Pivoting USB Connector with Reinforced Wiring for Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, have limited battery life and rely on bulky charging stations or cables, making them inconvenient to charge without these accessories.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device with a pivoting, flush-mounted USB connector that can be swung out for charging and data connectivity, featuring protected electrical wires and a reinforced casement for secure storage and protection, along with optional Bluetooth LE beacon technology for geo-location and payment processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a USB connector is integrated within the mobile device for portable charging, then charging convenience is improved, but the electrical wires connecting the USB connector are vulnerable to degradation and cutting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing protective structures (reinforcement members and anti-snag cutouts) in advance to prevent wire degradation and cutting before they occur. The reinforcement member is positioned along the wire path to cushion against mechanical stress, while the anti-snag cutout prevents the wire from being caught and cut during connector movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the USB connector movable rather than fixed. The connector can be swung between a recessed position (when not in use) and an exposed position (when charging), allowing the device to adapt between port protection and charging accessibility, thereby improving ease of operation while managing wire stress through controlled movement.
2Ease of operation
If a USB connector is integrated within the mobile device, then portability is improved, but the connector is vulnerable to physical damage when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the USB connector within a recessed area of the device housing when not in use. The connector is nested inside the housing structure, which protects it from physical damage, dust, and contamination. The recessed design allows the connector to be stored safely within the device body, similar to a nested doll structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the USB connector movable between a recessed protected position and an exposed operational position. This dynamic design allows the connector to switch between being protected within the housing and being accessible for charging, resolving the contradiction between portability and protection.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method offering an improved approach to charging mobile devices, such as an illustrative specialized compact bar code scanner, without need for cumbersome wires or charging cradles, through an innovative casement having an integrally contained, or recessed (flush-mounted) swing-out USB connector which avoids severing or disconnection of wires between the swing-out USB connector and the mobile device over the course of repeated use. The present invention also relates to an improved casement structure for mobile devices and payment processing module encased therein.