USB Dock Segmentation for Secure Retail Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a lack of a secure and cost-effective USB dock that can properly secure USB devices within packaging cases or to other surfaces during retail, transportation, and storage, as existing solutions do not include a dock for USB devices and are not simple or inexpensive to manufacture.

Innovation Solution

A USB dock with a device side for securing the USB device and an attachment side for coupling to a surface, made from standardized dimensions for easy manufacturing and using adhesives or moldings for secure attachment, which can also accommodate USB flash drives and their protective caps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a dock is designed to secure USB devices, then the USB device can be properly secured within packaging case or to surfaces, but the design complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurement of USB deviceVSAvoiddock design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dock is divided into two distinct sides: a device side with a recess for securing the USB device, and an attachment side for coupling to surfaces. This segmentation allows each side to be optimized for its specific function while keeping the overall design simple and manufacturable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dock is designed to serve multiple functions: securing USB devices, attaching to various surfaces, and integrating with packaging cases. This multi-functionality is achieved through a simple, standardized design that can be manufactured cost-effectively while addressing multiple needs simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a securement apparatus is designed to protect and secure USB devices, then the USB device remains attached during shipping and storage, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection and securement of USB deviceVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The securement apparatus is segmented into a dock component and an attachment component, allowing for simplified manufacturing processes. The dock can be produced separately and then attached to the packaging case, making each component easier and less expensive to manufacture individually.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dock and attachment components are merged into a single integrated unit that provides both protection and securement functions. This merging simplifies the overall manufacturing process compared to producing separate components, while maintaining the reliability of securing USB devices during shipping and storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7753199B2USB dock

Publication Date: 2010.07.13 WHOLESALE TAPE & SUPPLY CO INC

AI summary

A USB device securement apparatus is disclosed. The USB device securement apparatus includes a dock that includes a device side and an attachment side. The device side of the dock receives the USB device and the attachment side of the dock is coupled to a surface. This arrangement provides proper securement of the USB device during retail, transportation, and storage.