Portable Computer Docking Station with Movable Connector Bracket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing docking stations for portable computers are inefficient and unreliable in providing expansion functions due to complex structures and loose mounting of expansion connectors, leading to cumbersome operations when connecting and disconnecting peripheral devices.
Innovation Solution
A simplified docking station design with a rigid body, a movable expansion connector drive mechanism, and a secure mounting system that includes a connector bracket with guides and a safety catch mechanism, allowing for easy and secure engagement and disengagement of the expansion connector with the computer's I/O connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a traditional docking station with loose mounting of expansion connectors is used, then the device can be manufactured with simpler structure, but the reliability of connector engagement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion connector is mounted on a movable bracket that can shift between retracted and extended positions. The bracket moves along guide rails within the docking station body, allowing the connector to dynamically adjust its position during engagement and disengagement operations, ensuring reliable connection while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
A movable bracket serves as an intermediary mechanism between the expansion connector and the docking station body. This bracket facilitates smooth engagement and disengagement operations by providing a controlled movement path, thereby improving reliability without significantly complicating the manufacturing process
2Manufacturing precision
If guides are added to the connector bracket to improve positioning precision, then the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning function is segmented into two independent components: guide rails fixed to the docking station body and corresponding guide slots on the movable bracket. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately with standard tolerances, achieving precise positioning without requiring complex integrated structures
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the connector itself complex with built-in positioning features, the solution inverts the approach by providing passive guide rails and slots in the stationary docking station body. The simple movable bracket then follows these guides, achieving precise positioning with minimal complexity added to the moving component
3Ease of operation
If a safety catch mechanism is implemented to secure the expansion connector, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety catch mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through spring-loaded engagement. When the movable bracket is pushed into the engaged position, the safety catch automatically locks without requiring separate manual operation, and releases when force is applied in the opposite direction. This self-service design improves ease of operation while adding minimal complexity to the overall mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The safety catch operates through periodic engagement and disengagement cycles. A spring maintains the catch in a ready-to-engage state, and it automatically locks when the bracket reaches the engaged position. This periodic action pattern allows simple manual input to trigger reliable securing and releasing operations
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 exposed on a surface thereof with a pair of positioning apertures provided on opposite sides thereof. The docking station having a rotatable display unit support with a display unit clamping mechanism at one end thereof adapted to resiliently clamp the computer's display unit.