Apparatus and method for pivot attachment

A modular device and method are disclosed. The modular device includes individual modular units. A first modular unit includes a pivot member and a connector and a second modular unit includes a matching connector and a first mating point. The first mating point is configured to fit a portion of the pivot member. A third modular unit may also be included, where the third modular unit has a second mating point which is configured to fit another portion of the pivot member. The matched connectors align and connect when the second modular unit is rotated about the pivot member into contact with the first modular unit. The third modular unit can also be rotated about the same pivot member with or without the second modular unit connected. The second and third modular units can be rotated independently and/or removed independently.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to attachment of modular components.

Modular devices include hand held devices, which have multiple components. For example, a hand held drill may include a modular power supply which may be removed and replaced. When attaching components, proper alignment ensures the components mate properly. If mating is attempted without proper alignment, the components may not work properly and various elements (such as electrical connector pins) may be damaged.

This section is intended to provide a background or context. The description may include concepts that could be pursued, but are not necessarily ones that have been previously conceived or pursued. Unless otherwise indicated, what is described in this section is not prior art to the description and claims in this application and is not admitted to be such by inclusion in this section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An exemplary modular device includes individual modular units, such as, a handset unit, a sensor unit, a battery unit, etc. for example. A first modular unit includes a pivot member and an electrical connector and a second modular unit includes a matching electrical connector and a first mating point. The first mating point fits a portion of the pivot member. A third modular unit may also be included, where the third modular unit has a second mating point which fits another portion of the pivot member. The matched electrical connectors align and connect when the second modular unit is rotated about the pivot member into contact with the first modular unit. The third modular unit can also be rotated about the same pivot member with or without the second modular unit connected. The second and third modular units can be rotated independently and/or removed independently. An advantage that may be realized in the practice of some disclosed embodiments is an exemplary modular device which aligns connectors using rotational motion and enables selective rotation/removal of individual modular units. This allows the initial alignment to be performed quickly and easily using the pivot rod while the final alignment as the units come together is precise and assisted by the shrouds and housing geometries of the modular units.

An aspect of an exemplary embodiment provides an apparatus for selectively attaching/detaching individual modular units of the modular device using rotational motion. The apparatus includes a first modular unit (such as a hand set unit) having a pivot member and a first connector. The apparatus also includes a second modular unit (such as an inspection unit or a battery unit) having a second connector and a first mating point. The first mating point is configured to fit a first portion of the pivot member. The second connector is configured to align with the first connector when the second modular unit is rotated about an axis of rotation defined by the pivot member into contact with the first modular unit.

A further aspect of exemplary embodiment provides a method for selectively attaching/detaching individual modular units of the modular device using rotational motion. The method includes linking a first modular unit (such as a hand set unit) and a second modular unit (such as a battery unit) using a pivot member. The first modular unit includes a first connector and the second modular unit includes a second connector. The second modular unit is rotated about an axis of rotation defined by the pivot member into contact with the first modular unit. The second connector is configured to align with the first connector when the second modular unit is rotated about the axis of rotation defined by the pivot member into contact with the first modular unit. The method also includes linking a third modular unit (such as an inspection unit) using the pivot member. The third modular unit includes a third connector and the first modular unit also includes a fourth connector. The third modular unit is rotated about the axis of rotation defined by the pivot member into contact with the first modular unit. The third connector is configured to align with the fourth connector when the third modular unit is rotated about the axis of rotation defined by the pivot member into contact with the first modular unit. The second modular unit and the third modular unit are configured to be independently removable.

Another aspect of an exemplary embodiment provides an apparatus for selectively attaching/detaching from a modular device using rotational motion. The apparatus (such as a hand set unit, an inspection unit or a battery unit) includes a mating point configured to fit a first portion of a pivot member connected to a modular device and a first connector configured to align with a second connector on the modular device when the apparatus is rotated about an axis of rotation defined by the pivot member into contact with the modular device.

