Modular Mobile Dock Layout for Non-Interfering Accessory Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile device docks lack flexibility in providing a variety of functions and configurations to accommodate diverse operating environments, often requiring multiple docks for different functionalities.
Innovation Solution
A modular dock design with distinct volumes and mounting surfaces for removable accessory modules, including a cradle, power module, port extender, cooling module, and antenna passthrough, allowing for customizable functionality without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple accessory modules are integrated into a single dock, then the functionality and versatility of the dock is improved, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dock is divided into a body portion and multiple independent accessory modules (power module, cooling module, port extender module, antenna passthrough module). Each module can be independently installed, removed, or reconfigured without affecting other modules, thereby providing diverse functionality while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture.
2Volume of stationary object
If multiple accessory modules are installed in the same volume, then the space utilization is improved, but the modules interfere with each other and adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The dock body includes multiple mounting surfaces positioned at different spatial locations and orientations. Accessory modules can be mounted on different surfaces (e.g., rear surface, side surfaces) that occupy different volumes, allowing multiple modules to coexist without interference while maximizing space utilization through three-dimensional arrangement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple accessory modules are integrated into a dock, then the adaptability to different operating environments is improved, but the ease of installation and reconfiguration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting surfaces are designed to allow dynamic reconfiguration of accessory modules. Modules can be easily installed, removed, or repositioned on different mounting surfaces based on operational requirements, enabling the dock to adapt to different environments without complex installation procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A dock for a computing device includes: a cradle configured to receive a first edge of the computing device; a body extending from the cradle, the body having: (i) a first mounting surface configured to removably support a first accessory module in a first volume adjacent to the computing device, and (ii) a second mounting surface configured to removably support, independently of the first accessory module, a second accessory module in a second volume disjoint from the first volume.