Extendable Connector Block for Sensor Attachment on Protected Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices often lack advanced sensor capabilities, such as thermal infrared imaging, and existing solutions for enhancing sensor functionality are not user-friendly or secure for various device types and protective cases.
Innovation Solution
A device attachment system with an extendable and retractable connector block, actuator system, and sensor module that can be easily coupled to electronic devices, providing additional sensor capabilities like thermal imaging and secure attachment without damaging the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor device is coupled to a user device, then sensor capability is enhanced, but the attachment may be insecure or damaged by protective cases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector block is designed to be movable between extended and retracted positions. When extended, it protrudes through the protective case to establish electrical connection with the user device. When retracted, it avoids damage from the protective case. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between maintaining attachment security and avoiding protective case interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector block is extended before coupling to the user device, allowing it to protrude through the protective case in advance. This preliminary extension ensures that the connector is already positioned to make contact with the user device when the sensor device is attached, preventing damage during the coupling process.
2Ease of operation
If the connector block is extended to enable connection, then data communication is enabled, but the connector block may be damaged by protective cases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector block transitions between extended and retracted states based on operational needs. It extends to enable data communication and retracts to avoid damage, dynamically adjusting its position to balance connectivity and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable connector block acts as an intermediary between the sensor device and the user device. It can extend to bridge the gap created by protective cases and establish connection, then retract to protect itself from damage, mediating between the need for connection and the need for protection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connector block is retracted to avoid damage, then protective case compatibility is improved, but connection to user device may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connector block's ability to change position between extended and retracted states allows it to adapt to different protective case thicknesses and configurations. When a protective case is present, it can retract to avoid damage. When no protective case or a thin case is present, it can extend to ensure reliable connection.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for facilitating providing of sensor capability in devices using device attachments. In one example, a sensor device includes an attachment body configured to be disposed along a side of a user device when the sensor device is coupled to the user device. The sensor device further includes an actuator configured to selectively apply a force. The sensor device further includes a connector block coupled to the actuator and configured to selectively extend from or retract into the attachment body in response to the force. The sensor device further includes a connector configured to couple to a connector port of the user device and provide data communication between the sensor device and the user device. The connector is at least partially disposed in the connector block. Related systems and devices are also provided.