Portable Device Docking Station with Linear Connector Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing docking stations for portable computers are inefficient and unreliable in providing expansion functions due to loose mounting of expansion connectors, which leads to wobbling and improper alignment with the computer's I/O connector, making the connection process cumbersome and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
The docking station features a novel expansion connector drive mechanism with a frame that moves linearly relative to the bearing surface, guided by a follower mechanism and cooperating guides, ensuring precise alignment and secure engagement with the computer's I/O connector, along with a releasable safety catch and latch mechanism for secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If expansion connectors are loosely mounted in existing docking stations, then the docking station structure is simpler, but the alignment precision with the computer's I/O connector deteriorates, causing wobbling and connection errors
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion connector is mounted on a movable frame that can linearly translate between retracted and deployed positions. This dynamic mounting allows the connector to be precisely positioned during connection while maintaining structural simplicity through controlled motion rather than complex fixed positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame acts as an intermediary between the docking station body and the expansion connector. It provides a stable platform that guides the connector into precise alignment with the I/O connector through cooperative guides and follower mechanisms, eliminating the need for direct rigid mounting while ensuring manufacturing precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the expansion connector is fixed in position, then the connection process is faster, but the adaptability to different computer models deteriorates, making proper alignment difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The linearly movable frame provides adaptability by allowing the expansion connector to be positioned dynamically during the connection process. The frame can be extended or retracted to accommodate different computer docking scenarios, ensuring compatibility across various models while maintaining a relatively quick connection process through guided motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The position of the expansion connector is changed as a parameter through the linear motion of the frame. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to different docking requirements for various computer models, achieving versatility without significantly increasing connection time due to the straightforward linear movement mechanism.
3Reliability
If safety catch and latch mechanisms are added, then the connection reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety catch and latch mechanisms are extracted as separate, modular components from the main docking station structure. This extraction allows them to be implemented as simple, dedicated locking elements that enhance connection reliability without significantly increasing overall device complexity, as they operate independently of the core connector drive mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is segmented into distinct safety catch and latch mechanisms rather than using a single complex locking system. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific reliability-enhancing function with simple structure, improving connection reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity through functional decomposition.
4Manufacturing precision
If the expansion connector is manually aligned, then the alignment precision improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates, making the connection process cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion connector drive mechanism performs self-alignment through cooperative guides and a follower mechanism that automatically guide the connector into proper alignment with the I/O connector during the deployment motion. This self-aligning capability eliminates the need for manual alignment operations while maintaining high alignment precision, significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame serves as an intermediary that incorporates alignment guides and follower mechanisms to automatically position the expansion connector. This intermediary structure translates simple user activation into precise automated alignment, achieving both high alignment precision and ease of operation by removing manual alignment requirements entirely.
Data Source
AI summary
An external expanding apparatus or “docking station” operable with a portable computer device of a type having a display unit having a display screen on an inner surface thereof and a hard shell backing surface opposite thereof and pivotally mounted on a substantially rigid casing having a pair of locating holes adjacent to opposite corners of a substantially planar bottom surface thereof, and an input/output (I/O) connector positioned on a back plane thereof with a pair of positioning apertures provided on opposite sides thereof.