USB-C PoC Vehicle Docking With Cooling and Secure Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for integrating portable cellular devices with vehicle-based mobile communications interfaces are limited by infrastructure requirements, frequency license fees, and lack of efficient charging and peripheral integration solutions.

Innovation Solution

A mobile conversion apparatus utilizing a USB-C connection to dock PoC devices within a vehicle, featuring an active cooling mechanism, multiple ports for accessory integration, and a secure locking mechanism to ensure seamless connectivity and efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a portable PoC radio is used without a dedicated mobile radio unit, then infrastructure costs are reduced and license-free operation is enabled, but integration with vehicle communications interface and stable operation under vibration are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinfrastructure costVSAvoidcommunication stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A vehicular adapter serves as an intermediary device between the portable PoC radio and the vehicle's mobile communications interface. The adapter includes a connector that interfaces with the vehicle's interface and another connector that mates with the portable radio, enabling communication functionality while maintaining the benefits of using a portable device without dedicated infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is divided into separate functional components: the portable PoC radio unit, the vehicular adapter, and the vehicle's mobile communications interface. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system functionality and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a portable radio is secured in a cradle with basic mounting, then charging and peripheral features are provided, but contact alignment stability under vibration and extreme conditions is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging capabilityVSAvoidcontact alignment stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector design employs asymmetric features including a corrugated spring mounting clamp and a locating nest that provide precise spatial alignment of electrical contacts. The asymmetric geometry ensures proper orientation and stable connection even under vibration and extreme conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The corrugated spring mounting clamp uses a curved, corrugated structure that provides flexible yet stable contact pressure. The spring's corrugated geometry allows it to accommodate minor misalignments while maintaining consistent electrical contact under varying conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Manufacturing precision

If a connector with alignment features is used, then spatial alignment of electrical contacts is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact alignment precisionVSAvoidconnector structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector incorporates self-aligning features where the corrugated spring mounting clamp and locating nest automatically guide and position the electrical contacts during insertion. This self-service alignment mechanism reduces the need for complex external alignment systems and simplifies the overall connector structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution enables reliable, license-free, and cost-effective communication across global jurisdictions, with enhanced security and efficient temperature control, thereby addressing the limitations of prior art.

Implementation Method 1

at least one thermoelectric cooling pad, wherein a hot side of said at least one thermoelectric cooling pad is adjacent a heat sink and a cool side of said at least one thermoelectric cooling pad is adjacent a cooling guide block

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermoelectric cooling: Peltier Effect

Implementation Method 2

a hot side of said at least one thermoelectric cooling pad is adjacent a heat sink

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat dissipation: Heat Sink

Implementation Method 3

at least two fans, wherein at least one of said at least two fans cools said heat sink and another of said at least two fans blows cool air from said cooling guide block into an interior of said enclosure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentEP4102339B1Mobile conversion apparatus for docking cellular data devices
Publication Date: 2025.06.11 SIGNIFI MOBILE INC
  • EP4102339B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4102339B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4102339B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A mobile conversion apparatus for docking cellular data devices including push-to-talk over cellular (PoC) devices. The apparatus includes a Universal Serial Bus Type-C (USB-C) connection. The conversion apparatus is designed and configured to couple the PoC device to a mobile communications interface within a vehicle using the USB-C connection. The PoC device is horizontally insertable into the conversion apparatus exposing only the top of the PoC device leaving only the display and knob of the PoC device exposed on the face of the conversion apparatus. In this manner, the conversion apparatus effectively docks the PoC device, thereby connecting the two together via the USB-C connection.