Motorized horizontal docking station having integrated locking mechanism
First Claim
1. A sliding arm for use with a docking station having a connector block with a plurality of plugs, the sliding arm comprising:
- a block-side portion of the arm having a first end connected to the connector block;
a follower portion of the arm; and
a linear clutch connecting a second end of the block-side portion to the follower portion;
wherein the linear clutch is operable to constrain the block-side portion and the follower portion to move together and, when a force on the linear clutch exceeds a limit, allow the block-side portion to move independently of the follower portion.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Disclosed is a sliding arm for use with a docking station having a connector block with a plurality of plugs, the arm includes a block-side portion and a follower portion. The block-side portion can have a first end connected to the connector block. The follower portion can be connected to a second end of the block-side portion with a linear clutch. The linear clutch can include a bolt, a spring, and two sliding members. The bolt can pass through the block-side portion and the follower portion. A force on an end of the arm can cause the clutch to slip allowing the follower portion to move independently of the block-side portion. A sensor can detect a slippage of the linear clutch.
142 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A sliding arm for use with a docking station having a connector block with a plurality of plugs, the sliding arm comprising:
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a block-side portion of the arm having a first end connected to the connector block; a follower portion of the arm; and a linear clutch connecting a second end of the block-side portion to the follower portion; wherein the linear clutch is operable to constrain the block-side portion and the follower portion to move together and, when a force on the linear clutch exceeds a limit, allow the block-side portion to move independently of the follower portion. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A sliding arm for use with a docking station having a connector block with a plurality of plugs, the arm comprising:
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a block-side portion having a first end connected to the connector block; a follower portion; a linear clutch connecting a second end of the block-side portion to the follower portion; a bolt of the linear clutch; a bottom slider member of the linear clutch; a top slider member of the linear clutch; a spring of the linear clutch; a cutout in the block-side portion for receiving the bolt of the linear clutch; and a slot in the follower portion for receiving the bolt of the linear clutch. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A sliding arm for use with a docking station having a connector block with a plurality of plugs, the arm comprising:
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a block-side portion having a first end connected to the connector block; a follower portion; a linear clutch connecting a second end of the block-side portion to the follower portion; a sensor associated with the linear clutch, the sensor configured to detect a slippage of the linear clutch; a bolt of the linear clutch; a bottom slider member of the linear clutch; a top slider member of the linear clutch; a spring of the linear clutch; a cutout in the block-side portion for receiving the bolt of the linear clutch; and a slot in the follower portion for receiving the bolt of the linear clutch.
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Specification