectively isolating against both lateral and out-of-plane motions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed expansion connector is used in a docking station, then the connection structure is simple and stable, but the connector cannot maintain secure engagement under shock and vibration conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion connector is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position in response to shock and vibration forces. The connector can move along the insertion direction and laterally, maintaining engagement with the I/O port under varying environmental conditions while preserving connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector's positional parameters are made variable through the isolator system, which allows the connector to change its position dynamically. This enables the connector to adapt to external forces without requiring a completely complex mechanical structure, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
2Reliability
If a resilient movable connector is implemented to handle shock and vibration, then connection reliability under environmental stress improves, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
An isolator system is introduced as an intermediary component between the expansion connector and the docking station housing. This isolator absorbs and isolates the effects of shock and vibration, allowing the connector to remain resilient and movable without requiring the entire docking station structure to be complex. The isolator mediates between the external environmental forces and the connector, maintaining connection stability while minimizing overall structural complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design ensures uninterrupted communication and secure connection during exposure to shock and vibration, maintaining constant engagement of the expansion connector with the device's port, even under varying environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a floating expansion connector that is connectable with the device I/O connector is projected from the bearing surface and is resiliently movable in three dimensions relative thereto
Implementation Method 2
one or more biasing members arranged for urging the connector carrier member toward the mounting plate and the electrical connector through the aperture therein
Data Source
AI summary
A method for mounting a rigid electrical connector, including selecting an electrical connector that is compatible with a predetermined portable electronic device; forming an aperture through an interface member, wherein the aperture is larger than the electrical connector; selecting an elastomeric potting material that is compatible with both the electrical connector and the interface member; locating the electrical connector in the aperture with a space between the electrical connector and the interface member; introducing the elastomeric potting material in an uncured state into the space between the electrical connector and the interface member; and while maintaining the space between the electrical connector and the interface member, curing the elastomeric potting material in the space therebetween.