This brief description of the invention is intended only to provide a brief overview of subject matter disclosed herein according to one or more illustrative embodiments, and does not serve as a guide to interpreting the claims or to define or limit the scope of the invention, which is defined only by the appended claims. This brief description is provided to introduce an illustrative selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This brief description is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. The claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in the background. The brief description is intended to be merely exemplary and non-limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Various exemplary embodiments serve to align connectors using rotational motion and to enable selective rotation/removal of individual modular units, or sub-assemblies, of a composite device. As a non-limiting example, a pivot member, such as a pivot rod for example, provides a common axis of rotation for two or more individual modular units. Each individual modular unit is configured to align with another modular unit when brought into contact using a rotational motion. By ensuring the proper alignment, the individual modular units can be easily attached and connectors on the individual modular units may be mated with reduced risk of damage. The individual modular units may also be attached and/or removed independently of other modular units so that a single modular unit may be replaced without forcing the user to disassemble the composite device.

FIG. 1illustrates a first attached configuration400of three modular units100,200,300in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The three modular units100,200,300are modular units and may be connected and disconnected by a user as desired. In this non-limiting embodiment, the first modular unit is a handset unit100, the second modular unit is an inspection unit200and the third modular unit is a battery unit300.

The inspection unit200is shown as a sensor unit (seeFIG. 4). However, inspection unit200could also be embodied as a probe unit, an illuminating unit, an imaging unit, a tool unit, a radar unit, a radiography unit, a detecting unit, a processing unit or a digital communication unit, as non-limiting examples.

Due to their modular design, individual modular units100,200,300may be removed and replaced with different (or even identical) modular units. For example, the battery unit300may be removed and replaced with a second battery unit, such as when the first battery unit300is depleted. Alternatively, the battery unit300could be removed and replaced with a plug-in power supply (or wired connection to an alternative battery such as on a user's belt).

FIG. 2illustrates a first free pivoting configuration500of the three modular units100,200,300in accordance with the exemplary embodiment. As shown, the inspection unit200and the battery unit300are free to rotate around a common axis that is normal to the plane of the image. The inspection unit200and the battery unit300are able to independently rotate about the axis, to be connected to the handset unit100or to be removed from the combination. While the rotation of modular units200,300is described in relation to a non-moving handset unit100, this is for description reasons only. From a different perspective, the handset unit100is also free to rotate about the same axis.

FIG. 3shows the handset unit100in accordance with the exemplary embodiment. The handset unit100includes output, such as display110, and input, such as control pad input120and trigger input125. The handset unit100may also include a computer processor (not shown) and memory (not shown).

The display110is at one end of the handset unit100, the first end, while on the other end, the second end, is a mounting plate140with a handle130spanning the space between. The mounting plate140includes a mounting plate support142which holds a pivot rod144(or cylindrical pivot bar). An electrical connector, such as second connector146, and a mechanical connector, such as second latch catch148, are also located on the mounting plate140.

In this non-limiting embodiment, the mounting plate140provides connectors for making connections with the battery unit300. The second connector146is configured to mate with a second matching connector320on the battery unit300and the second latch catch148is configured to mate with a second latch310on the battery unit300as shown inFIG. 6.

FIG. 4shows another view of the mounting plate140of the handset unit100in accordance with the exemplary embodiment. The mounting plate support142includes a mounting plate opening640such that various portions of the pivot rod144are exposed. The pivot rod144is generally cylindrical, as a non-limiting example. As shown, the pivot rod144includes a pivot rod slot644revealing a pivot rod slot surface646. In this non-limiting embodiment, the mounting plate opening640provides additional space for both the inspection unit200and the battery unit300to engage with the pivot rod144.

FIG. 5shows the inspection unit200in accordance with the exemplary embodiment. The inspection unit200includes a sensor210which the handset unit100can control when connected to the inspection unit200. The inspection unit200may connect with the handset unit100using an electrical connector, such as first matching connector220, and a mechanical connector, such as first latch230. The first matching connector220matches a first connector820shown inFIG. 8and the first latch230mates with a first latch catch830, also shown inFIG. 8.

