Pivoting Connector Head for One-Handed Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional docking stations restrict user mobility during charging, require two hands for docking and undocking, and do not allow easy swapping of connector plugs for different devices.
Innovation Solution
A docking station design featuring a connector with a flexible cable and a base equipped with a releasable pivot mechanism, allowing one-handed docking and undocking and enabling the use of flexible charging cords, while allowing the connector to remain attached to the device during separation from the base.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional docking station uses a fixed connector design, then the device is securely held during charging, but the user cannot move the device freely while charging
Solution Approach 1:
The connector head is designed to pivot relative to the base through a releasable pivot mechanism, transforming the static fixed connector into a dynamic adjustable connection. This allows the connector to adapt its position while maintaining secure electrical connection, enabling user mobility without compromising connection reliability
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional docking station uses a fixed connector design, then the structure is simple, but the user cannot swap connector plugs for different devices
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separable components: a connector head that interfaces with the base and a connector plug that connects to the electronic device. This segmentation allows different plug types to be used with the same base unit, enhancing adaptability while keeping the overall system structure manageable through modular design
3Ease of operation
If a conventional docking station requires two hands for docking and undocking, then the connection is secure, but the operation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
A fulcrum surface is introduced as an intermediary element between the connector head and base. This fulcrum provides a pivot point that enables the connector head to rotate and disengage from the base using only one hand, while the releasable pivot mechanism ensures the connection remains secure during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The docking and undocking action is transformed from a linear pull-apart motion to a rotational pivot motion around the fulcrum. This dimensional change allows one-handed operation by utilizing the rotational degree of freedom, while the pivot mechanism maintains connection reliability during the rotational movement
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 secure charging with freedom of movement, single-handed operation, and easy swapping of charging cables to accommodate different devices.
Implementation Method 1
The fulcrum surface may be configured to contact the pivot surface of the connector head such that an input leverage force may be applied to the electronic device to pivot the connector head in the base and produce an output force suffice to overcome the releasable pivot mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device docking station may include a connector and a base. The connector may include a connector head, a connector plug, and a flexible cable. The connector head may have a neck, a face, a first recess configured to interface with a releasable pivot mechanism, and a pivot surface. The connector plug may extend from the face of the connector head, the plug being configured to connect to an electronic device. The flexible cable may extend from the neck the connector head. The base may include a second recess and a fulcrum surface. The second recess may be configured to interface with the releasable pivot mechanism and thereby releasably secure the connector head to the base. The fulcrum surface may be configured to contact the pivot surface.