Portable Dock and Power Adapter System with Connecting Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional docking stations for portable information handling systems (IHS) are limited in portability and functionality, requiring specialized connectors that increase costs and restrict the portability of the IHS to a single location.
Innovation Solution
A portable dock and power adapter system featuring a dock member with IHS component connectors, a power adapter member, and a connecting member that allows orientation to engage the dock and power adapter couplings, enabling flexible positioning and cost-effective expansion of IHS functionality while maintaining portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a specialized docking connector is used, then the docking station can provide stable connection and enhanced functionality, but the cost of the portable IHS increases and portability is restricted to a single location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a standard connector on the portable IHS that can mate with multiple different dock types (video dock, audio dock, data dock). This allows a single IHS to work with various docking stations without requiring specialized connectors for each dock type, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking system is segmented into separate functional components: the portable IHS with a standard connector, and multiple specialized docks that each provide specific functionality (video, audio, data). This segmentation allows the IHS to remain simple and portable while the docking functionality is distributed across multiple interchangeable dock units.
2Reliability
If a conventional docking station is designed for stable connection, then connection reliability is improved, but portability is limited to a chosen location
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic positioning where the dock can be placed at different locations rather than being fixed. The connecting member allows the dock to be positioned flexibly while maintaining stable electrical connections, enabling the user to move the dock between locations as needed without compromising connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A connecting member acts as an intermediary between the dock and the IHS, providing a flexible connection that maintains electrical continuity while allowing physical movement. This intermediary component enables the dock to be repositioned while preserving stable connections to the IHS.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple IHS components are connected through a dock, then functionality is enhanced, but the system complexity and cable management become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple connection functions into a single docking interface. The dock consolidates video, audio, and data connections into one unified device that connects to the IHS through a single standard connector, thereby enhancing component connectivity while reducing system configuration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each dock type is designed to provide multiple functions (video output, audio output, data transfer) through a single universal interface that mates with the standard connector on the IHS. This multi-functionality allows comprehensive component connectivity without requiring multiple separate connectors or complex wiring.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable dock and power adapter system includes a dock member having a power adapter member coupling, a plurality of IHS component connectors, and a dock plug that is electrically coupled to the plurality of IHS component connectors and extends from the dock member. The portable dock and power adapter system also includes power adapter member including a dock member coupling and a power adapter plug that is electrically coupled to the dock plug and that extends from the power adapter member. A connecting member extends between the power adapter member and the dock member. The connecting member is operable to orient the power adapter member and the dock member such that the dock member coupling is spaced apart from the power adapter member coupling. The connecting member is also operable to orient the power adapter member and the dock member such that the dock member coupling engages the power adapter member coupling.