Docking Station Connector with Flexible Brace for Device Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing docking stations for electronic devices often compromise between aesthetics and protection from damage due to deflection, lacking features that support devices at a convenient viewing angle while ensuring safety from excessive force.
Innovation Solution
A docking station design featuring a connector plug secured at an acute angle with a flexible support brace that deflects if excessive force is applied, providing protection by failing before the device is damaged, and maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance by eliminating external support structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a connector plug is used to support the electronic device, then the docking station achieves an aesthetically pleasing appearance with minimal external structures, but the device is vulnerable to damage from excessive deflection forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a flexible brace structure that is pre-configured to deflect at a predetermined force threshold. This brace acts as a protective mechanism that activates before the device can be damaged, cushioning the device from excessive forces by yielding in a controlled manner while maintaining aesthetic appearance with minimal external structures
2Stability of the object's composition
If the connector plug is secured rigidly to provide stable support, then the device is held firmly at a viewing angle, but the device cannot be temporarily tilted to a more vertical position for intuitive demating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible brace that provides rigid support under normal conditions to maintain the device at a viewing angle, but allows dynamic deflection when sufficient force is applied. This enables the device to be temporarily tilted to a more vertical position for intuitive demating while returning to its stable supported position when released
3Ease of operation
If the connector plug is allowed to deflect freely, then the device can be tilted for demating, but the device may be damaged if deflected too far
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible brace is engineered with a predetermined deflection point that activates before the device can be damaged. This protective mechanism allows the device to be tilted for demating while cushioning against excessive forces by yielding at a controlled threshold, preventing harmful over-deflection
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
The solution effectively protects electronic devices from damage during deflection while allowing for intuitive viewing angles and easy removal, ensuring the docking station fails before the device, thus safeguarding it from harm.
Implementation Method 1
The bottom wall and the elastomeric insert may deflect when the connector is moved
Data Source
AI summary
An aesthetically pleasing docking station that is able to support electronic devices with only an interface connector. The docking station is further equipped with mechanisms that protect the electronic device from damage if it's deflected too far while mated to the docking station.