Mobile Device Cradle Latch and Docking Button Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cradles for mobile devices lack efficient mechanisms for secure docking and electrical connectivity, often requiring complex assembly and compromising device alignment and stability.

Innovation Solution

A cradle system with a docking button indentation and a latch mechanism that secures the mobile device by engaging a complementary docking button, featuring a latch that moves between latched and unlatched positions for easy loading/unloading, and includes electrical contacts for power/data transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a latch mechanism is added to secure the mobile device, then retention reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention reliabilityVSAvoidcradle structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The latch is nested within the cradle base structure, with the latch arm and latch button integrated into the existing cradle components. The latch button is received within the cradle base, and the latch arm pivots within the cradle structure, allowing the retention mechanism to be embedded within the cradle itself rather than adding external components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The latch mechanism is designed to be manually operable by the user through direct interaction with the latch button and latch arm. The spring provides automatic biasing to maintain the latched state, and the user simply needs to press the latch button to release the device, making the system self-sufficient without requiring additional actuators or complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If a docking button indentation with complementary shape is used, then device alignment precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice alignment precisionVSAvoidcradle manufacturing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The docking button indentation is given a non-circular, complementary shape that matches the unique geometry of the docking button on the mobile device. This asymmetric shape provides positive alignment features that guide the device into the correct position during docking, preventing rotation or misalignment while the indentation can be molded or machined as a single integrated feature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The docking button indentation is pre-formed as an integral part of the cradle base structure during cradle manufacturing. This preliminary formation of the alignment feature ensures that the indentation is precisely positioned and shaped before the device is ever docked, providing consistent alignment without requiring additional adjustment or assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If electrical contacts are integrated into the bottom device receiver, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower and data transfer capabilityVSAvoidelectrical connection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bottom device receiver is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical reception and retention of the mobile device, establishes electrical connections for power transfer, and enables data communication. The receiver structure integrates mechanical and electrical functions into a single component that accomplishes all necessary interactions when the device is docked.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical contacts are merged with the bottom device receiver structure, with contacts positioned to align with corresponding connectors on the mobile device when docked. The receiver body and electrical contact assembly are combined into an integrated unit, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall electrical connection system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250274541A1Cradles and cases for mobile devices with a docking button and methods of making and using

Publication Date: 2025.08.28 NP LIQUIDATING CO INC

AI summary

A cradle for a mobile device includes a cradle base defining a docking button indentation having an indentation perimeter for receiving a docking button disposed on, or coupled to, a back surface of the mobile device or of a case containing the mobile device, the docking button having a lateral cross-sectional shape complementary to the indentation perimeter; a bottom device receiver coupled to the cradle base, the bottom device receiver including electrical contacts for making contact with contacts on the mobile device or the case containing the mobile device; and a latch coupled to the cradle base and manually moveable between a latched position and an unlatched position, wherein, in the latched position, the latch directly engages the docking button and, in the unlatched position, the latch disengages from, or is not engage with, the docking button to permit loading or unloading of the mobile device on the cradle.