Stowable Docking Module with Adjustable Hooks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle designers face challenges in keeping infotainment systems current with rapidly changing consumer electronics trends, as personal devices are inherently portable and require secure, aesthetically integrated docking solutions that can accommodate a variety of electronic device sizes.
Innovation Solution
A stowable docking module with a translation housing and pivotably mounted docking station sub-assembly, featuring adjustable hook members that allow for secure docking of devices between stowed and deployed positions, enabling infinitely adjustable gripping ranges and orientations to accommodate different device sizes and enhance user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed docking structure is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate various sizes of electronic devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable first hook member that can be adjusted between different gripping positions along the docking station. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the docking structure to adapt to various device sizes by changing the gripping range, thereby resolving the contradiction between accommodating diverse devices and maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking station is designed with a universal gripping mechanism that can secure multiple types of electronic devices (smartphones, tablets, etc.) of different sizes. The adjustable hook member enables a single docking structure to perform the function of securing various device dimensions, achieving multi-functionality without requiring multiple dedicated docking structures.
2Shape
If a stowable docking module is used, then the vehicle interior aesthetics is improved, but the docking functionality is reduced when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The docking module is segmented into a stowable component (translation housing with docking station) and a fixed component (housing sub-assembly). The docking station can be translated between stowed and deployed positions, allowing it to be hidden when not in use to maintain aesthetics, and easily accessible when needed for docking devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The translation housing enables the docking station to dynamically change its position between stowed and deployed states. This dynamic capability allows the system to transition from an aesthetically pleasing hidden state to a functional accessible state, resolving the contradiction between appearance and usability.
Data Source
AI summary
A stowable docking module includes a translation housing received within a housing sub-assembly for translation between a first, stowed position and a second, deployed position. A docking station sub-assembly is mounted to the translation housing and is pivotably mounted to the translation housing to pivot between a stowed position and a deployed position. The docking station sub-assembly includes a first hook member having a first gripping position and a second gripping position. The first hook member is moveable on the docking station between the first gripping position and the second gripping position. A second hook member is secured to the docking station and arranged to oppose the first hook member. An electronic device may be docked in the stowable docking module by securing the device between the first hook member and the second hook member.