Docking Station Preload Lever for Secure Device Retention
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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 tray featuring a clamping portion and a 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 securely hold and release portable devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a docking station uses a simple tray structure for holding portable devices, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of retaining and releasing devices is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The tray structure is transformed from a static design to a dynamic one with movable clamping portions that can transition between open and closed positions. The clamping portions are coupled to the receiver portion through a lever mechanism that allows them to move along a travel axis, providing dynamic retention and release capabilities while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The tray is divided into functional segments: a receiver portion for receiving the portable device, and multiple movable clamping portions for securing the device. Each clamping portion can be independently actuated through the lever mechanism, allowing selective retention and release of the device without requiring complete disassembly of the entire tray structure
2Reliability
If a docking station uses a secure clamping mechanism to reliably retain portable devices, then the retention reliability is improved, but the ease of operation for device removal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism uses a lever-based dynamic system where the clamping portions can be quickly transitioned between engaged and disengaged states. The lever mechanism provides mechanical advantage, allowing a small input force to generate sufficient clamping force for secure retention, while also enabling rapid release when the lever is actuated in the opposite direction
Solution Approach 2:
The lever mechanism is designed to be actuated by the user's hand or finger, allowing direct manual operation without requiring additional tools or complex control systems. The mechanical design of the lever provides self-contained force multiplication, enabling the user to easily open and close the clamping portions through simple manual manipulation
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 retention and release of portable devices, maintaining constant electrical contact and allowing easy access for device removal, while ensuring secure mechanical and electrical connection.
Implementation Method 1
The preload portion of the preload lever is a resiliently bendable member, such as a spring
Implementation Method 2
The preload lever is a second class lever
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.