Port Replicator Hook Mechanism for Simple Docking Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing port replicators for electronic devices require complex configurations with numerous components for attaching and detaching electronic devices, leading to a cumbersome process.
Innovation Solution
A port replicator design featuring a main body with a placement surface, a pop-up component, a shaft, a hook component, and a link component, where the pop-up component interacts with the link component to rotate the shaft, which in turn rotates the hook component for simple attachment and detachment of electronic devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a complex configuration with numerous components is used for attaching and detaching electronic devices, then the attachment and detachment process becomes cumbersome, but the reliability of connection is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated mechanism. The pop-up component serves both as a support structure and as a trigger that initiates the entire attachment/detachment sequence through its movement, which sequentially activates the link component, shaft rotation, and hook engagement without requiring separate control mechanisms for each step
Solution Approach 2:
The pop-up component is pre-positioned in a raised state that automatically triggers the attachment mechanism when the electronic device is placed on the port replicator. The component's initial position stores potential energy and mechanical tension that drives the sequential engagement of the link component and hook without requiring additional user input or complex control systems
2Device complexity
If a simplified configuration is used for attaching and detaching electronic devices, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of connection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: the pop-up component for initiation, the link component for transmission, the shaft for rotation, and the hook for final engagement. Each segment performs a specific function and fails independently, allowing the system to maintain reliability through modular functionality while keeping the overall configuration simple and easy to manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the pop-up component's movement, which automatically drives the link component and shaft rotation without requiring external motors, sensors, or control systems. The mechanical energy stored in the pop-up component's position provides sufficient force to complete the entire attachment sequence, eliminating the need for complex power and control infrastructure
Data Source
AI summary
A port replicator of the present disclosure includes: a main body including a placement surface on which an electronic device is placed, and a first hole and a second hole provided in the placement surface; a pop-up component that is disposed in the first hole and is movable in a direction intersecting the placement surface; a shaft that is disposed in the main body and rotatable; a hook component that is disposed in the second hole and fixed to the shaft; a stopper that is disposed in the main body and fixed to the shaft; and a link component that is disposed in the main body, is movable in a direction intersecting an axial direction of the shaft, and is in contact with the stopper. The pop-up component comes into contact with the link component by moving in a direction intersecting the placement surface.