Rugged Host Device and Add-on Module Docking Bay Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing designs for the connection between host devices and add-on modules in portable computing and communication devices are not rugged enough to withstand field use, often resulting in damage during drops or impacts due to excessive stress on connection points.
Innovation Solution
A rugged electro-mechanical interface featuring a docking bay with a hook mechanism and pogo pins, which distributes load through the host device body rather than the add-on module, meeting MIL-STD 810G vibration and shock testing requirements, and includes a unique pinout for secure electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional connection designs (pins or screws) are used to allow easy attachment and detachment of add-on modules, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to damage during drops or impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface is segmented into multiple load-bearing elements distributed across the docking bay, including the hook mechanism at one end and fasteners at another end. This segmentation distributes impact forces across multiple points rather than concentrating stress at a single connection point, thereby maintaining ease of attachment while improving reliability during drops or impacts
Solution Approach 2:
The docking bay is designed with a recessed receiving surface and structural features that absorb and distribute impact forces before they reach the connection points. The hook mechanism and fastener arrangement create a cushioning effect that protects against damage during drops or impacts, while still allowing easy attachment and detachment of modules
2Adaptability or versatility
If the connection is designed to be easily removable for module interchangeability, then adaptability is improved, but strength deteriorates due to excessive stress on connection points during field use
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface is divided into multiple structural elements (hook mechanism, fasteners, recessed receiving surface) that collectively provide both strength and adaptability. This segmentation allows the connection to maintain high strength under stress while still enabling easy module removal and interchangeability for different applications
Solution Approach 2:
The connection design incorporates a recessed receiving surface that extends into the docking bay structure, adding a depth dimension to the connection interface. This dimensional change allows the connection to withstand higher stresses while maintaining ease of module attachment and removal, thereby improving both strength and adaptability
3Device complexity
If simple pin or screw connections are used to reduce manufacturing complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to insufficient protection against impact damage
Solution Approach 1:
The docking bay incorporates a recessed receiving surface and strategically positioned structural features that cushion and distribute impact forces before they reach the connection points. This cushioning design protects against impact damage while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes and assembly procedures
4Reliability
If the docking bay depth is increased to improve ruggedness and load distribution, then reliability is improved, but volume of the host device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The docking bay is designed with a recessed receiving surface that extends partially into the host device body, providing sufficient depth to distribute loads and improve ruggedness without requiring excessive intrusion into the device volume. This partial action approach achieves the necessary reliability improvement while minimizing the impact on overall device size
Data Source
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AI summary
An assembly including a host device and an add-on module, in which the host device and the add-on module include features to provide a rugged electro-mechanical interface or connection between the host device and the add-on module. The host device includes a body that has an open or non-enclosed docking bay on a side, and the module is placed into the docking bay such that a top side of its body mates with the inner surfaces and features of the docking bay. The interface is rugged so that the assembly is useful in the field, and the interface provides a secure attachment that can withstand dropping. A hook is provided on the top side of the body of the module, and the hook feature's shape, when combined with the location of fasteners on the module body that mate with threaded holes in the docking bay, is designed to withstand dropping.