Horizontal Input Device Charging System with Rotational Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless input device charging systems often require users to manually reposition devices from a horizontal in-use position to a vertical charging position, which can be awkward and difficult to align, necessitating exact orientation for charging to occur.
Innovation Solution
A charging system featuring a planar base with a primary alignment feature and charging connection that allows input devices to be placed horizontally, enabling initial alignment and rotation into a charging position, with optional magnetic assistance for alignment and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the input device is placed vertically into the dock for charging, then the charging connection can be formed, but the user must transfer the device from horizontal in-use position to vertical charging position which is awkward and requires additional effort
Solution Approach 1:
The charging dock allows the input device to be charged in the horizontal plane rather than requiring vertical insertion. The alignment feature and charging connection are arranged to enable charging while the device remains in its normal horizontal operating position, eliminating the need for vertical repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging dock is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides initial alignment of the device through the primary alignment feature, enables rotation to the charging position, and forms the electrical charging connection. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single horizontal docking structure.
2Reliability
If the mouse must be inserted in a specific mating orientation for charging, then the charging connection can be formed, but the system requires exact alignment which is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The primary alignment feature on the docking station performs preliminary alignment of the input device before the charging connection is formed. This initial alignment guides the device into the correct position, making the subsequent formation of the charging connection reliable and easy to achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment feature and charging connection are positioned asymmetrically on the docking station, with the alignment feature serving as a guide that leads the device into the correct orientation for the charging connection. This asymmetric arrangement provides natural guidance for proper insertion.
3Reliability
If the device housing must fit into the dock in one specific orientation, then the charging can take place, but the user cannot adjust or align the device once placed in contact with the dock
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station allows the input device to be dynamically positioned and rotated within the horizontal plane. The device can be freely rotated about the primary alignment feature to achieve the correct charging orientation, providing both adjustability and eventual stability when properly connected.
Data Source
AI summary
An input device charging system is presented. The input device charging system includes a base having a primary alignment feature and a charging connection. The alignment feature and charging connection protrude from a surface of the base and the charging connection includes components for forming an electrical connection with an input device. The input device charging system also includes an input device, such as a mouse, configured for horizontal placement on the base. The input device includes a primary alignment feature and a charging connection configured to correspond to the primary alignment feature and charging connection of the base. The input device may be placed on the base in any direction in a horizontal plane and rotated into a charging position in which both alignment features are connected.