Magnetic Docking Platform Layout for Back-Mounted Mobile Accessories
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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 restricts 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 includes a mobile electronic device connection system for attaching to the device and an accessory docking system, featuring electronics for data and power management, allowing multiple accessories to attach simultaneously and independently, with optional freedom to expand and rotate, without requiring edge ports on the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If docking connectors are housed on the edge of the mobile electronic device, then power and data transmission between the device and docking accessories is enabled, but the effective size of the mobile electronic system increases and transport convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The docking connector is relocated from the edge of the device to the back face, utilizing a different spatial dimension for accessory attachment. This dimensional shift allows accessories to attach to the broader back surface area rather than being constrained to the narrow edge, thereby maintaining connectivity functionality while reducing the overall envelope size of the device-accessory system during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The back face of the device is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the primary attachment surface for docking accessories and as a structural element that can support variously shaped and sized accessories. This universal surface approach eliminates the need for edge reinforcement structures, reducing the effective size increase while maintaining reliable power and data transmission capabilities.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the device is reinforced or enlarged to counterbalance and support an attached accessory, then structural stability is improved, but the effective magnitude of the mobile electronic system increases and transport convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the docking connector to the back face, the accessory attachment point is positioned on a larger, more stable surface area. This eliminates the need for edge reinforcement structures that would increase the device's effective magnitude, while the back face itself provides sufficient structural support for variously shaped and sized accessories without requiring additional enlargement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If docking accessories attach to the connector by a flexible cable, then adaptability of accessories is improved, but the complexity of managing independently moving bodies and connecting cables increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible cable intermediary is extracted from the system by implementing a direct rigid attachment mechanism between the docking connector on the back face and the accessories. This eliminates the complexity of managing independently moving bodies and connecting cables, while the universal back face attachment design maintains adaptability to support variously shaped and sized accessories through direct mechanical connection.
4Device complexity
If docking accessories attach in a rigid fashion directly to the docking connector, then device complexity is reduced, but the effective size increases and transport convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The docking connector is positioned on the back face rather than the edge, allowing rigidly attached accessories to utilize the broader back surface area. This dimensional relocation enables accessories to be securely attached in a rigid fashion without significantly increasing the effective size of the mobile electronic system, as the back face provides a larger attachment footprint that distributes the accessory mass more effectively.
Data Source
AI summary
A docking accessory platform adapted to couple to a mobile electronic device includes a first docking connector portion comprising a first magnetic element configured to detachably attach to a second docking connector portion of a power accessory, where the second docking connector portion comprises a second magnetic element. The docking accessory platform also includes a back portion opposite the first docking connector portion, the back portion configured to be secured against a back surface of the mobile electronic device, and a side portion configured to extend around at least a portion of a side of the mobile electronic device. The power accessory includes an accessory body and an electronic assembly within the accessory body, where the electronic assembly includes a battery and electronics operable to wirelessly transfer power through the platform, between the battery and the mobile electronic device.