Mobile Device Dock Latch for Vibration-Resistant Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Environmental factors such as impacts and vibrations can interfere with power and data connectivity, and retention of mobile computing devices when docked.
Innovation Solution
A dock system with a latch mechanism that automatically secures the computing device upon insertion, featuring a bias member to engage with the device and an actuator for easy release, along with structural features to mitigate accidental disengagement and ensure stable connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple dock structure is used, then device insertion is easy, but the device may become disengaged due to impacts or vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is pre-configured in a docked position that automatically engages with the computing device upon insertion. The bias member is pre-loaded to provide continuous engagement force, ensuring the device is secured before any environmental disturbances occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch is designed as a movable component that can transition between docked and undocked positions. The bias member provides dynamic force to maintain engagement, while the actuator enables controlled movement for intentional release or re-engagement of the device.
2Reliability
If a secure latch mechanism is implemented, then device retention is improved, but accidental disengagement may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The bias member applies continuous force to maintain the latch in the docked position, creating a pre-counteracting force that resists environmental disturbances such as impacts and vibrations before they can cause disengagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the force parameter by using a bias member to apply continuous engagement force. This force parameter adjustment ensures the latch remains firmly engaged with the computing device, preventing accidental disengagement while maintaining secure retention.
3Reliability
If the latch is always engaged, then device retention is maximized, but release becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator serves as an intermediary mechanism between the user's release action and the latch engagement state. It provides a convenient interface for the user to apply force, which is then transmitted to move the latch from the docked to the undocked position, making release easy while maintaining secure engagement during normal use.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a complex locking mechanism is used, then accidental disengagement is prevented, but the device cannot be easily removed for charging
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism provides self-service by automatically engaging with the computing device upon insertion without requiring manual intervention. The bias member automatically applies engagement force, and the actuator provides a simple user interface for release, eliminating the need for complex manual locking operations while preventing accidental disengagement.
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
The dock system provides secure and stable power and data connectivity while minimizing accidental disengagement of the computing device, even in environments with shocks and vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
a bias member configured to bias the latch towards the engaged position to automatically engage with the computing device in response to insertion of the computing device into the channel
Data Source
AI summary
A dock for a computing device includes: a housing including a cradle end wall defining a closed end of a channel configured to receive a computing device along a travel direction, and a rear cradle wall extending between the cradle end wall and an open end of the channel; a latch movably supported at the rear cradle wall between (i) an engaged position extending into the channel to engage with the computing device, and (ii) a retracted position withdrawn from the channel to disengage from the computing device; a bias member configured to bias the latch towards the engaged position to automatically engage with the computing device in response to insertion of the computing device into the channel; and an actuator coupled to the latch, the actuator configured to transition the latch to the disengaged position for releasing the computing device from the channel.