Docking Sleeve Electrical Adapter for Protected Device Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective covers for portable electronic devices are limited in their ability to provide efficient and reliable usage, particularly in terms of electrical connectivity and protection.
Innovation Solution
A flexible cover with an integrated electrical adapter and hard shell that allows for secure docking and electrical connectivity, featuring a male plug and contactor for mating with the device's socket, and a docking cradle with a tray and connector for stable electrical coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a flexible protective cover is used to protect the portable electronic device, then protection is provided, but electrical connectivity and reliable usage are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is nested within the flexible protective cover, with the male plug positioned inside the cover's interior cavity and the contactor extending through the cover's exterior surface. This nesting allows the adapter to be integrated into the protective cover structure while maintaining both protection and electrical connectivity functions simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter acts as an intermediary component between the portable electronic device and the docking station. The male plug connects to the device's socket through the cover, while the contactor provides external electrical contact points, mediating the electrical connection without requiring device removal from the protective cover
2Reliability
If the device is removed from the cover for electrical access, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but protection is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is pre-positioned within the flexible protective cover during cover assembly, with the male plug already connected to the device's socket and the contactor extending through the cover exterior. This preliminary arrangement enables electrical connectivity to be established before the device is placed in the docking station, eliminating the need to remove the device from the protective cover for electrical access
3Ease of operation
If an adapter is integrated into the flexible cover, then electrical access is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter components (male plug, contactor, and electrical conductors) are merged with the flexible protective cover structure. The male plug is positioned within the cover's interior cavity, the contactor extends through the exterior surface, and electrical conductors are routed through the cover material, combining multiple functions into a single integrated assembly that reduces overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A protective arrangement for an electronic device includes a flexible cover having a panel and a skirt that form an interior cavity to receive an electronic device; and an adapter fixedly positioned in the flexible cover and having a male plug with connectors extending into the interior cavity of the flexible cover for mating with a female socket of the device and a contactor with contacts adjacent outwardly from the flexible cover and electrically coupled to one or more of the connectors of the plug. A docking cradle or external adapter can receive the electronic device and cover.