Floating Connector Assembly for Shock-Isolated Docking Cradle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices are susceptible to damage due to shock and vibration when docked in cradles, especially in high-vibration environments, leading to disconnection from power and communication interfaces and potential physical damage.
Innovation Solution
A docking cradle with a floating connector assembly that includes a movable platform connected to the base frame via springs, allowing vertical movement between elevated and depressed positions, and a locking mechanism with laterally movable engagement tabs and arms to secure the device, ensuring stable electrical contact and physical retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connector assembly is rigidly fixed to the base frame, then the electrical connection is stable, but the device becomes susceptible to damage from shock and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is separated from the base frame into independent movable and fixed parts. The platform carrying the electrical interface is segmented from the base frame, allowing independent movement. This segmentation enables the platform to absorb shock and vibration while maintaining electrical connection stability through the floating mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic floating connection. The platform is made movable relative to the base frame through springs and guide posts, allowing it to dynamically respond to shock and vibration forces while maintaining stable electrical contact with the docked device.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the connector assembly is made movable to isolate the device from motion, then the device is protected from shock and vibration, but the electrical connection may become unstable
Solution Approach 1:
Springs and guide posts are introduced as intermediary elements between the platform and base frame. These intermediaries allow controlled movement to absorb shock and vibration while maintaining stable electrical connection. The springs provide compliant coupling that isolates the device from harmful motions while ensuring reliable electrical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state and movement parameters of the platform. By allowing controlled vertical movement within defined limits (between upper and lower positions), the platform can adapt its position to absorb shock and vibration forces while maintaining optimal electrical connection stability through the compliant spring mechanism.
3Stability of the object's composition
If locking arms with inward-facing teeth are added to secure the device, then the device stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arms are merged with the existing platform structure of the connector assembly. The locking mechanism integrates with the floating connector design, combining the electrical interface platform with mechanical securing elements. This merging reduces overall complexity by consolidating multiple functions into unified structural elements.
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 solution effectively isolates the device from shock and vibration, maintaining stable electrical connections and preventing dislodgment or damage, while allowing the connector assembly to roll and pitch, thus enhancing the device's durability in harsh conditions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one connector assembly spring connecting the connector assembly to the base frame such that the connector assembly is movable relative to the base frame
Implementation Method 2
The locking mechanism can further comprises a spring connecting the locking mechanism to the base frame, and laterally biasing the tab against engagement bracket, such that when engagement bracket is vertically aligned with the tab, the spring moves the tab into engagement with the engagement bracket.
Data Source
AI summary
A docking cradle for a portable electronic device has a floating connector assembly which isolates a portable electronic device connected to the connector assembly from at least some of the shock, vibration or other motion imposed on the rest of the docking cradle. The connector assembly is positioned above a base frame and comprises a platform, a device interface on the platform, a device securing mechanism connected to the platform and connectable to the portable electronic device to physically secure the portable electronic device to the connector assembly; and at least one connector assembly spring connecting the connector assembly to the base frame such that the connector assembly is movable laterally relative to the base frame.