Universal Adapter Mount for Multi-Connector Docking Stations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing docking stations for portable electronics are limited to supporting only one type of input/output (I/O) connector, restricting their functionality in interfacing with various portable devices.
Innovation Solution
A universal adapter mount with a modular design that includes an adapter module with a housing, compression plate, and interface adapter cable, allowing for the use of multiple I/O ports on a docking tray to accommodate different portable devices, such as portable computers, cellular telephones, and music players.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a docking station uses a dedicated I/O connector for a single function, then the connection reliability for that specific function is improved, but the adaptability to support multiple portable devices is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station employs a universal adapter module with a standardized housing and opening configuration that can accommodate multiple types of interface adapters (USB, audio, video, etc.). This allows a single docking station to support various portable devices with different I/O connector types while maintaining reliable connections through the standardized mounting interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter module is divided into distinct functional components: a standardized housing structure for mounting, multiple interchangeable interface adapters for different functions, and a compression plate mechanism. This segmentation allows the system to maintain a universal mounting interface while supporting multiple specialized connection types.
2Ease of manufacture
If the housing opening is enlarged to accommodate thicker shoulders, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the precision of adapter plug mating is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
A thin outlet plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the enlarged housing opening and the adapter plug. This outlet plate provides a precise mating surface for the adapter plug while allowing the housing opening to be larger for manufacturing ease. The outlet plate compensates for the reduced precision that would result from the enlarged opening.
3Reliability
If the compression plate applies strong urging force, then the reliability of adapter body compression is improved, but the risk of damaging the housing structure is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The compression force is localized to specific areas where the adapter body contacts the housing, rather than being distributed throughout the entire housing structure. The compression plate applies force at the adapter body interface, providing reliable compression without subjecting the entire housing to excessive stress that could cause damage.
Data Source
AI summary
A universal adapter module supporting a plurality of different interface adapters, each of the interface adapters having a body, a plug, and a cable communicating with the plug and extended from the body; a housing having an internal cavity sized to receive therewithin the body of the adapter with an opening adjacent to one surface thereof that is sized to admit the plug therethrough, and access means for removing one interface adapter from the housing and substituting therefor a different interface adapter; and a means for urging the plug outwardly through the opening of the housing. A docking station formed of a docking tray configured for supporting a portable electronics device, the docking tray having a means for coupling the housing of the universal adapter module to a device receiver structure thereof with the opening of the adapter module positioned adjacent to an aperture formed in an interface portion thereof.