Back-Face Docking Platform for Flush Multi-Accessory Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing docking systems for mobile electronic devices often increase the effective size of the device when accessories are attached, making them inconvenient for transport, and require edge openings that reduce available space or impose design constraints on accessories.
Innovation Solution
A docking platform is integrated into the largest surface area of the device, such as the back face, with recessed cavities and connectors that allow multiple accessories to attach simultaneously and independently without increasing the device's size, using magnetic or expandable mechanisms for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If docking connectors are housed on the edge of the mobile electronic device, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the effective size of the device increases when accessories are attached, making it inconvenient for transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the docking connector from the edge (one-dimensional boundary) to the back face (two-dimensional surface) of the device. This dimensional transition allows accessories to be distributed across a larger area, preventing significant increases in any single dimension and maintaining compact form factor for portable devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The back face of the device is divided into multiple docking zones or cavities, allowing multiple accessories to be attached simultaneously at different locations. This segmentation distributes the volume of attached accessories across the back surface rather than concentrating them at a single edge point.
2Reliability
If docking accessories are attached rigidly to the docking connector, then the connection is stable and reliable, but the effective magnitude of device dimensions increases significantly, rendering the system inconvenient for transport
Solution Approach 1:
By relocating the docking interface to the back face, the patent enables accessories to be positioned in a plane rather than extending linearly from an edge. This dimensional change allows the system to maintain stability while minimizing the increase in effective device dimensions, as accessories can be distributed across the back surface area.
3Volume of moving object
If docking connectors are placed on the back face of the device, then accessories can be distributed across a larger surface area minimizing dimension increases, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The back face of the device is designed as a universal docking platform that can accommodate multiple types of accessories simultaneously. This multi-functional design integrates various docking connectors and cavities into a single standardized interface system, reducing overall structural complexity compared to having separate specialized interfaces for different accessory types.
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
Enables multiple accessories to attach securely and functionally without increasing the device's dimensions, maintaining convenience for transport and accommodating a variety of accessory shapes and sizes without edge openings.
Implementation Method 1
a docking connector formed with an elongated magnetic element for forming a detachable magnetic bond with docking accessories
Data Source
AI summary
Docking platforms formed in one of the largest-surface-area surfaces of mobile electronic devices. Such a docking platform may comprise a docking accessory cavity having a docking connection system comprising one or more docking connectors formed within the cavity, and optionally two or more electrical contacts within the cavity, the contacts electrically connected to electronics within the electronic device and constructed and arranged to allow electrical connection to detachable docking accessories. The docking connection system is operable to form detachable attachments to multiple independent docking accessories simultaneously. The cavities of the docking platforms are shaped to accommodate a broad range of docking accessories that are specially adapted to sit in a generally flush manner with the back surface of the mobile electronic device while attached to the docking connectors. One type of accessory forms an assembly with an expandable accordion attached to the docking platform.