Dock Movable Communication Assembly Optical Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing docks for portable electronic devices face challenges in aligning optical transceivers due to dimensional variances, leading to misalignments and connectivity issues, especially in dynamic environments where vibrations occur.
Innovation Solution
A dock with a movable communication assembly featuring magnets and optical transceivers that align with complementary magnets and transceivers on the device, ensuring proper engagement and disengagement, and maintaining alignment during device movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fixed communication assembly is used in the dock, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but misalignment occurs between optical transceivers due to dimensional variances in portable devices
Solution Approach 1:
The communication assembly is designed to be movable relative to the housing, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position to accommodate dimensional variances in different portable devices. The assembly can shift within a predetermined distance to achieve proper alignment between optical transceivers, transforming a static fixed structure into a dynamic adjustable one.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameter of the communication assembly to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and dimensional variations in portable devices. By allowing the assembly to move within a certain range, the alignment parameters can be optimized for each device, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and device complexity.
2Reliability
If a movable communication assembly with magnets is used, then alignment is improved and connectivity is maintained during vibrations, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Magnetic elements are incorporated into the communication assembly to enable self-alignment with the portable device. The magnetic attraction automatically pulls the movable communication assembly into the correct position when the device is placed in the dock, eliminating the need for complex manual alignment mechanisms or external adjustment devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment mechanisms with a magnetic field-based system. Instead of using精密 mechanical guides, springs, or actuators to achieve and maintain alignment, the system uses magnetic forces to automatically position the communication assembly, reducing mechanical complexity while improving reliability during vibrations.
3Manufacturing precision
If tight tolerances are used for optical transceiver alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but manufacturing cost and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing the dock with tight tolerances to ensure alignment, the system uses a movable communication assembly that can dynamically adjust its position. This approach shifts the alignment requirement from the manufacturing stage to the operational stage, where the assembly automatically positions itself, significantly easing manufacturing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameter of the communication assembly during operation to compensate for manufacturing tolerances. Rather than requiring precise manufacturing to achieve alignment, the movable assembly adjusts its position parameters to achieve proper alignment, making manufacturing much easier and more cost-effective.
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 solution effectively reduces misalignment between optical modules, maintaining reliable communication and preventing disconnection due to vibrations or impacts, enhancing usability in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
magnets coupled to the optical transceiver for aligning with complementary magnets of the portable electronic device to facilitate engagement and disengagement of the portable electronic device with the dock and to facilitate alignment of the dock optical transceiver with the device optical transceiver
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A dock for receiving a portable electronic device. The dock includes a housing comprising an aperture in a recess for receiving and supporting the portable electronic device, and a communication assembly disposed in the housing and moveable relative to the housing. The communication assembly includes a dock optical transceiver disposed in the aperture for aligning with a device optical transceiver when the portable electronic device is disposed in the recess, and magnets coupled to the optical transceiver for aligning with complementary magnets of the portable electronic device to facilitate engagement and disengagement of the portable electronic device with the dock and to facilitate alignment of the dock optical transceiver with the device optical transceiver when the portable electronic device is engaged with the dock.