Rotatable Connection Ports for Cable Stress-Free Device Tilting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional computing devices with connection ports located on rear or bottom surfaces face damage to cables or peripherals due to movement relative to a stand or surface, causing stress, unintended disconnection, and premature wear.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of rotatable I/O ports or port hubs that allow a range of motion relative to the device housing, preventing stress and disconnection by automatically or manually adjusting the port angle in response to movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If connection ports are located on rear or bottom surfaces of the computing device, then accessibility to connection ports is maintained and hidden from user's line of sight, but damage to cables, wires, or peripherals occurs when the housing moves relative to stand or table surface

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility to connection portsVSAvoidCable and peripheral connection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection port is made rotatable relative to the housing, allowing it to dynamically adjust its orientation. When the housing moves or tilts, the connection port can rotate to maintain proper cable alignment and prevent stress concentration, thereby preventing damage while maintaining accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If connection ports are fixed to the housing, then structural simplicity is maintained, but cables and peripherals suffer from stress, unintended disconnection, and premature wear during device movement

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveConnection port structureVSAvoidCable connection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection port is made rotatable relative to the housing, allowing it to dynamically adjust its orientation. When the housing moves or tilts, the connection port can rotate to maintain proper cable alignment and prevent stress concentration, thereby preventing damage while maintaining accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4147113B1Rotating connection ports in a computing device
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP4147113B1 patent drawingFigure 1-1~1-2
  • EP4147113B1 patent drawingFigure 2-1~2-2
  • EP4147113B1 patent drawingFigure 3~2-3

AI summary

A computing device includes a housing, an electronic component positioned in the housing, a stand supporting the housing, and a connection port. The connection port is in electrical communication with the electronic component. The housing has an outer surface, and the connection port is moveable relative to the housing to change a port angle of the connection port relative to the outer surface of the housing when a housing angle of the housing changes relative to the stand.