Modular Cover Hub for Blind-Mate Charging and Accessory Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable computing devices face challenges in seamless and intuitive charging while in use, especially under heavy loads, due to the complexity and unreliability of mounting and securing devices with covers, which also interfere with accessory connections.
Innovation Solution
A modular electronic device system featuring an expansion hub with a housing, electrical connectors, and a mounting connector that allows for blind mating with a stand or accessory, enabling easy attachment and detachment without visible connectors, using biased latches and magnetic components for secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a cover is used to protect the computing device, then protection from damage is improved, but mounting and securing becomes complex and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion hub is nested within the cover structure, with the hub housing positioned inside the cover and electrical connectors integrated into the cover's interior surface. This nesting allows the cover to simultaneously provide protection and housing for mounting/charging functionality without adding external complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is designed to serve multiple functions: it protects the device from damage, houses the expansion hub, provides mounting capability via the mounting connector, and enables charging through integrated electrical connectors. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protective cases and mounting accessories
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a cover is used to protect the computing device, then protection from damage is improved, but accessory connection becomes interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connectors are positioned on the interior surface of the cover rather than on the exterior, utilizing the three-dimensional space within the cover structure. This allows accessory connections to be made through the cover's interior without interfering with the device's external accessory ports
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion hub acts as an intermediary device that bridges the cover and external accessories. It provides electrical connectors that can mate with accessories while being housed within the cover, allowing the cover to mediate between protection and accessory connectivity
3Reliability
If traditional mounting methods are used, then securing is achieved, but charging control while operating is difficult and slow
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion hub provides self-service charging capability by integrating electrical connectors that automatically engage when the device is placed in the cover or mounted on the stand. The system autonomously establishes the charging connection without requiring user intervention to plug or unplug connectors
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connectors are pre-positioned within the cover and expansion hub structure, ready to engage immediately when the device is inserted or mounted. This preliminary positioning enables instant charging connection without requiring additional user actions
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
Facilitates smoother, adaptable interfacing between computing devices, covers, stands, and accessories, allowing for easy charging and accessory integration while protecting the device from damage, with improved usability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The mounting connector can include a magnetic component to magnetically attract the mounting connector to the second mounting connector
Data Source
AI summary
A modular electronic device system includes an electronic device and a cover for the device that allows the device to be mechanically and electrically mounted to a stand or device adapter on the rear side of the cover. The cover or device adapter can be connectable to modularly attachable and removable accessory devices and can provide electrical ports for powering and operating the accessory devices. While mounted to a stand, power and data communications can be provided to the electronic device, cover, and accessory devices from the stand or an external source. The modular components of the system can be interchangeable to allow the system to be adapted to many different settings and use cases based on the types of components included as the accessory devices and based on the number of accessory devices used.