Docking Station Slide Housing for Device Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices like smartphones and tablets have limited screen size and audio volume, making them less capable than traditional devices for multimedia and communication tasks.
Innovation Solution
A docking station with a base housing and slide housing that allows for the connection and expansion of these devices, featuring a recessed portion for cradling, a male connector for external devices, and a circuit for image signal transmission, along with additional connectors for power and network access, while the slide housing slides to expose or hide the connection member and supports the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a docking station has a fixed open structure to support external devices, then device compatibility and functionality are improved, but the exterior appearance becomes less elegant and portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The slide housing transforms the docking station from a static open structure to a dynamic system that can switch between open and closed states. The sliding mechanism allows the housing to move along guide rails, enabling the station to adapt its configuration based on whether external devices are connected, thus maintaining both elegance and functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide housing contains the connection member within its structure, allowing the connector to be hidden inside the housing when not in use. This nesting approach enables the docking station to maintain a compact, elegant exterior while still providing access to connection functionality when needed.
2Ease of operation
If the connection member is always exposed for easy connection, then ease of operation is improved, but the exterior appearance and portability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The slide housing is pre-configured with guide rails and positioning features that automatically guide the connection member into the correct position. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the housing is opened, the connection process is simplified and rapid, maintaining ease of operation while allowing the housing to remain closed during transport.
3Shape
If the docking station has a compact closed design for portability, then ease of carrying is improved, but access to connection members and device support functionality are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding mechanism enables rapid transformation between compact and operational states. The dynamic design allows users to quickly open the housing when connection is needed and securely close it when not in use, maintaining both portability and operational accessibility without compromise.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a docking station includes a base housing comprising a first surface having a recessed portion, a second surface directed in an opposite direction to the first surface, and a side surface at least partially surrounding a space between the first surface and the second surface, a slide housing slidably mounted on the recessed portion to open and close at least a part of the recessed portion, and a connection member disposed on the recessed portion, in which as the slide housing slides, the connection member is hidden or exposed, and in a state where the at least the part of the recessed portion is opened, the slide housing is positioned inclined with respect to the first surface or the second surface. The docking station described above may be implemented variously depending on embodiments.