Portable Device Docking Station Preload Lever Clamping Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing docking stations for portable electronic devices are limited in their ability to provide efficient and reliable expansion of capabilities through connectors coupled to auxiliary power and peripheral devices.
Innovation Solution
A docking station with a clamping portion and receiver portion connected by a preload lever, which moves between expanded and retracted positions, utilizing a preload lever with a fulcrum, load, resistance, and effort arms, including a resiliently bendable preload portion to secure and release the device, ensuring reliable mechanical and electrical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a docking station uses a fixed clamping structure, then mechanical stability is improved, but ease of installation and removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station employs a dynamic clamping mechanism where the clamping portion can move between engaged and disengaged positions relative to the receiver portion. This dynamic structure allows the device to transition from a stable fixed state during operation to an easily removable state when needed, resolving the contradiction between mechanical stability and ease of installation/removal
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded clamping mechanism automatically applies clamping force when the device is inserted, securing it without manual intervention. The device itself triggers the clamping action through its insertion motion, eliminating the need for separate fastening operations while maintaining secure mechanical retention
2Reliability
If a docking station uses a resiliently bendable preload portion, then reliability of electrical contact is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The preload portion utilizes elastic deformation of a resiliently bendable member to maintain constant electrical contact. By changing the physical state of the clamping portion through elastic bending, the system ensures reliable electrical connectivity without requiring complex active control mechanisms or multiple components
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a simple spring-loaded system that automatically maintains proper contact pressure. The resiliently bendable member provides the necessary mechanical force through elastic recovery, eliminating the need for threaded adjustments, cam mechanisms, or motorized actuators
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 efficient and reliable operation by maintaining constant electrical contact and secure mechanical retention of portable devices, facilitating easy installation and removal while supporting peripheral connections.
Implementation Method 1
The preload portion of the preload lever is a resiliently bendable member, such as a spring
Data Source
AI summary
A docking station formed of a tray having a clamping portion coupled to a receiver portion for motion along a travel axis therebetween. A lever is coupled for moving the clamping portion between an expanded position spaced away from the receiver portion, and a retracted position adjacent to the receiver portion. The lever includes a preload portion that is adapted for preloading the clamping portion in the retracted position, and a latching portion that is coupled for retaining the clamping portion in the retracted position. The preload portion of the lever is a resiliently bendable member, such as a spring. Optionally, the lever is a second class lever.