Vehicular Adapter Rotating Pocket for Multi-Side Radio Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicular adapters face challenges in mechanical engagement and disengagement, as well as electrical connectivity, especially with portable radios having multiple contacts on different sides, requiring multiple operations and being prone to vibration and shock, which complicates manufacturing and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular adapter design featuring a rotating pocket, pivot arms, and a locking mechanism that allows for simultaneous engagement of connectors from different sides in a single step, using a rotating pocket to align and secure antenna, side connector, and power contacts, ensuring reliable electrical coupling and easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interface contacts are added to the portable radio device, then the electrical connectivity and functionality are improved, but the number and complexity of the interconnect mechanisms on the vehicular adapter increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter divides the connection interface into multiple independent contact regions (power contacts, audio contacts, data contacts) that can be engaged simultaneously through a single insertion motion. Each contact type is segmented into its own engagement path within the unified interface structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter housing and interface structure serve multiple functions: mechanical retention, electrical connection, alignment guidance, and vibration isolation all within a single integrated component design, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the portable radio has multiple contacts located on different sides of the device, then the electrical connectivity is improved, but the engagement and disengagement operations become more complex and require several steps
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter merges the engagement paths of contacts from different sides of the portable radio into a single unified insertion motion. The housing structure is designed so that one insertion action simultaneously engages all contact types regardless of their original spatial arrangement on the radio device.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter introduces a rotational or multi-axis engagement dimension that allows contacts positioned on different sides of the radio to be engaged simultaneously through a single compound motion, transforming a multi-step linear engagement problem into a single multi-dimensional action.
3Ease of operation
If the interface is designed to be user-friendly and easy to operate, then the ease of operation is improved, but the mechanical engagement and disengagement reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter incorporates preliminary alignment features and guide structures that automatically position the portable radio correctly before engagement occurs. This preliminary alignment ensures that when the user inserts the radio, all contacts are already positioned for reliable engagement, combining ease of use with connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface is designed to be self-aligning and self-engaging through features like tapered entryways, guide rails, and spring-loaded contacts that automatically adjust to accommodate minor positioning variations, allowing users to simply insert without precise manual alignment while maintaining reliable connection.
4Reliability
If the adapter is designed to maintain reliable electrical connection under vibration and shock conditions, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter employs flexible contact structures and compliant mounting elements that can deform under vibration and shock conditions, maintaining electrical connection through elastic deformation rather than rigid fixed-position contacts that would be prone to loosening or disengagement during vehicular movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter incorporates vibration-damping materials and shock-absorbing structural elements positioned between the portable radio and the adapter housing, providing beforehand cushioning against vibration and shock before they can affect the electrical connection integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular adapter (100) provides an interface to accommodate a variety of contacts located on different surfaces of a portable radio (200). The vehicular adapter includes a rotating pocket (116), pivot arms (136, 150, 152) and a locking mechanism (126). The rotating pocket (116) provides a first set of contacts (124). One pivot arm (136) provides an antenna probe (120) on one surface of the vehicular adapter while another pivot arm (152) provides connector side contacts (122) to a side surface of the vehicular adapter. The pivot arms (136, 150, 152) pivot in response to the rotating pocket (116) being rotated thereby moving their respective contacts into position for mating with the portable radio (200).