Modular Mobile Device Dock With Disjoint Accessory Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing docking systems for mobile devices lack flexibility in providing a wide range of functionalities and modular support for various operating environments, as they often require specific docks for different functions and do not allow for easy combination or removal of accessory modules without interference.
Innovation Solution
A dock design featuring a cradle with distinct mounting surfaces for removably supporting multiple accessory modules in non-overlapping volumes, including a power module, port extender, cooling module, and antenna passthrough, allowing for customizable configurations based on operational needs without interfering with each other's installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple accessory modules are integrated into a single dock to provide diverse functionalities, then the versatility and adaptability of the dock is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dock is divided into a base unit and separate removable accessory modules. Each module provides a specific function (power, cooling, connectivity) and can be independently attached or detached from the base, allowing the system to be segmented into functional components that reduce overall complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The base dock unit is designed with universal mounting surfaces that can accommodate multiple different types of accessory modules. This multi-functional design allows a single base to support various configurations of modules, enabling the dock to adapt to different operational environments without requiring multiple specialized docks.
2Ease of operation
If accessory modules are made removable to allow customization, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of connections may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting surface on the base dock and the corresponding interface on each accessory module are designed to merge into a unified connection structure when assembled. This integrated interface design ensures that removable modules form reliable, stable connections with the base while maintaining ease of installation and removal.
3Device complexity
If multiple accessory modules are supported in overlapping volumes, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each accessory module is designed with specific functional characteristics and mounting requirements that are optimized for its particular purpose. The base dock provides localized mounting surfaces at different positions and orientations, allowing each module to be manufactured independently with specialized features while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A dock for a computing device includes: a cradle configured to receive a first edge of the computing device; a body extending from the cradle, the body having: (i) a first mounting surface configured to removably support a first accessory module in a first volume adjacent to the computing device, and (ii) a second mounting surface configured to removably support, independently of the first accessory module, a second accessory module in a second volume disjoint from the first volume.