Rotating Docking Station with Self-Locking Stopper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional docking stations suffer from aesthetic issues and contamination when not in use, as they expose the device mounting groove, and require additional locking mechanisms to prevent self-rotation, making them inconvenient to use.
Innovation Solution
A docking station design featuring a rotatable housing with a movable member and stopper mechanism that automatically locks and unlocks based on the applied force, allowing the mounting groove to be concealed when not in use, preventing external material entry and enhancing aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the docking station exposes the device mounting groove and connector when not in use, then the docking station can be easily accessed for device mounting, but the outer appearance is adversely affected and external foreign material can enter the internal components
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station employs a rotatable housing that can dynamically change its orientation between an exposed state (where the mounting groove and connector are accessible) and a closed state (where they are concealed). This dynamic repositioning allows the system to adapt between ease of access and protection/aesthetics based on operational needs
Solution Approach 2:
The docking station incorporates a self-locking mechanism with a stopper and guide slit that automatically locks the housing in its rotational position without requiring additional locking elements. When the housing rotates to the desired position, the stopper engages with the guide slit to maintain that position automatically, eliminating the need for manual locking operations
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a rotating docking body is used to selectively expose the mounting groove, then the docking station can be concealed when not in use, but an additional lock hold and release element is required to prevent self-rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station incorporates a self-locking mechanism with a stopper and guide slit that automatically locks the housing in its rotational position without requiring additional locking elements. When the housing rotates to the desired position, the stopper engages with the guide slit to maintain that position automatically, eliminating the need for manual locking operations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for separate lock hold and release elements by integrating the locking function directly into the rotational mechanism itself. The stopper and guide slit combination provides inherent locking capability, removing the burden of additional locking components and simplifying the overall structure
3Stability of the object's composition
If a lock hold and release element is added to prevent self-rotation, then the docking body can be securely held in position, but the structure becomes inconvenient as the docking body rotates selectively only when the additional element is manipulated by a user
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station incorporates a self-locking mechanism with a stopper and guide slit that automatically locks the housing in its rotational position without requiring additional locking elements. When the housing rotates to the desired position, the stopper engages with the guide slit to maintain that position automatically, eliminating the need for manual locking operations
Data Source
AI summary
A docking station for an electronic device is provided. The docking station includes a housing having an inner space, a rotator disposed in a rotatable manner inside the housing, and partially exposed outwardly to the housing when completely open, a movable member coupled to the rotator, and exposed together with a device mounting groove for mounting an electronic device thereon when the rotator is completely open, and a stopper coupled to the movable member to selectively control the movable member so that a position of the movable member is fixed when the rotator is completely open and so that the movable member moves in a closing direction together when the rotator is closed.