Docking Sleeve Electrical Adapter for Protected Device Docking
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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 built-in electrical adapter and hard shell design that allows for secure docking and electrical connectivity, featuring a male plug for mating with the device's input/output socket and a contactor for external connections, enabling seamless integration 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 electrical connectivity and docking capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the protective cover with an integrated electrical adapter, merging two separate functions (protection and electrical connectivity) into a single unified structure. The adapter is embedded within the cover itself, allowing the cover to simultaneously provide mechanical protection and enable electrical docking without requiring separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides physical protection for the device while simultaneously serving as an interface for electrical connectivity through the integrated adapter. This multi-functional design allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate protective casing and docking adapter.
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 electrical adapter is pre-integrated into the protective cover during manufacturing, so that the docking interface is already prepared and positioned correctly. This preliminary integration eliminates the need for separate installation steps and allows the user to simply insert the covered device into the docking station without any additional actions.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the adapter with the cover, the patent enables the device to be docked while remaining protected by the cover. The cover and adapter work as a unified system, allowing the device to be inserted into the docking station with the cover still in place, eliminating the time-consuming process of removing and reattaching components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an integrated adapter is added to the cover, then electrical connectivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is nested within the protective cover structure, with the adapter components housed inside the cover's body. This nesting arrangement allows the adapter to be integrated without significantly increasing the external dimensions or visual complexity of the cover, as the adapter elements are contained within the existing cover form factor.
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.