Docking Station Pivoting Connector Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional docking stations for portable electronic devices often have exposed hooks and connectors that are prone to damage and do not maintain a simple appearance due to the need for structural and electrical connections, limiting their convenience and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A docking station design featuring a pivoting portion that automatically pivots from a first position to a second position to expose a connector for electrical connection with a portable electronic component, utilizing magnetic forces and elastic members to facilitate intuitive and convenient use while protecting the connector from damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the hook and electrical connector are exposed outside the casing of the docking station, then the docking station can provide structural and electrical connections for the portable electronic apparatus, but the hook and electrical connector may be damaged easily owing to collisions and the appearance of the docking station becomes less simple
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector is designed to pivot between a retracted position (inside the casing) and an extended position (outside the casing). When the portable electronic apparatus is placed on the docking station, the connector automatically pivots to the extended position to establish electrical connection. When removed, it retracts to the retracted position to avoid damage and maintain appearance. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between connection convenience and connector durability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the hook and electrical connector are exposed outside the casing of the docking station, then the docking station can provide structural and electrical connections for the portable electronic apparatus, but the appearance of the docking station becomes less simple
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector transitions from a static exposed design to a dynamic pivoting design. It remains retracted inside the casing to maintain a simple, clean appearance, and only extends when needed for docking operations. This dynamic behavior allows the docking station to maintain aesthetic simplicity while preserving full docking functionality.
3Ease of operation
If the pivoting portion automatically pivots to expose the connector, then the docking process becomes more intuitive and convenient, but additional components (pivoting mechanism, magnetic blocks) are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pivoting portion is designed to pivot automatically through self-service mechanisms. Magnetic blocks generate magnetic attraction forces that automatically pull the pivoting portion into the correct position when the portable electronic apparatus is placed on the docking station. Elastic members provide restoring forces that automatically return the pivoting portion to its initial position when the apparatus is removed. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex external control mechanisms, achieving intuitive automatic docking while keeping the internal mechanism relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical docking mechanisms (springs, levers, motors) are replaced with magnetic fields generated by magnetic blocks. The magnetic attraction forces provide the necessary forces for positioning the pivoting portion without requiring complex mechanical linkages or active control systems. This substitution simplifies the internal mechanism while maintaining automatic docking functionality.
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 design allows for a simple and intuitive docking process, protecting the connector from dust and external forces when not in use, enhancing the functionality and durability of the docking station.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic attraction force is generated between the second magnetic block and the pivoting portion when the pivoting portion is located at the first position
Implementation Method 2
the elastic member is connected to the body portion and the magnetic block
Implementation Method 3
the pivoting portion pivots from the first position to the second position to expose the connector through gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A docking station includes a body portion and a pivoting portion. The body portion has a guiding surface. The pivoting portion is pivoted with the body portion and has a connector. A driving force is generated when a portable electronic component abuts against the guiding surface of the body portion and slides toward the pivoting portion, the pivoting portion is driven to pivot from a first position to a second position to expose the connector so as to electrically connect with the portable electronic component.