One-Handed Docking Holder With Magnetic Self-Centering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing docking solutions for portable electronic devices require multiple manipulations for secure fastening and careful plugging, lacking ease of one-handed operation and reliable contact establishment.
Innovation Solution
A holding device with tapered sliding surfaces, cams, pre-centering domes, magnetic elements, and spring-loaded contact pins that facilitate one-handed insertion and secure positioning, ensuring reliable contact through a combination of mechanical and magnetic locking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a quick-release fastener is used in the docking station, then the device can be quickly released, but multiple manipulations are still required to fasten it
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically centers itself using gravity and the funnel-shaped guide surfaces, and the magnetic elements automatically attract and hold the device in place without requiring manual manipulation. The spring-loaded contact pins automatically establish electrical contact when the device is inserted.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical fastening system is replaced with magnetic attraction forces. The magnetic elements in the base plate attract the portable electronic device, providing secure holding without requiring mechanical latching or multiple manipulation steps.
2Reliability
If careful plugging is required to ensure reliable contact, then contact reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guide surfaces and pre-centering domes are designed to automatically align and center the device during insertion before contact is made. This preliminary centering action ensures that the contact pins are properly positioned for reliable electrical connection without requiring careful manual insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The device self-aligns and self-centers during insertion through the funnel-shaped guide surfaces and pre-centering domes, automatically ensuring proper contact alignment without requiring user skill or careful manipulation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple manipulations are required for secure fastening, then connection stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex mechanical fastening and alignment mechanisms are extracted and replaced with simple magnetic attraction and gravity-based self-centering. The magnetic elements provide secure holding, and the funnel-shaped guides provide alignment, eliminating the need for complex multi-step fastening procedures.
4Reliability
If a magnetic locking mechanism is used, then secure positioning is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic force parameters are optimized to provide sufficient attraction for secure positioning while being tolerant of normal manufacturing variations. The spring-loaded contact pins provide compliance that compensates for minor positioning deviations, maintaining reliable electrical contact without requiring extreme manufacturing precision.
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 easy, one-handed operation and secure, reliable contact for portable electronic devices, ensuring stable data transmission and preventing accidental disconnection, with a robust locking mechanism that supports both mechanical and magnetic interactions.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic element arranged in the rear wall (10), which interacts with a counter-magnetic element in the portable electronic device
Implementation Method 2
the device is positioned correctly by itself via the areas, sliding surfaces and restricted guiding surfaces arranged in the holding device and the gravity acting on the device
Implementation Method 3
DE 695 28 940 T2 also discloses a holder for a radio telephone, the telephone being held in a latching element by means of spring force
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a receiving device for a portable electronic device with a large capture area (F), wherein specially arranged sliding tracks (GB1,GB2), sliding surfaces (GF) and forced guidance surfaces (ZF) enable easy, safe and in particular one-handed insertion of the device.