Docking Station Automatic Connection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional docking stations for mobile electronic devices require manual operation for connection and disconnection, making the process cumbersome and not user-friendly.
Innovation Solution
A docking station design featuring a base, floating cover, connection unit, transmission unit, and release unit, where the connection unit automatically extends and retracts using springs and pivot mechanisms, allowing for easy connection and disconnection with the mobile device by pressing a button.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation is used for connection and disconnection, then the structure is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection unit is designed to automatically extend and connect to the mobile electronic device when the floating cover is pressed down, and automatically retract when the release unit is activated. The return springs provide automatic restoration of the connection unit to its initial position, eliminating the need for manual operation and making the system serve itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection unit transitions from a static manual operation system to a dynamic automatic system. The connection unit can horizontally move between extended and retracted positions, and the pivot member enables rotational movement for engagement and disengagement, creating a dynamic system that responds to user input automatically.
2Ease of operation
If automatic connection mechanism is implemented, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic connection mechanism is divided into separate functional modules: the connection unit for horizontal movement, the pivot member for rotational engagement, and the return springs for automatic restoration. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design and making the complex automatic mechanism more manageable and maintainable.
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
Enables automatic and ergonomic connection and disconnection of the mobile device, reducing manual effort and enhancing user convenience compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
The first return spring has two opposite ends thereof respectively connected to the base and the horizontal displacement member for providing an elastic restoring force to the horizontal displacement member
Implementation Method 2
The second return spring has two opposite ends thereof respectively connected to the connection unit and the pivot member for providing an elastic restoring force to the pivot member
Implementation Method 3
The third return spring is mounted between the base and the button and adapted for providing an elastic restoring force to the button
Data Source
AI summary
A docking station for a mobile electronic device is provided. It utilizes a transmission unit and a release unit to control the positioning of a connection unit. The transmission unit includes a horizontal displacement member abutted against a floating cover for horizontal displacement upon a downward movement of the floating cover, and a pivot member mounted at the connection unit and connected to the horizontal displacement member, so that the connection unit can connect the mobile electronic device upon a downward movement of the floating cover. The release unit includes a swing arm connected with the pivot member and a button abutted against the swing arm. When the button is pressed, the swing arm is pushed to drive the connection unit to disengage from the mobile electronic device via the pivot member. Thus, the mobile electronic device can be removed.