Display Docking Receptacle for Cable-Free Power and Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing docking station systems do not effectively address the issue of clutter associated with cabling when connected to display apparatuses, and they often require multiple cables for data and power transmission.

Innovation Solution

A docking station integrated into a display apparatus, featuring a docking station receptacle with direct data and power connectors that allow for cable-less communication with the docking station, enabling seamless attachment and detachment while reducing clutter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple cables are used for data and power transmission, then reliable connection is achieved, but desk clutter increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoiddesk area occupied
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple cables (power cable and data cable) into a single integrated docking station unit. The docking station receptacle integrates both power transmission and data transmission functions into one component that attaches to the display apparatus, eliminating the need for separate cables and reducing desk clutter while maintaining reliable connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If docking station is integrated into display apparatus, then cable clutter is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection simplicityVSAvoiddocking station structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The docking station is designed as a separate, modular unit with a docking station receptacle that can be independently attached to or removed from the display apparatus. This segmentation allows the complex integrated functions to be contained in a removable module, simplifying the overall system architecture and making the display apparatus more versatile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The docking station receptacle acts as an intermediary component between the display apparatus and external devices. It provides integrated power and data transmission capabilities while maintaining a clean interface with the display apparatus, managing the complexity internally while presenting a simple external connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If separate cables are used for power and data, then connection reliability is maintained, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoiddocking operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The docking station receptacle merges power transmission and data transmission into a single integrated connection interface. When a device is docked, both power and data connections are established simultaneously through this unified interface, eliminating the need to separately manage multiple cables and simplifying the docking operation while maintaining reliable transmissions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4028852B1Systems and methods for docking stations removably attachable to display apparatuses
Publication Date: 2025.02.12 TARGUS INTERNATIONAL LLC
  • EP4028852B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4028852B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4028852B1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

Systems and methods for docking with an electronic host device may include a display apparatus with a display screen and a docking station receptacle and a docking station to removably attach to the display apparatus at the docking station receptacle. These may each include one or more direct connector(s) for creating interface(s) between them without the use of a separate cable when so attached. Via these interface(s), the docking station may communicate power to the display apparatus and data may be communicated between the docking station and the display apparatus. The docking station may include additional connector(s) for connecting to one or more additional display apparatuses. The docking station may include a host device connector and/or an integrated and/or removable wireless transceiver to communicate data to the docking station from a host device and/or other wireless network device(s) and/or power from the docking station to the host device.