Rotatable Multi-Plug Docking Station for Universal Device Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional docking stations are often designed to accommodate specific models or ranges of electronic devices with the same port type and location, limiting their versatility and ability to accommodate devices in different orientations, requiring multiple docking stations for varying devices and orientations.
Innovation Solution
A universal docking station featuring a rotatable multi-plug connector that can be secured in multiple positions, with retractable alignment arms and a tiltable backstop, allowing it to accommodate different types and sizes of electronic devices and orientations, including those with ports on various sides and angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a docking station is designed to accommodate specific models or ranges of electronic devices with the same port type and location, then the docking station can provide stable and reliable connections, but the versatility and ability to accommodate devices in different orientations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station incorporates a rotatable multi-plug connector that can be positioned in multiple orientations (0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, 270 degrees) to accommodate electronic devices with ports located on different sides. This universal design allows a single docking station to serve multiple device types and orientations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized docking stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed to be rotatable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically change its orientation to match the port location on the electronic device. The rotatable connector can be secured at different angular positions, providing adaptability while maintaining stable connections regardless of the device orientation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple docking stations are used to accommodate devices in different orientations, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functionality of multiple orientation-specific docking stations into a single unit. By integrating a rotatable multi-plug connector that can be positioned in four different orientations, the docking station combines what would otherwise require four separate docking stations into one compact device, reducing the total space occupied.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a rotatable multi-plug connector is used to accommodate different orientations, then the versatility is improved, but the ease of operation may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable multi-plug connector is pre-positioned in one of four possible orientations before the device is inserted. This preliminary positioning allows the user to simply align the device port with the connector and plug it in directly, rather than requiring complex adjustments during the plugging process. The connector's rotation capability is prepared in advance to match common device port locations.
Data Source
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AI summary
In one example, a docking station includes a base and a rotatable multi-plug connector to electrically plug into the electronic device. The multi-plug connector includes a first plug to plug into a first type of electronic device port and a second plug to plug into a second type of electronic device port. The multi-plug connector can be rotated between a first position in which the first plug is oriented to plug into the electronic device and a second position in which the second plug is oriented to plug into the electronic device.