Dock Optical Transceiver Alignment via Movable Magnets

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Solution Overview

Problem

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 communication assembly that includes magnets and protrusions to align and secure the optical transceivers of the portable device, ensuring proper engagement and maintaining alignment during movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the dock and portable device are designed with fixed rigid connectors, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the alignment precision deteriorates due to dimensional variances in manufacturing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector structureVSAvoidoptical transceiver alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is designed with movable components that can dynamically adjust their position. The first connector portion can move relative to the second connector portion, allowing the system to compensate for dimensional variances in manufacturing while maintaining alignment precision between optical transceivers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connector allows for changes in positional parameters through its movable design. By enabling the first and second connector portions to move relative to each other, the system can adjust alignment parameters to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and maintain optimal optical transceiver alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If the connector is made movable to compensate for dimensional variances, then the alignment precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical transceiver alignmentVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector incorporates movable portions that can dynamically adjust their positions. The first connector portion moves relative to the second connector portion based on the engagement state, providing a simple yet effective mechanism to maintain alignment without requiring complex adjustment systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The movable connector portions automatically adjust their positions based on the engagement state of the dock and portable device. The system self-regulates alignment through the natural movement capabilities of the connector portions, eliminating the need for external alignment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If the optical transceivers are fixed in position, then the manufacturing precision is maintained, but the reliability deteriorates in dynamic environments with vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransceiver positioningVSAvoidconnectivity during vibrations

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The movable connector portions can dynamically adjust their positions in response to vibrations and movements. This dynamic capability allows the optical transceivers to maintain proper alignment and connectivity even in dynamic environments where fixed positions would be susceptible to misalignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The movable connector design inherently provides cushioning against the effects of vibrations and dimensional variances. By allowing movement before misalignment occurs, the system prevents connectivity issues from arising in the first place, rather than merely compensating after misalignment has occurred.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 and maintains connectivity even during vibrations, ensuring reliable data transfer and charging 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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic alignment: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS9032130B2Dock for data transfer to and from portable electronic device

Publication Date: 2015.05.12 MALIKIE INNOVATIONS LTD

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.