Docking Sleeve Electrical Adapter Segmentation
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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 the device to be docked while protected, featuring a male plug for mating with the device's input/output socket and a contactor for external electrical connections, enabling seamless communication with a docking cradle.
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 the device cannot be docked efficiently without removal
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover is divided into a flexible outer cover and a separate hard shell that can be independently positioned. The hard shell includes a docking opening that allows the device to be docked through the cover without removing the cover itself, thus maintaining protection while enabling efficient docking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The hard shell acts as an intermediary structure between the flexible cover and the docking mechanism. It provides a rigid interface with a docking opening that facilitates connector engagement while the flexible cover maintains its protective enclosure, solving the contradiction between protection and docking efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If the device is removed from the cover for docking, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but protection is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cover system is segmented into a flexible protective cover and a hard shell with docking functionality. This segmentation allows the device to remain enclosed in the flexible cover for protection while the hard shell's docking opening enables electrical connectivity through the integrated adapter, eliminating the need to remove the device from protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The hard shell is nested within or integrated with the flexible cover structure. The docking opening in the hard shell allows the adapter connector to engage with the device's input/output socket while the device remains protected by the flexible cover, creating a nested configuration that provides both protection and connectivity.
3Productivity
If an integrated adapter is added to the cover, then docking efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is merged with the hard shell structure, integrating the electrical connectivity function into the protective cover system. The male plug of the adapter is positioned to engage with the device's input/output socket through the docking opening, combining protection, docking, and electrical connectivity functions into a single integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hard shell with integrated adapter serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, creates a docking interface, enables electrical connectivity, and maintains device protection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing complexity while improving docking efficiency.
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; an adapter fixedly positioned in the flexible cover and having a male plug with connectors extending into the interior cavity of the flexible cover in an arrangement 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; and a hard shell to be disposed around at least a portion of the flexible protective cover and having an opening through which the contactor of the adapter is extendable. Alternatively, the hard shell can be configured and arranged to be disposed within the flexible cover.