Rotating Protective Cover for Docking Station Connection Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional docking stations require multiple cumbersome cables for connection, occupying additional space and risking damage to the connection interface, necessitating an improved method for engaging portable computers efficiently and protecting the connection interface.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a rotatable computer-support assembly that aligns with the docking station's connection interface, using engager members to securely position and protect the interface, allowing for easy engagement and disengagement of portable computers while minimizing space usage and protecting the connection components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cables are used to couple portable computer to docking station, then connection functionality is achieved, but space occupation increases and connection interface is at risk of damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection functionalityVSAvoidspace occupation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate cable connections into a single integrated connection interface. The docking station and portable computer each have unified interfaces that consolidate what would otherwise require multiple separate cables, thereby reducing space occupation while maintaining full connection functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection interface is designed with a protective cover that can be rotated to cover and protect the connection components. When not in use, the cover nests over the interface, providing protection without occupying additional space during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cables are used to couple portable computer to docking station, then connection functionality is achieved, but connection interface is exposed to damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection functionalityVSAvoidconnection interface damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The protective cover is designed to be rotated into position before the connection interface is exposed or used. This preliminary protective action prevents potential damage to the connection components by shielding them from environmental factors and physical contact until they are needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The protective cover acts as an intermediary element between the connection interface and the external environment. It provides a protective barrier that can be rotated into and out of position, allowing the interface to remain protected while still enabling connection functionality when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If conventional cable interconnection is used, then portable computer can be coupled to docking station, but additional space is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling capabilityVSAvoidspace occupation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple cable functions into a single integrated connection mechanism. The unified interface design allows the portable computer to be coupled to the docking station with less physical space requirement compared to conventional multi-cable arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If connection interface is exposed for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but vulnerability to damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface accessibilityVSAvoidinterface vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The protective cover is designed to be rotatable, allowing it to dynamically change position between covering the interface for protection and exposing it for operation. This dynamic mechanism enables the system to adapt between protection and accessibility modes as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the physical state of the connection interface by rotating the protective cover. When the cover is in the covering position, the interface is protected; when rotated to the exposed position, the interface is accessible for operation. This parameter change allows the system to balance protection and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8806732B2Method for protecting a connection interface in a computer-docking assembly

Publication Date: 2014.08.19 GOOGLE LLC

AI summary

A method for protecting a connection interface in a computer-docking assembly in which a computer-support assembly is partially rotated about an arm assembly while moving the computer-support assembly toward a connection interface of the base station. The computer-support assembly is generally aligned with the connection interface of the base station to posture the computer-support assembly in proximity to the interface connection of the base station for protecting the interface connection.