Patent · US Active

Dock connector with compliance mechanism

US8986029B2 · kind B2 · utility

39Cited by
36References
25Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 8, 2013
Grant dateMar 24, 2015
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 14, 2033

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH04M1/04
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

Docking stations having a connector with a compliance mechanism to provide improved durability and flexibility are provided herein. The compliance mechanism may be attached to a connecter in a base of a docking station that extends through an opening in a housing or shell attached to the base. The compliance mechanism may include any or all of a flexure, a torsion bar, damping members, a compressive foam member, and an engineered base plate. The compliance mechanism may be configured to provide sufficient rigidity to the connector to support a portable device when mounted on the connector within the dock in an upright position, sufficient flexibility to allow angular displacement of a mounted portable device, and sufficient elasticity to provide a resilient biasing force to return the connector and a mounted portable device from a displaced position to the upright position.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.