Universal Mechanical Dock for Vehicle Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle electronic device installations are permanent, limiting flexibility in updating or customizing the vehicle's electronic systems over its lifetime.
Innovation Solution
A universal mechanical docking system with a cradle and dock housing that securely retains electronic devices via pivotable arms and latches, providing power and data connections through USB-C and HDMI, allowing for easy swapping and upgrading of devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electronic devices are permanently installed in a motor vehicle, then the device is securely fixed and electrically connected, but the flexibility to update or customize the vehicle's electronic systems is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the electronic device installation into separable components: a removable cradle that interfaces with a fixed dock housing. The cradle contains the electrical connectors and device interface, while the dock housing provides structural mounting and power/data connections. This segmentation allows the device to be easily removed and replaced without complex reinstallation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle incorporates a pivotable arm mechanism that enables dynamic positioning and easy insertion/removal of electronic devices. The arm can rotate between a stowed position and an extended position that presents the electrical connectors to the dock housing, facilitating quick device swaps while maintaining secure connection during use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electronic devices are permanently installed in a motor vehicle, then the electrical connection is stable and reliable, but the ability to swap devices when desired is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle is designed to nest within the dock housing when not in use, with the pivotable arm rotating into a retracted position inside the housing. This nesting arrangement protects the electrical connectors when the device is removed, ensuring reliability for the next device insertion while enabling easy device swaps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-aligning electrical connectors where the cradle's connectors automatically mate with corresponding contacts in the dock housing upon insertion. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable electrical connection without requiring precise manual alignment, making device swaps simple while maintaining connection integrity.
3Ease of operation
If a universal docking system is implemented, then various devices can be accommodated and swapped easily, but the structural complexity of the docking mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dock housing is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of electronic devices through a standardized cradle mechanism. The pivotable arm and electrical connector arrangement provides a multi-functional docking system that works with various device form factors, simplifying operation across different devices while consolidating the mechanical complexity into a single reusable mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A docking system is for docking an electronic device in a motor vehicle. The docking system includes a cradle having a pivotable arm with an internal channel carrying first electrical conductors electrically connected to the electronic device. The cradle securely retains the electronic device. A dock housing includes a recess receiving the arm of the cradle such that the first electrical conductors may be electrically connected to second electrical conductors in the motor vehicle. A latch releasably latches the arm of the cradle within the recess of the dock housing.