Connector System for Portable Devices Using Quarter-Turn Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for managing peripheral items with portable electronic devices, such as headphones, often result in tangling or loss, and require multiple product iterations for different device brands, leading to inefficiencies in design and manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A connector system that includes a device connector section with a coupler for a permanent or semi-permanent attachment to the device, an accessory connector section with a detachable coupling mechanism, and an optional protection sheet, allowing for easy attachment and detachment of accessories like headphones, using a quarter-turn locking system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing solutions are used to manage peripheral items, then peripheral items can be kept with the device, but they become easily tangled or lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the accessory management into separate functional components: a connector assembly that attaches to the device, detachable accessory components (headphone cases, charging cases, etc.), and connection interfaces. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability for keeping peripherals with the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by placing accessory components within or attached to the connector assembly. For example, headphone cases, charging cases, and other accessory containers are integrated into the connector structure, allowing multiple peripherals to be nested within a single organized assembly that attaches to the device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If specific product lines are developed for different device brands, then compatibility with each device is improved, but manufacturing complexity and iteration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is designed with universal adaptability through multiple connection interface types (Lightning, USB-C, 3.5mm jack, magnetic connectors) integrated into a single product platform. This allows one connector design to work with multiple device brands and types, eliminating the need for separate product lines for each device brand while maintaining broad compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs detachable and reconfigurable connection interfaces that can be dynamically adjusted or swapped depending on the device type. The connector assembly can be configured with different connection couplers based on the target device, allowing a single product line to adapt to various devices without requiring complete redesign iterations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple product iterations are developed for different accessory types, then specific accessory needs are met, but manufacturing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A single connector assembly product line serves multiple accessory types (headphones, earbuds, charging cases, audio devices) through its multiple connection interfaces. This universal design eliminates the need to manufacture separate connector products for each accessory type, significantly improving manufacturing efficiency while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly is segmented into modular components (connection couplers, accessory containers, attachment mechanisms) that can be manufactured separately and assembled. This modular segmentation allows for efficient manufacturing of individual components that can be combined in various configurations to support different accessory types without requiring complete product iterations.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for attaching accessories to a portable electronic device. A device may be a cellular phone, mp3 player, or other device. An accessory may be an armband, a headphone management system, a stereo system, or other device. The accessories and devices may attach using associated device connector section and accessory connector section. The device connector section may adhere to a protection sheet, which in turn is directly attached to the device. The accessories may be removed when they are no longer in use, and may be swapped for other accessories that can attach to the device. Various embodiments of device connector sections and accessory connector sections can be used to make an appropriately secure connection between the device and accessory.