Gravity-Assisted Docking Bay for Portable Computer Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The proliferation of portable computers in various settings poses challenges in providing a simple, practical, and economical system for their secure storage, charging, and distribution, as existing solutions struggle to accommodate the variety of devices and ensure consistent electrical connections across different users and environments.
Innovation Solution
A repository system featuring docking bays with alignment and retention members, supported by gravity to ensure secure and efficient placement, charging, and transport of portable computers, allowing for easy access and adaptation to various computer configurations, utilizing a cart design with vertically oriented docking bays and a battery charger system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If portable computers are stored in traditional storage units, then storage capacity is provided, but electrical connections are not reliably maintained during storage and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring docking bays with electrical connectors and alignment members before computers are placed in storage. The connectors are positioned and oriented in advance to automatically align with computer ports when inserted, eliminating the need for manual connection adjustments during storage or transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service through automatic alignment and connection mechanisms. When a portable computer is placed in a docking bay, the alignment members and gravity-assisted positioning automatically guide the computer into the correct orientation, causing electrical connectors to engage without human intervention. The system serves itself by maintaining connections passively through its structural design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If storage units are designed to accommodate various portable computer configurations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and modification requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing docking bays with standardized electrical connectors and alignment members that can accommodate multiple types of portable computers. The universal docking bay structure accepts various computer configurations without requiring specialized modifications, allowing a single storage system to serve diverse computing devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes parameter changes by incorporating adjustable elements within the docking bays, such as movable alignment members and flexible connector positions. These adjustable parameters allow the docking bay to adapt to different computer sizes, shapes, and port locations, providing versatility without complex customization for each device type.
3Ease of operation
If users are provided with easy access to portable computers, then ease of operation is improved, but proper handling and electrical connection assurance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of alignment members and guided insertion paths between the user and the computer. These intermediaries physically guide the computer into the correct position during insertion, ensuring proper handling and alignment with electrical connectors without requiring users to have specialized knowledge or exercise extreme care.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex manual alignment procedures with a mechanical guidance system. The docking bay incorporates physical guides, ramps, and alignment members that automatically position the computer correctly as it is inserted, substituting the need for careful manual handling with a self-aligning mechanical mechanism.
4Quantity of substance
If storage capacity is increased to accommodate more portable computers, then quantity handled is improved, but storage facility size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from horizontal stacking to vertical stacking of docking bays. Multiple docking bays are arranged vertically within each cart, utilizing the vertical dimension to increase storage capacity without proportionally increasing the horizontal footprint. This allows more computers to be stored in a compact vertical arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements nesting by placing docking bays within carts, which can themselves be nested or stacked. The compact docking bay design allows multiple bays to be efficiently packed within the cart structure, and carts can be nested when not in use, maximizing space utilization and increasing effective storage capacity without linearly increasing facility volume.
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 system facilitates easy storage, charging, and distribution of portable computers with maintained electrical connections, accommodating multiple devices without extensive modification, ensuring reliable long-term service and increased capacity in a compact format.
Implementation Method 1
The predetermined vertical distance between the upper level and the lower level is such that upon movement of each computer toward a respective fully seated position within a corresponding docking bay, each computer will be biased by gravity toward and into retention in the fully seated position
Implementation Method 2
each computer will be biased by gravity toward and into retention in the fully seated position and will be maintained by gravity assistance in such retention during storage
Implementation Method 3
each computer placed at a docking location and connected electrically to at least one electrical connector at the docking location
Data Source
AI summary
A repository in the form of a cart, and a method for docking a plurality of portable computers in storage within the cart, are disclosed. The cart has an opening at the top of the cart and each computer is placed within a docking bay, connected electrically to an electrical connector at the docking bay. Each docking bay has an entrance at an upper level and a support member for the computer at a lower level located at a predetermined vertical distance from the upper level. The orientation of the docking bays, and the predetermined vertical distance are such that upon movement of a computer toward a fully seated position within a docking bay, the computer is biased by gravity toward and into retention in the fully seated position and is maintained by gravity assistance in such retention during transport and storage in the cart, connected to the electrical connector at the docking bay. In a preferred construction, the support member is in the form of a tray placed in the cart above a lower compartment beneath the tray. The tray is mounted for pivotal movement between a first position wherein the tray is in place for supporting the computers above the lower compartment, and a second position wherein the tray is displaced to open access to the lower compartment from the opening at the top of the cart.