The inspection unit200also includes an extension240with a portion of the inspection unit200, the receiver250, at one end. The receiver250provides a mating point for the pivot rod144where the pivot rod144is received. As shown, the pivot rod guides252provide a pivot rod seat254which accepts the pivot rod144when the inspection unit200is rotated about the pivot rod144and connected to the handset unit100. The pivot rod guides252also provide surfaces perpendicular to the ends of the pivot rod144which prevent the pivot rod144from moving laterally.

FIG. 6shows the battery unit300in accordance with the exemplary embodiment. The battery unit300includes a mechanical connector, such as the second latch310, which is configured to mate with the second latch catch148of the handset unit100(as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4). An electrical connector, such as second matching connector320, is configured to mate with the second connector146(as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4).

A hook340and stop350provide a mating point for the pivot rod144. The hook340is concentrically/concave shaped to receive the pivot rod144. The pivot rod144is configured to be mated with the hook340and stop350when the battery unit300is connected to the handset unit100or rotated about the pivot rod144. The stop350locks the battery unit300in place in all orientations when the battery unit300is latched to the handset unit100, as described further in reference toFIGS. 11-12.

The battery unit300also includes modular unit guides360which define a modular unit seat330. The modular unit seat330provides a space (or spaces) where a portion of the inspection unit200may be disposed when both the inspection unit200and the battery unit300are mated with the pivot rod144.

FIG. 7illustrates a second attached configuration410where the handset unit100and inspection unit200are attached in accordance with the exemplary embodiment. In this configuration, the handset unit100and inspection unit200may be secured together by mechanical connectors, such as first latch catch830and first latch230(as seen inFIG. 8) and by the engagement of pivot rod seat254with pivot rod144. In this non-limiting example, the handle130and extension240are configured to provide a sufficient opening for a user to grip the handle130and operate the trigger input125.

FIG. 8illustrates a second free pivoting configuration510in accordance with the exemplary embodiment. The second free pivoting configuration510enables the inspection unit200to rotate about an axis of rotation, such as axis844, which is defined by the pivot rod144of handset unit100. Thus, the pivot rod144provides a rotational center point. In this non-limiting example, the inspection unit200may be matched (or linked) with the pivot rod144of handset unit100in an orientation which places the inspection unit200and handset unit100in the second free pivoting configuration510.

If the inspection unit200is rotated over a range of motion into contact with the handset unit100, the first latch catch830and first latch230will align and mate such that the handset unit100and inspection unit200assume the second attached configuration410inFIG. 7. Likewise, the first connector820and the first matching connector220will also align and mate.

Using the pivot rod144to define the axis of rotation (axis844) ensures the inspection unit200is moving in the correct manner so that the inspection unit200properly interfaces with the handset unit100, for example, using first latch catch830, first latch230, first connector820and the first matching connector220. The locations of the element830,230,820,220on the modular units100,200, (as may be defined by the distance of the element830,230,820,220from the axis844) ensure they are properly located/aligned to mate when the handset unit100and inspection unit200are brought into contact using the rotational motion.

Turning to the receiver250of the inspection unit200, as shown inFIG. 9, the pivot rod seat254is defined by a semi-circular opening in the pivot rod guides252. This opening includes a flattened surface950which funnels/aligns the pivot rod144into the pivot rod seat254when mating the inspection unit200with the pivot rod144.

The inspection unit200may be mated (or linked) with the pivot rod144of the handset unit100by moving the receiver250of the inspection unit200so that the pivot rod144is received in the pivot rod seat254. This places the inspection unit200and the handset unit100in the second free pivoting configuration510ofFIG. 8.

