Docking Station Latching System for Tablet Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing docking stations for tablet computers lack a secure and efficient mechanism for easily attaching and detaching devices, often requiring manual effort and lacking robust security features.
Innovation Solution
A docking station with a latching system comprising two identical, pivotally connected latches and a control bar that rotates both latches simultaneously between latched and unlatched positions, utilizing spring bias for automatic securing and easy release, along with a lock for added security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual attachment mechanisms are used in docking stations, then device attachment is simple in structure, but security and ease of detachment are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism automatically secures the tablet device when inserted, without requiring manual intervention. The spring-loaded latches engage automatically with the device, providing secure attachment through self-service operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking station employs movable latches that can transition between locked and unlocked positions. The latches are designed to rotate and engage dynamically, providing both security during attachment and ease of release when needed.
2Reliability
If secure latching mechanisms are implemented, then device security is improved, but manual effort required for attachment and detachment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism automatically secures the tablet device when inserted, without requiring manual intervention. The spring-loaded latches engage automatically with the device, providing secure attachment through self-service operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching system is divided into two independent latches that operate simultaneously through a single control bar. This segmentation allows the security function to be distributed across multiple points while maintaining ease of operation through unified control.
3Ease of operation
If automatic latching is implemented, then ease of attachment is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Two separate latch mechanisms are merged into a unified system controlled by a single control bar. This combining allows automatic latching functionality to be achieved while sharing common structural elements, thereby reducing overall complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism automatically secures the tablet device when inserted, without requiring manual intervention. The spring-loaded latches engage automatically with the device, providing secure attachment through self-service operation.
4Reliability
If robust security features are added, then reliability is improved, but ease of detachment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station employs movable latches that can transition between locked and unlocked positions. The latches are designed to rotate and engage dynamically, providing both security during attachment and ease of release when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching system is divided into two independent latches that operate simultaneously through a single control bar. This segmentation allows the security function to be distributed across multiple points while maintaining ease of operation through unified control.
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
Enables secure, automatic attachment and easy one-handed detachment of tablet devices, providing enhanced security and minimizing manual effort while maintaining a robust and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing spring bias for automatic securing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A docking station (10) for a portable electronic device (14) includes a cradle portion (22) for supporting a first edge (26) of the portable electronic device (14), a body portion (30) extending away from the cradle portion (22), and a latching portion (34) coupled to the body portion (30) for securing a second edge (38) of the portable electronic device (14) when the portable electronic device (14) is supported in the docking station (10). The latching portion (34) includes a first latch (50) movable relative to the body portion (30) between a latched position and an unlatched position, a second latch (54) spaced from the first latch (50) and movable relative to the body portion (30) between a latched position and an unlatched position, and a control bar (74) coupled to each of the first (50) and second (54) latches such that movement of the control bar (74) by a user simultaneously moves both the first (50) and second (54) latches to the unlatched positions.