Universal Docking Station With Removable Adapter For Cover Case Charging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing docking stations require users to remove and reattach cover cases on portable electronic devices for charging, causing inconvenience and necessitate multiple stations for different device types, leading to a cluttered desktop.
Innovation Solution
A docking station and removable device adapter that can accommodate portable electronic devices with or without cover cases, allowing direct charging and data transfer, and supporting various device sizes and models through adjustable configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a docking station is designed for a particular type and model of portable electronic device, then the docking station can provide precise support and electrical contact for that device, but multiple different docking stations are required for different device types, creating a chaotic desktop arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station is designed with a universal receiving chamber that can accommodate multiple types and models of portable electronic devices. The chamber includes adjustable support structures and multiple contact ports that can be configured to work with different device form factors, allowing a single docking station to serve multiple functions and device types rather than requiring separate dedicated stations for each device
2Ease of operation
If a portable electronic device is placed in a docking station for charging, then battery charging and data transfer can be performed, but the user must remove the cover case before charging and reattach it after charging, causing inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving chamber is segmented into distinct functional zones: a cover case receiving area with support surfaces and contact ports designed to make electrical contact through the cover case material, and a device receiving area. This segmentation allows the system to independently handle the cover case and device, enabling charging operations without requiring removal of the cover case while maintaining proper electrical connectivity
3Ease of operation
If the receiving chamber is designed to accommodate a portable electronic device with a cover case, then charging can be performed without removing the cover case, but the contact port must be positioned to provide electrical contact through the cover case, requiring precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The contact port is nested within the receiving chamber structure, positioned at multiple levels or depths. The chamber is configured with layered support surfaces and contact elements that can engage with the device at different positions. This nested configuration provides tolerance for variations in cover case thickness and device positioning, reducing the precision requirements compared to a single fixed contact point
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to a docking station for charging batteries used in portable electronic devices and/or for transferring data to or from portable electronic devices. The docking station is adapted to receive a rechargeable battery either directly and/or through its portable electronic device, which can be fitted with or without a cover case. For example, the docking station has a receiving area configured to receive and hold a portable electronic device including a rechargeable battery and/or a rechargeable battery after being removed from the corresponding portable electronic device. The invention also relates to a removable device adapter for use with a docking station to receive a rechargeable battery directly and/or through its portable electronic device fitted with or without a cover case. For example, the device adapter can be removably used in a docking station during a charging operation of a rechargeable battery and/or a data transferring operation of a portable electronic device.