Retractable Expansion Dock Connector for Damage-Resistant Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The male connector of existing docking stations is inconvenient to accommodate and prone to damage.
Innovation Solution
A docking station design featuring a male connector that can switch between an accommodated and exposed state via a pushing button, with a limiting block elastically secured in a limiting groove, ensuring stable accommodation and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the male connector is exposed for use, then the docking station can be electrically connected to electronic products, but the male connector becomes prone to damage and inconvenient to accommodate
Solution Approach 1:
The male connector is designed to be movable between an exposed state for electrical connection and a retracted state for protection. The connecting body can slide along the sliding direction within the accommodating cavity, allowing dynamic transition between use and storage positions, thus resolving the contradiction between operational convenience and damage resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The male connector (connecting body) is nested within the accommodating cavity of the docking station when not in use. The connecting body is received in the cavity and can be fully retracted, providing protection while maintaining easy access when needed. This nesting structure eliminates the need for external storage space.
2Ease of operation
If the male connector is made retractable to improve accommodation, then the structure becomes more complex with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The limiting block structure integrates multiple functions: it limits the retraction distance of the connecting body, guides the sliding motion, and works with the elastic component to provide automatic positioning. By combining these functions into a single integrated structure rather than separate components, the design minimizes overall complexity while achieving reliable retractable functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic component (elastic component or elastic deformation mechanism) automatically pushes the connecting body to maintain contact with the limiting block, providing self-latching and self-positioning functionality. This eliminates the need for additional motors, sensors, or control systems, achieving automatic operation without increasing structural complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the male connector is fixed in position for stability, then it is easy to manufacture but inconvenient to accommodate and protect
Solution Approach 1:
The male connector transitions from a fixed design to a dynamic movable design. The connecting body slides along a defined path within the accommodating cavity and can be positioned at different locations (exposed or retracted). This dynamic capability is achieved through simple sliding surfaces and limiting structures that are easy to manufacture while providing both stability during use and protection during storage.
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
The design allows reliable accommodation and protection of the male connector, reducing damage risk and extending the docking station's service life while improving operational convenience.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member elastically held between the movable plate and the connecting body
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present application discloses a docking station, which includes a docking body (100) and a male connector (200); the male connector (200) includes a connecting body (210), a male plug (220), a pushing button (230), and a limiting block (240); the male plug (220) is matched with the opening (1021), the pushing button (230) is fitted with the first sliding slot (1031) to drive the male connector (200) to switch between an accommodated state and an exposed state; and the male plug (220) is accommodated inside the opening (1021) and the limiting block (240) is elastically limited in the first limiting groove (1011), when the male connector (200) is in the accommodated state. The male plug (220) can be accommodated inside the opening (1021) when the docking station is accommodated, the accommodated state is stable, and the risk of damage to the male connector (200) is reduced.