Docking Station Connector Automation via Engagement Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing docking stations often result in the connector projecting when the portable information device is removed, potentially causing obstacles or interference during subsequent attachments, and lack efficient automatic connection and disconnection mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A docking station equipped with an engagement member, coupling detector, connector, advancing and retracting mechanism, and controller, which automatically connects the connector to the connection terminal only after the portable information device is properly engaged, preventing the connector from projecting when the device is absent and ensuring smooth attachment operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the connector is automatically connected to the connection terminal after engagement, then the connection operation is automated and efficient, but the connector may project and become an obstacle when the device is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary engagement detection before executing the connection operation. The coupling detector verifies that the engagement member is properly engaged with the engagement hole before the controller activates the advancing and retracting mechanism to connect the connector. This preliminary check ensures the connector only projects when the device is properly attached, preventing it from becoming an obstacle during removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling detector provides feedback to the controller about the engagement state. When the detector confirms proper engagement, the controller proceeds with the connection operation. When the device is removed, the feedback signal changes and the controller retracts the connector, preventing it from remaining projected and becoming an obstacle.
2Ease of operation
If the connector projects for connection, then connection to the connection terminal is enabled, but the connector interferes with the portable information device during attachment operations
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement operation is completed as a preliminary action before the connector projects for connection. The engagement member first engages with the engagement hole, which is detected by the coupling detector. Only after this preliminary engagement is confirmed does the connector project to connect with the connection terminal, ensuring no interference during the attachment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment process is segmented into distinct phases: first the engagement member engages with the engagement hole, then the connector projects to connect with the connection terminal. This segmentation separates the engagement operation from the connection operation, preventing the connector from interfering with the engagement/attachment process while maintaining connection capability when needed.
3Productivity
If manual connection operation is required, then the connector can be controlled precisely, but the attachment operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the connection operation automatically without requiring manual intervention. Once the coupling detector confirms proper engagement, the controller autonomously activates the advancing and retracting mechanism to connect the connector to the connection terminal. This self-service capability increases productivity by eliminating manual connection operations while the automated control keeps the mechanism relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical connection operation is replaced with an automated electromechanical system. The controller replaces manual control, and the advancing and retracting mechanism automates the connector movement. This substitution increases productivity while maintaining manageable device complexity through automated control logic.
Data Source
AI summary
A docking station is provided. The docking station has an engagement member, a coupling detector, a connector, an advancing and retracting mechanism, and a controller. The engagement member can be inserted into an engagement hole of a portable information device. The coupling detector detects whether or not the engagement member has been engaged with the engagement hole. The connector can be connected to a connection terminal provided in a side surface of the portable information device. The advancing and retracting mechanism is operated by the driving force of a motor to advance and retract the connector to connect and separate the connector to/from the connection terminal. The controller operates the advancing and retracting mechanism when it is detected that the portable information device is coupled with the docking station to advance the connector to connect the connector to the connection terminal.