Docking Station Pop-Out Cover for Blind Connector Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information handling systems face challenges in achieving precise and efficient alignment of connectors during docking, particularly with type-C USB connectors which require close alignment and have a small tolerance, often resulting in difficulties in secure and stress-free connection.
Innovation Solution
A docking station design featuring a pop-out cover that transitions between alignment stages under the weight of the information handling system, utilizing magnets and springs to ensure precise alignment and secure connection of connectors, allowing for flexible movement to accommodate different thicknesses and ensuring a stress-free connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional rigid docking mechanisms are used, then alignment precision may be achieved, but stress is applied to connectors during docking
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with floating capability, allowing it to move dynamically within its opening during the docking process. This dynamic adjustment enables the connector to self-align with the mating connector while avoiding stress concentration, resolving the contradiction between achieving precise alignment and preventing connector stress
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameter of the connector within its opening, transitioning from a fixed position to a floating position that can adjust during docking. This parameter change allows the connector to adapt its position for precise alignment while maintaining stress-free connection
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed alignment mechanisms are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different device thicknesses is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pop-out cover is designed to transition between multiple alignment stages (first alignment stage and second alignment stage) based on the thickness of the docked device. This dynamic stage transition provides adaptability to different device thicknesses while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process, as the mechanism uses basic mechanical components rather than complex adaptive structures
3Reliability
If precise alignment is enforced rigidly, then connection security is improved, but stress on connectors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector's floating design allows it to dynamically adjust its position within the opening to achieve precise alignment and secure connection. This dynamic adjustment ensures reliable connection security while avoiding the transmission of stress to the connector, as the floating mechanism absorbs alignment variations
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 enables reliable and efficient alignment and connection of information handling systems, reducing stress on connectors and ensuring a secure, stress-free docking process, even with varying thicknesses, thus improving the reliability and efficiency of data transfer.
Implementation Method 1
transitions from the first alignment stage to a second alignment stage in response to a force exerted on the pop-out cover by a weight of the information handling system
Implementation Method 2
The first connector is mounted to float within a first opening of a case of the docking station
Data Source
AI summary
A docking station a first connector, a post, and a pop-out cover. The first connector is mounted to float within a first opening of a case of the docking station. The post is in physical communication with the case. The post provides a first alignment between the first connector and a second connector of an information handling system. The pop-out cover is in physical communication with the case and the post. The pop-out cover is biased in a first alignment stage, and transitions from the first alignment stage to a second alignment stage in response to a force exerted on the pop-out cover by a weight of the information handling system. The first connector is joined with the second connector in response to pop-out cover being placed in the second alignment stage.