Magnetic Docking Platform for Multi-Accessory Mobile Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing docking solutions for mobile electronic devices increase the effective size and inconvenience during transport due to the placement of docking connectors on edges, which limits the attachment of variously shaped and sized accessories without significantly increasing the device's carrying size.
Innovation Solution
A detachable accessory docking platform with a docking platform body that attaches to the mobile device's surface, allowing multiple accessories to attach simultaneously and independently, with optional freedom to expand and rotate, using various connection systems such as sticky gel, magnetic elements, or snap-fit mechanisms, without requiring edge ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If docking connectors are housed on the edge of the mobile electronic device, then multiple external docking accessories can be attached, but the effective size of the device increases and transport convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the docking connector from the edge of the device to the back surface, utilizing a different spatial dimension. This allows accessories to attach to the back surface rather than extending from the edge, thereby maintaining a smaller effective carrying size while still enabling multiple accessory attachments.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking system is segmented into a docking platform attached to the back surface and separate docking accessories. This segmentation allows the accessories to be independently shaped and sized without being constrained by edge geometry, enabling versatile accessory attachment while keeping the main device compact.
2Adaptability or versatility
If docking accessories attach by flexible cable, then connection flexibility is improved, but transport convenience deteriorates due to managing independently moving bodies and cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible printed circuit boards (FPC) as the connection medium between the docking platform and docking accessories. The FPC provides the necessary flexibility for connection while being thin and flat, eliminating the need to manage bulky cables and independently moving bodies during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking platform and docking accessory are merged into a single unit during transport, with the flexible circuit board folded or retracted within the platform. This combining eliminates the need to manage separate cable and accessory components, improving transport convenience while maintaining connection flexibility when in use.
3Reliability
If docking accessories attach rigidly to the docking connector, then connection stability is improved, but transport convenience deteriorates due to managing oddly shaped sets
Solution Approach 1:
The docking system incorporates a retractable or foldable flexible circuit board that transitions between an extended state for stable rigid connection during use and a retracted state for compact transport. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt between stability and portability modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible circuit board is nested within the docking platform when not in use, with the docking accessory fitting into a cavity or compartment. This nesting arrangement allows the rigidly connected accessory to be stored compactly within the main device body, improving transport convenience while maintaining stable connection when deployed.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the mobile electronic device is reinforced or enlarged to counterbalance attached accessories, then structural stability is improved, but effective magnitude increases and transport convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By relocating the docking connector to the back surface, the center of gravity and weight distribution are optimized without requiring enlargement of the device housing. The back surface mounting allows for better structural integration and weight balancing, maintaining stability without increasing effective magnitude.
Solution Approach 2:
The back surface docking platform serves multiple functions: it provides structural reinforcement where needed, acts as a mounting surface for accessories, and maintains a compact form factor. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate reinforcement structures that would increase device size.
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 secure and convenient attachment of diverse docking accessories without significantly increasing the device's size, allowing for flexible orientation and operation of accessories like speakers, batteries, and sensors, while maintaining portability.
Implementation Method 1
a docking connector magnetic attachment system formed beneath an external back surface of the platform and configured to form detachable magnetic attachments to compatible docking accessories
Data Source
AI summary
A docking accessory platform adapted to couple to a mobile electronic device includes a docking connector magnetic attachment system formed beneath an external back surface of the platform and configured to form detachable magnetic attachments to compatible docking accessories. The docking connector magnetic attachment system has an annular shape and comprises a magnetic element. The platform further includes an internal back portion opposite the external back surface of the platform, where the internal back portion contacts a back surface of the mobile electronic device when coupled to the mobile electronic device. The platform further a side portion that extends around at least a portion of a side of the mobile electronic device adjacent to the back surface of the mobile electronic device when the platform is coupled to the mobile electronic device. The platform allows wireless power transfer with the mobile electronic device through the external back surface and the internal back portion when the platform is coupled to the mobile electronic device.