Docking Sleeve Electrical Adapter Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective covers for portable electronic devices are limited in providing efficient and reliable usage, as they often require the device to be removed for docking and lack effective electrical connectivity solutions.
Innovation Solution
A flexible cover with a hard shell and integrated electrical adapter that allows for direct electrical connection to the device and a docking cradle, enabling seamless communication and power transfer without removing the device from the cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a flexible protective cover is used for the device, then protection and flexibility are improved, but electrical connectivity and docking capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is integrated within the flexible cover structure, merging the protective cover function with the electrical connectivity function. The male plug and contactor are positioned inside the cover to align with the device socket, while the female socket is accessible from outside, allowing the cover to simultaneously provide protection and enable docking without requiring device removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter acts as an intermediary component between the device and the docking station. It provides the electrical connection interface within the cover, mediating the connection between the device socket and the external docking station, thereby enabling electrical connectivity while maintaining the protective cover structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device is removed from the cover for docking, then electrical connectivity is improved, but ease of operation and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The docking capability is merged with the protective cover by integrating the adapter inside the cover. This allows the device to remain in the cover while still enabling docking operations, eliminating the need to remove the device and thus improving ease of operation and time efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is pre-positioned within the cover structure with the male plug and contactor aligned to engage with the device socket. This preliminary arrangement ensures that docking can occur directly through the cover without requiring device removal, making the docking process as convenient as inserting or removing the device from the cover.
3Strength
If a rigid docking structure is used, then structural strength is improved, but flexibility and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The protective arrangement combines the flexible cover material with the rigid adapter structure. The flexible cover provides adaptability and protection, while the integrated adapter provides the rigid structural framework for electrical connectivity. This composite structure achieves both flexibility and structural strength for docking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking structure is segmented into the flexible cover portion and the rigid adapter portion. The adapter is positioned within the cover, creating a segmented structure where each component performs its specialized function - the flexible cover for protection and adaptability, and the rigid adapter for structural strength and electrical connection stability.
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. A docking cradle may have a movable arm.