Dock with compliant connector mount
First Claim
1. A docking station for a portable electronic device, the docking station comprising:
- a base;
a connector movably coupled to the base; and
a compliant mount coupling the connector to the base, the compliant mount being configured to support the connector in an upright position,wherein the compliant mount includes at least a first and second flexure hinge between the base and connector such that flexural movement of the first and second flexure hinge, in combination, moves the connector about a pivot point projected a distance away from either hinge.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Docking stations having a connector with a compliant mount to provide improved durability and flexibility are provided herein. The compliant mount may couple a connector to a base of a docking station and may include at least a first and second flexure disposed therebetween. The first and second flexure may be configured to have flexural movement in along transverse direction so that, in combination, the flexural movement pivots the connector about a virtual pivot point a distance away from the flexures. The first and second flexures may be configured to project the virtual pivot point to a location on the connector where the connector protrudes from an opening in a docking housing, thereby minimizing the clearance required between the connector and docking housing, while providing controlled movement of the connector relative the dock.
152 Citations
30 Claims
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1. A docking station for a portable electronic device, the docking station comprising:
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a base; a connector movably coupled to the base; and a compliant mount coupling the connector to the base, the compliant mount being configured to support the connector in an upright position, wherein the compliant mount includes at least a first and second flexure hinge between the base and connector such that flexural movement of the first and second flexure hinge, in combination, moves the connector about a pivot point projected a distance away from either hinge. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A docking station for a portable electronic device, the docking station comprising:
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a base including an outer shell having an opening; a compliant mount coupled to the base within the outer shell; and a connector coupled to the compliant mount and protruding through the opening in the outer shell of the base, the connector having a first section below the outer shell and a second section above the outer shell, the second section being configured to receive and electrically couple to a corresponding connector of the portable electronic device, the first section being rigidly attached to the compliant mount, wherein the compliant mount comprises a first flexure and a second flexure, the first flexure flexurally movable along a first flexure axis and the second flexure flexurally movable along a second flexure axis, the first flexure axis being transverse to the second flexure axis, such that flexural movement of each along their respective flexure axes moves the connector about a virtual pivot point projected a distance away from the first and second flexure axes. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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30. A docking station for a portable electronic device, the docking station comprising:
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a base having an outer shell, the outer shell having an opening; a movable connector that protrudes through the opening in the outer shell, the movable connector having a first section below the outer shell and a second section above the outer shell; and a compliant mount coupled to each of the base and the movable connector, the compliant mount having at least a first and second flexure point such that flexural movement about the first and second flexure, in combination, pivot the connector coupled thereto about a virtual pivot point at a location on the connector at or adjacent to the opening in the outer shell.
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Specification