Rotatable Connector Disc for Universal Device Docking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing docking base devices are limited in their ability to efficiently and universally connect, charge, and communicate with various types and brands of extrinsic electronic devices through a single docking solution, lacking versatility and ease of use.

Innovation Solution

A housing with a rotatable disc and multiple base connectors, where each connector is electrically coupled to a wire connected to a power source, allowing for selective exposure and connection to different electronic devices, along with a cover for access and a stabilizing extension for device alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single docking base is used to connect various types of electronic devices, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveversatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The docking base is segmented into multiple independent connector components (USB Type-A, USB Type-C, Micro USB, Lightning connectors) mounted on a rotatable disc. Each connector is a separate, self-contained element that can be independently positioned and connected, allowing the system to support multiple device types without requiring a complex integrated connector design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The docking base incorporates multiple universal connector types (USB Type-A, USB Type-C, Micro USB, Lightning) on a single rotatable disc, enabling one docking base to universally connect to various types of electronic devices including smartphones, tablets, and audio devices. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by providing versatility through standardized connector types rather than custom complex interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connectors are integrated into a single docking base, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connectors are mounted on a rotatable disc that can be manually rotated to bring the appropriate connector into the docking position. This dynamic configuration allows the user to easily switch between different connector types by simply rotating the disc, making the operation intuitive and straightforward while maintaining adaptability to multiple device types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures multiple connector types on the rotatable disc, so the user does not need to manually configure or switch complex settings. The user only needs to rotate the disc to the appropriate position, and the correct connector is already prepared and positioned for immediate connection, simplifying the operation while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If connectors are positioned on a rotatable disc, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveversatilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple separate connector components are merged onto a single rotatable disc structure, which itself is integrated into the docking base housing. This consolidation reduces the overall structural complexity compared to having separate docking bases for each connector type, while still providing versatility through the ability to rotate and select different connectors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9436221B2Multiple connector electronics docking base device
Publication Date: 2016.09.06 RAGHUNATHAN BALAJI
  • US9436221B2 patent drawing
  • US9436221B2 patent drawing
  • US9436221B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A multiple connector electronics docking base device includes a housing structured to have a slot extending into an upper surface of the housing. A disc is rotatably coupled to the housing and partially positioned within the slot wherein a selectable portion of the disc is positionable to be exposed within the slot. Each of a plurality of base connectors is coupled to the disc. The base connectors are spaced on the disc such that a selectable one of the base connectors is positionable within the slot. A first end of a wire is coupled to the disc such that each base connector is electrically coupled to the wire. A second end of the wire is coupled to the housing such that the second end is configured for being electrically coupled to a power source.