Universal Dock with Retractable Connector for Phone Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional charging cradles for portable phones are specific to particular devices, making them uneconomical for replacement or use with different models, and expose connectors to the environment, leading to potential connection issues.
Innovation Solution
A universal dock that accommodates various phone sizes and types, allowing slanted cradling while enclosing the phone, protecting the connector, and featuring a retractable and rotatable connector design to ensure compatibility and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated charging cradle is designed for a particular phone model, then the connector connection is reliable, but the device complexity and production cost increase due to multiple models
Solution Approach 1:
The charging cradle is designed with a universal cradle space and retractable connector that can accommodate multiple phone models and connector types (USB, micro USB, etc.), allowing a single cradle design to serve multiple functions and reduce the need for model-specific cradles
2Ease of operation
If the connector is exposed to the external environment, then the connection is accessible, but the connector reliability deteriorates over time due to environmental exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed to be retractable rather than fixed, allowing it to move between an exposed position for connection and a retracted position for protection. This dynamic design enables the connector to be accessible when needed while protected when not in use, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and reliability
3Object-affected harmful factors
If an exterior case is added to protect the portable phone, then the phone is protected from exterior damage, but the connector cannot be connected due to the case enclosure
Solution Approach 1:
The exterior case is designed with a separate connector access portion that allows the connector to be accessed independently from the main phone body. This segmentation enables the connector area to be accessible while the rest of the phone remains protected by the exterior case
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4A
Figure 4B~4C
AI summary
The present invention discloses a universal dock having a universal cradle for cradling a portable terminal having various sizes and types or accessory thereon, and a connector dummy receiving a connector for electrically connecting to the portable terminal and moving upward and downward on the universal cradle.