Dual-Interface Reversible Docking Station for MacBook Pro
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power source and data docking stations with a single Type-C interface fail to fully utilize both interfaces of a MacbookPro, rendering one interface unusable for charging or data communication.
Innovation Solution
A dual-interface reversible plug-in power source and data docking station with two Type-C male interfaces that can connect to both MacbookPro interfaces, converting them into Type-C female interfaces for external use, enabling charging and data communication through an interface group including USB, HDMI, SD card, and other interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single Type-C interface docking station is connected to a MacbookPro, then charging and data transmission functions are provided, but one of the two MacbookPro interfaces is blocked and cannot be used
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station is segmented into two separate Type-C male interfaces instead of using a single interface. Each male interface can independently connect to one of the MacbookPro's interfaces, allowing both interfaces to be utilized simultaneously for different functions such as charging and data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking station incorporates multiple interface types (Type-C male interfaces, Type-C female interfaces, and other traditional interfaces) to provide universal compatibility. This allows the docking station to serve multiple functions including charging, video output, data transmission, and connectivity to various devices with different interface types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a MacbookPro interface is blocked by a docking station connection, then the docking station provides charging and data functions, but the original interface functions (charging, video communication, data communication) cannot be used through the blocked interface
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station acts as an intermediary device that receives connections from the MacbookPro's Type-C interfaces and provides alternative access to charging, video, and data functions through its own set of interfaces. The Type-C female interfaces on the docking station allow users to connect external devices without directly blocking the MacbookPro's original interfaces.
3Productivity
If a single Type-C interface is used for data transmission, then the docking station can be designed simply, but it cannot fully utilize both interfaces of the MacbookPro for simultaneous charging and data communication
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station is divided into multiple independent interface sections, with two Type-C male interfaces positioned to connect to the two MacbookPro interfaces simultaneously. This segmentation enables parallel operation of charging and data transmission functions without interference between the interfaces.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a dual-interface reversible plug-in power source and data docking station (10), comprising a case (11) and a circuit board (12), wherein the circuit board (12) is provided with a first side and a second side; the first side is provided with a first Type-C male interface (131) and a second Type-C male interface (132); and the second side is provided with a second Type-C female interface (141) and a second Type-C female interface (142), and the second side is further provided with an interface group (15). If a MacbookPro is to be connected, the first Type-C male interface (131) and the second Type-C male interface (132) can be respectively connected to two interfaces of the MacbookPro, and at the same time, the first Type-C female interface (141) and the second Type-C female interface (142) are provided for extension, so that when the dual-interface reversible plug-in power source and data docking station (10) described above is used by a user for charging, video communication or data communication for an external electronic product, it not only has a new Type-C female interface function and is also compatible with the old interface function, e.g., using the interface group (15).