Magnetic Pogo Pin Docking Mount for Angled USB-C Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
USB Type-C connectors face alignment, push force, and tolerance issues during docking, especially when used at angles, leading to reliability concerns and potential damage, and lack of standardization across different devices.
Innovation Solution
The use of pogo pins simulating USB Type-C behavior, combined with magnetic connections, allows for resilient docking at various angles, ensuring precise alignment and secure connections without additional mechanical parts, supporting high-speed signals and power delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If USB Type-C connectors are used for docking, then power delivery and signal transmission capabilities are improved, but alignment precision and reliability deteriorate due to tolerance issues and mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical USB Type-C connector system with a magnetic field-based docking system. Magnets embedded in both the computing device and mount create magnetic attraction forces that automatically align the devices during docking, eliminating the need for precise mechanical alignment and push force application required by USB Type-C connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental docking parameter from mechanical contact (physical insertion and pushing) to magnetic field interaction. This parameter change allows for tolerance-free alignment since magnetic fields can guide the docking process without requiring precise mechanical fit, while still enabling power delivery and signal transmission through the magnetic connection interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If USB Type-C connectors are used for docking at angles, then versatility is improved, but reliability and damage resistance worsen due to lack of support and mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic attraction force acts as a counterbalancing force that supports the computing device at various angles. The magnetic field provides a distributed support force across the docking interface, counteracting gravitational and mechanical stresses that would otherwise damage traditional connectors when used at angles.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing the rigid mechanical USB Type-C connector with a magnetic field-based system, the invention enables angle flexibility without the mechanical stress and damage risks associated with traditional connectors. The magnetic connection naturally accommodates angular positioning through field interaction rather than rigid mechanical contact.
3Strength
If traditional mechanical docking systems are used, then structural support is improved, but device complexity and additional mechanical parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the magnetic field-based docking interface: power delivery, signal transmission, and structural support are all achieved through the same magnetic connection mechanism. This eliminates the need for separate mechanical support structures, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining or enhancing functional capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic docking interface serves multiple functions simultaneously - it provides structural support for the computing device, enables power delivery through the magnetic connection, and facilitates signal transmission. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized mechanical parts that would be required in traditional docking systems.
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 pogo pin and magnetic connection system enables reliable, high-speed docking and undocking of computing devices at angles, maintaining signal integrity and reducing mechanical stress, while improving durability and usability in retail environments.
Implementation Method 1
Magnetic components can include magnets or other components able to connect to one another, and can adjust and align a position of the computing device during docking of the computing device to the mount
Data Source
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AI summary
An example device can include a computing device having a first portion of a pogo pin connector coupled thereto and a mount having a second portion of the pogo pin connector coupled thereto to receive the first portion of the pogo pin connector. The mount can be communicatively coupled to a hub for receiving signals sent from the computing device, and the signals can be communicated from the computing device to the hub via the pogo pin connector in response to engagement of the first portion with the second portion.