Dock Support Mechanism With Audible Electrical Connection Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing supporting apparatuses lack a mechanism to inform users of successful electrical connection with electronic equipment through an audible signal.
Innovation Solution
A supporting apparatus with a movable member system that includes a first movable member, a restriction portion, a second movable member, and elastic members that generate a collision sound when the second movable member transitions from a restricted to an allowable position upon connection with electronic equipment, ensuring secure electrical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a simple terminal contact structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide user feedback (collision sound) is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs mechanical vibration through the collision of the second movable member with the collided portion to generate an audible click sound. This mechanical vibration provides tactile and auditory feedback to the user, confirming successful electrical connection without requiring electronic feedback circuits or additional sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector structure is designed to be self-indicating through the automatic generation of collision sound when the second movable member transitions from the restricted position to the allowable position. The system uses its own mechanical operation to provide feedback, eliminating the need for separate feedback mechanisms or external power sources for indication.
2Ease of operation
If a collision sound mechanism is added to indicate connection, then user feedback is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical connection function with the indication function into a single integrated mechanism. The same movable members that establish electrical contact also generate the collision sound for indication. The first and second movable members serve dual purposes: completing the electrical circuit and providing audible feedback through their mechanical interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable member structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it establishes electrical connection between terminals, provides mechanical locking through the restriction portion, and generates audible feedback through collision with the collided portion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
3Reliability
If the second movable member is always free to move, then the structure is simpler, but the controlled collision for sound generation cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The restriction portion applies a preliminary constraining force to the second movable member, preventing it from moving downward until the connection is properly established. This preliminary restriction ensures that the collision with the collided portion occurs only at the appropriate moment, providing reliable and timed feedback rather than random or premature sounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static restricted position to a dynamic allowable position when the connection is established. The second movable member is dynamically released from the restriction, allowing it to move and collide with the collided portion. This dynamic transition ensures the collision sound is generated only under the correct conditions.
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 apparatus provides an audible confirmation of successful electrical connection, enhancing user experience by notifying the user through a distinct collision sound.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic member that is positioned between the first movable member and the second movable member... the second movable member receives, at the allowable position, elastic force of the first elastic member and is brought into collision with the collided portion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Provided is a supporting apparatus which can make a sound when it is electrically connected to electronic equipment that is supported on the supporting apparatus. The supporting apparatus (1) that has a terminal (41) includes a first movable member (60) that moves downwardly when receiving a load of the electronic equipment, a restriction portion (53a), a second movable member (70) that is movable relative to the restriction portion (53a) in a direction intersecting with an upward and downward direction and that receives the load from the first movable member (60), a first spring (110) that is positioned between the first movable member (60) and the second movable member (70), and a collided portion (63a) that receives a collision with the second movable member (70). A relative position of the second movable member (70) and the restriction portion (53a) changes from a restriction position (P1) at which an upward and downward movement of the second movable member (70) is restricted to an allowable position (P2) at which the upward and downward movement is enabled. The second movable member (70) receives, at the allowable position (P2), elastic force of the first spring (110) and is brought into collision with the collided portion (63a).