Logo Connector Integrating Branding and Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumer electronic devices face a challenge in balancing aesthetics and functionality due to the presence of unnecessary display elements like logos, lights, and indicators that occupy visible space and remain perceptible when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A tablet computer design featuring a housing with externally accessible connectors arranged in patterns that serve as both aesthetically pleasing logos and functional terminal connectors, capable of conducting power and facilitating data communication when used with a cradle or docking station.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If traditional separate logo and connector designs are used, then manufacturing and assembly are simple, but the device appearance is cluttered and aesthetic appeal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the logo and connector into a single integrated component. The connector elements are arranged to form the logo shape, eliminating the need for separate logo and connector parts. This merging reduces the number of components, simplifies assembly, and creates a cleaner aesthetic appearance while maintaining both branding and functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The logo structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides brand identification (logo function), electrical connectivity (connector function), and structural support. By making the logo element multi-functional, the design eliminates redundant components and achieves both aesthetic appeal and practical utility within a single integrated structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate display elements are used for logos and indicators, then functionality is clear, but the visible display area is occupied and aesthetic appeal is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple display elements (logo, indicators, connectors) into a single integrated structure. The connector elements themselves form the logo shape, eliminating the need for separate display areas. This consolidation maintains all necessary functions while minimizing the occupied visible display area, thereby improving aesthetic appeal.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated logo-connector structure performs multiple functions within a single element: brand identification, status indication, and electrical connectivity. This multi-functionality allows the device to maintain versatile functionality without requiring separate dedicated areas for each function, thus preserving visible display area and aesthetic appearance.
3Reliability
If passive display elements remain visible at all times, then brand identification is constant, but the device appearance is cluttered when elements are not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the logo-connector structure dynamic by enabling it to transition between active and inactive states. The connector elements can be electrically activated or deactivated, allowing the logo to be visible when needed for brand identification and invisible or inactive when not needed, thus maintaining appearance cleanliness while ensuring reliable brand identification when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The logo display operates periodically rather than continuously, being activated only when brand identification or connector functionality is needed. This periodic activation maintains reliable brand identification when necessary while keeping the device appearance clean and uncluttered during periods when the logo is not needed, resolving the contradiction between constant visibility and aesthetic cleanliness.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device with a connector system is provided to give a user an improved appearance, functionality, and aesthetics. A connector system may comprise a housing, a circuit board mounted within the housing, and a plurality of externally accessible connectors. The housing may have a front side and a back side. The plurality of externally accessible connectors may be mounted directly on the circuit board within the housing, so that the plurality externally accessible connectors may extend substantially perpendicular from the plane of the circuit board and face the back side of the housing. The plurality of externally accessible connectors may comprise substantially flat metal plate.