Rotating Cradle Docking Station with Magnetic Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional docking stations for portable electronic devices face issues with connector fatigue and frictional damage due to mechanical connection and disconnection, and require complex latch mechanisms for reliable retention, increasing the number of steps for docking and undocking.

Innovation Solution

A docking station mechanism that uses rotational movement to generate a compressive force for engaging connectors and reduces friction, combined with magnetic forces to align and retain the device, eliminating the need for a mechanical latch and simplifying the docking process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanical latch mechanism is used to retain the portable electronic device, then reliable retention is achieved, but device complexity increases and the number of docking steps increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention reliabilityVSAvoidlatch mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the mechanical latch mechanism entirely from the docking station, extracting the complex retention component that caused the contradiction. Instead, a simple magnetic attachment system is used to retain the portable electronic device, achieving reliable retention without the complexity of mechanical latches and reducing the number of docking steps required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical latch system with a magnetic field-based retention system. The magnetic force provides reliable retention of the portable electronic device without requiring complex mechanical components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining retention reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If connectors are engaged through sliding motion, then docking is achieved, but frictional forces damage the connectors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedocking easeVSAvoidconnector friction damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a rotating cradle mechanism that uses rotational motion rather than linear sliding to engage connectors. This curved/rotational path reduces direct frictional contact between connectors during docking, minimizing wear and damage while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dynamic rotating cradle mechanism that converts static connector engagement into a dynamic rotational process. This allows connectors to engage through rotation rather than sliding, reducing frictional forces and connector damage while preserving ease of docking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If repeated mechanical connection and disconnection is performed, then docking functionality is achieved, but connector fatigue leads to failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedocking functionalityVSAvoidconnector durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating cradle mechanism transforms repeated mechanical connection/disconnection into a dynamic rotational motion system. This reduces stress concentration on connectors during repeated docking cycles, minimizing fatigue and extending connector durability while maintaining full docking functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional sliding mechanical connection system with a rotational mechanism. This substitution reduces the frictional and stress forces experienced by connectors during repeated docking operations, thereby improving connector durability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution provides a reliable and efficient docking system that reduces connector wear, simplifies the docking process, and ensures secure retention of the device at various angles and environments, enhancing the durability and usability of portable electronic devices.

Implementation Method 1

at least one magnetic structure positioned on the support surface and configured to provide a magnetic force to retain the portable electronic device on the support surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

a rotating cradle configured for receiving a base of the portable electronic device... uses a rotational movement to generate a compressive force for engaging docking connectors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotational movement generating compressive force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS9429994B1Portable electronic device to a docking station with improved docking and retention features

Publication Date: 2016.08.30 ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORP

AI summary

According to one embodiment, a docking station is provided with a support surface configured for supporting a back surface of a portable electronic device, a rotating cradle configured for receiving a base of the portable electronic device, and a floating docking connector that extends out of a recess of the rotating cradle for connecting to a docking connector of the portable electronic device. According to one embodiment, the support surface of the docking station may include one or more magnetic structures, which are positioned to align with one or more magnetic structures on the back surface of the portable electronic device and configured to provide a magnetic force to retain the portable electronic device on the support surface.