Separable USB-C Docking Cable Magnetic Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems with single USB 3.1 ports face challenges in supporting multiple peripherals due to limited power and data transfer capacity, and existing dual USB port solutions are constrained by port alignment requirements, making it difficult to interface with systems having non-adjacent or occupied ports.
Innovation Solution
A docking station cable with separable USB Type C connectors that use magnetic attraction to align and separate, allowing for dual or single connector insertion into adjacent or non-adjacent ports, accommodating various information handling system configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single USB 3.1 interface is used to support multiple peripherals through a docking station, then cable management is simplified and user interaction is reduced, but power transfer capacity and data transfer capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is divided into two separate connector portions that can be independently inserted into different USB ports on the information handling system. This segmentation allows the cable to utilize multiple ports simultaneously, thereby increasing power transfer capacity and data transfer capability while maintaining simplified cable management through a single cable assembly.
2Power
If dual USB connectors are used to double power and data transfer capability, then power and data needs are met, but port alignment requirements constrain the solution
Solution Approach 1:
The cable incorporates a flexible interconnecting structure between the two connector portions that allows dynamic adjustment of the angle and position between connectors. This dynamic design enables the cable to adapt to various port configurations on the information handling system, including non-adjacent ports and ports at different orientations, while maintaining the dual connector capability for increased power and data transfer.
3Power
If a dual connector cable is designed for adjacent ports, then power and data transfer capability is doubled, but the cable cannot interface with systems having non-adjacent or occupied ports
Solution Approach 1:
The cable uses a flexible interconnecting structure with sufficient bend radius and angular flexibility to reach between non-adjacent ports on the information handling system. This flexible design allows the dual connector cable to accommodate various port locations and orientations, including cases where one port may be occupied, while maintaining the enhanced power and data transfer capability provided by dual connectors.
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
Enables flexible and adaptable connectivity for information handling systems with single or dual ports, supporting multiple peripherals and power needs while simplifying cable management and user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
An interconnecting structure biased together by magnetic attraction retains first and second plug housings in adjacent alignment to insert first and second cable connectors into adjacent separate first and second ports of the information handling system
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system interfaces with a docking station through a cable having first and second separate plug housings with first and second port connectors. An interconnecting structure formed in the first and second plug housings biases together with magnetic attraction to align the first and second port connectors in a predetermined manner adapted to insertion in adjacent ports of the information handling system. If the information handling system has only one port or has multiple non-adjacent ports, the plug housings separate to support insertion of a single connector into the information handling system.