Quick Release Dock System Using Dynamic Magnetic Repulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current docking systems for handheld terminals (HHTs) are difficult to insert and remove from vehicle holsters and docks, failing to securely retain the HHT during vehicle motion and allowing easy, quick removal when stopped.
Innovation Solution
A quick release and attachment system using a docking station with a magnetic contact and a portable computer equipped with a corresponding magnetic contact, enabling magnetic attraction and repulsion for secure retention and easy detachment through a release request signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic attraction is used to secure the portable computer in the docking station, then the portable computer is securely retained during vehicle motion, but the portable computer becomes difficult to remove from the docking station
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic contact system transitions from a static magnetic connection to a dynamic one where the magnetic force can be actively controlled. The portable computer's processor receives a release request signal and activates the electromagnet to generate repulsive magnetic force, dynamically changing the magnetic interaction from attraction to repulsion to enable easy removal while maintaining secure retention during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the magnetic field parameters by controlling the electromagnet's activation state. When the electromagnet is activated, it reverses the magnetic polarity from attractive to repulsive, fundamentally changing the magnetic interaction parameter. This allows the same magnetic contact mechanism to provide both secure retention and easy release functions by simply changing the electromagnetic field state
2Reliability
If strong magnetic force is used to retain the portable computer, then secure retention during motion is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex requiring electromagnet control
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic contact system serves multiple functions: it provides secure retention during normal operation, enables easy release when needed, and can detect the presence of the portable computer. The same electromagnet that provides retention force also serves as the release mechanism when activated, eliminating the need for separate mechanical release components and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The portable computer's own processor and electromagnet system are used to generate the repulsive force for release. Instead of requiring an external release mechanism in the docking station, the portable computer itself performs the release action by activating its electromagnet, simplifying the docking station's structure and reducing control system complexity
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 retention of the portable computer during vehicle motion and easy removal when stopped, ensuring efficient battery charging and operation.
Implementation Method 1
magnetically attracting at a first magnetic contact of a docking station a second magnetic contact of a portable computer
Implementation Method 2
enabling magnetic attraction and repulsion for secure retention and easy detachment through a release request signal
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A docking station to secure and charge a portable computer such as a hand held terminal to allow the operator to easily and quickly remove the portable computer. When the docking station is energized, an electromagnetic contact is capable of magnetically retaining the portable computer. Upon activation of a release on either the portable computer or the docking station, the electromagnetic contact is de-energized and the portable computer is detached. In an exemplary embodiment, the docking station is mounted on a vehicle and the electromagnetic contact receives power from the battery of the vehicle when the vehicle is in motion. When the vehicle is halted and turned off, the electromagnetic contact may be de-energized but the portable computer may still be held in place by a mechanical retention port.