Docking Component Translation Mechanism for Secure Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In information handling devices with limited space, such as notebook computers, existing docking solutions often lack efficient mechanisms for securely coupling and uncoupling docking components, leading to instability and potential disconnection during transport or use.
Innovation Solution
A docking component with a cross-member and translation mechanism that includes a first and second end wall, circuitry, and at least one port, where the translation mechanism transitions the connector from an unlocked to a locked state, securely engaging with corresponding connectors on the device, providing stability and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a docking component is designed with a secure coupling mechanism, then connection stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The docking component employs a translation mechanism that dynamically transitions connectors between unlocked and locked states. This dynamic approach allows the connector to move along the cross-member, providing secure engagement when locked while maintaining ease of insertion when unlocked, thus improving connection stability without permanently increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The translation mechanism is designed to automatically translate the connector into the locked state upon insertion, without requiring additional manual operations. This self-service feature ensures secure coupling is achieved automatically, improving reliability while minimizing the need for complex user-operated mechanisms
2Ease of operation
If connectors are made easily accessible, then ease of operation is improved, but connection stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed to be dynamically positioned - easily accessible in the unlocked state for quick insertion, then automatically translates to a locked state for stable connection. This dynamic transition resolves the contradiction by providing both ease of operation and connection stability at different stages of the docking process
Solution Approach 2:
The translation mechanism performs the securing action automatically as part of the insertion process itself. The connector is preliminarily positioned for easy access, then the translation mechanism automatically secures it during the same operational sequence, ensuring both accessibility and stability without requiring separate actions
Data Source
AI summary
A docking component can include a cross-member that includes a first end, an opposing second end, circuitry and at least one port operatively coupled to the circuitry; a first end wall at the first end of the cross-member; a second end wall at the second end of the cross-member, where the second end wall includes at least one connector that is operatively coupled to the circuitry; and a translation mechanism that translates the at least one connector from an unlocked state to a locked state that engages the at least one connector and a corresponding at least one connector of an information handling device.