Magnetic Keyboard Docking Rail for Stable Mobile Device Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Detachable keyboards for mobile computing devices often experience disconnection issues due to dynamic forces and positional changes, leading to strained electrical connections and potential loss of connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A connection mechanism featuring a device interface component with a magnetically connectable docking member and a support rail that includes an electrical connection protrusion and a mechanical connection protrusion, designed to maintain stability and guide the connection between the keyboard and the computing device across various positions and angles, using magnetic attraction and a pivot point to secure the connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If detachable keyboards are made thinner and smaller to meet consumer demand for portable devices, then portability is improved, but connection stability deteriorates due to dynamic forces and positional changes
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a magnetic docking member for initial attraction and alignment, and an electrical connection protrusion for signal transmission. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the magnetic member provides stable connection while the electrical protrusion maintains reliable contact despite the compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
A magnetic field is introduced as an intermediary force between the keyboard and computing device. The magnetic docking member creates magnetic attraction that guides and secures the connection, acting as a mediator that ensures stable alignment and contact between the electrical connection protrusion and its receptacle, thereby maintaining connection reliability in a thin design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If detachable keyboards are designed with flexibility for multiple typing and viewing angles, then adaptability is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates due to physical disconnections
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic docking member provides a counteracting magnetic force that opposes the disconnection forces generated during flexible positioning. This magnetic attraction acts as a counterweight to the mechanical stresses and dynamic forces that occur when the keyboard is moved to different angles, maintaining connection reliability throughout the range of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid. The magnetic field continuously adjusts to maintain attraction as the keyboard moves through different positions and angles, allowing the connection to adapt dynamically to changing orientations while maintaining stable electrical contact.
3Loss of information
If electrical connection protrusion is used for signal transmission, then data communication is enabled, but connection stability deteriorates due to strain from positional changes
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic docking member and electrical connection protrusion are merged into a single integrated device interface component. This combination ensures that the electrical connection is always maintained within the magnetic field's attractive range, as the magnetic force continuously pulls the components together, preventing strain and disconnection while enabling reliable data transmission.
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
The solution ensures a reliable and stable electrical connection between the keyboard and the mobile computing device, maintaining connectivity even during dynamic movements and positional changes, reducing the risk of disconnection and enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetically connectable docking member configured to magnetically attract or to be magnetically attracted to a corresponding docking component on the computing device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure include connection mechanisms for a peripheral computing device to connect with a mobile computing device. The peripheral computing device may include a device interface component that defines part of the connection mechanisms, and an electrical connection protrusion extending from the device interface component and configured to insert in a corresponding electrical receptacle of a computing device. The device interface component may also include a magnetically connectable docking member configured to magnetically attract or to be magnetically attracted to a corresponding docking component on the computing device. The device interface component may further include a support rail configured to support the electrical connection protrusion and the magnetically connectable docking member. The support rail may comprise a shoulder configured to define a pivot point to guide connecting the peripheral computing device with the computing device.