FIG. 10demonstrates the receiver250mated with the pivot rod144of the handset unit100. As shown, the pivot rod seat254of the pivot rod guides252mates with a portion of the pivot rod144, such as the ends of the pivot rod144. In this arrangement, the pivot rod seat254provides a smooth surface that can rotate around the pivot rod144when the inspection unit200is rotated. The pivot rod guides252also prevent the pivot rod144from moving laterally along the axis844. Restricting lateral movement along the axis844further helps ensure the modular units100,200are properly aligned.

The inspection unit200may be detached (or unlinked) from the handset unit100by moving the inspection unit200out of contact with the handset unit100(into the second free pivoting configuration510ofFIG. 8). In this non-limiting example, this may include operating the first latch230to disconnect from (or un-mate with) the first latch catch830. Once in the second free pivoting configuration510, the handset unit100may be moved perpendicular to the axis844so that the pivot rod144exits the pivot rod seat254.

FIG. 11illustrates a third attached configuration420where the handset unit100and battery unit300are attached in accordance with the exemplary embodiment. In this configuration, the handset unit100and battery unit300may be secured together by mechanical connectors, such as second latch catch148and second latch310(as seen inFIG. 12) and by the engagement of at least hook340with pivot rod144.

FIG. 12illustrates a third free pivoting configuration520in accordance with the exemplary embodiment. The third free pivoting configuration520enables the battery unit300to rotate about an axis of rotation, such as axis844, which is defined by the pivot rod144of handset unit100. In this non-limiting embodiment, the battery unit300may be mated (or linked) with the pivot rod144of the handset unit100in an orientation which places the battery unit300and handset unit100in the third free pivoting configuration520.

If the battery unit300is rotated over a range of motion into contact with the handset unit100, the second latch catch148and second latch310will align and mate such that the handset unit100and battery unit300assume the third attached configuration420ofFIG. 11. Likewise, the second connector146and the second matching connector320will also align and mate. In this non-limiting embodiment, both the inspection unit200and the battery unit300may be attached to the handset unit100using similar, rotational motions. This speeds up the familiarization process of the user since various modular units can be attached using analogous actions.

Again, using the pivot rod144to define the axis of rotation (axis844) ensures the battery unit300is moving in the correct manner so that the battery unit300properly interfaces with the handset unit100, for example, using the second latch catch148, the second latch310, the second connector146and the second matching connector320. The locations of the element148,310,146,320on the modular units100,300, (as may be defined by the distance from the axis844) ensure the element148,310,146,320are properly located/aligned to mate when the handset unit100and battery unit300are brought into contact using the rotational motion.

FIG. 13shows the battery unit300in accordance with the exemplary embodiment. As shown, the hook340defines a pivot rod recess342. The stop350includes a stop inner surface354which faces the hook340and further defines the pivot rod recess342. When in the third attached configuration420the stop inner surface354may be parallel with the pivot rod slot surface646shown inFIG. 4.

The battery unit300may be mated (or linked) with the pivot rod144of the handset unit100by moving the hook340of the battery unit300so that the pivot rod144is received in the pivot rod recess342and the hook340is received in the pivot rod slot644. This places the battery unit300and the handset unit100in the third free pivoting configuration520ofFIG. 12.

FIG. 14demonstrates the battery unit300mated with the pivot rod144of the handset unit100. In this arrangement, a portion of the pivot rod144, such as the center of the pivot rod144, rests in the pivot rod recess342. The hook340can rotate around the pivot rod144when the battery unit300is rotated. The stop350may include a chamfered edge so that the pivot rod144may be easily maneuvered into the pivot rod recess342.

The stop350also prevents the pivot rod144from moving laterally along the axis844. By restricting lateral position along the axis844, the modular units100,300are certain to be properly aligned for attaching once linked. Additionally, the mounting plate opening640may be configured to fit the hook340. This further limits the relative lateral positions of the handset unit100and the battery unit300.

The battery unit300may be detached (or unlinked) from the handset unit100by moving the battery unit300out of contact with the handset unit100(into the third free pivoting configuration520ofFIG. 12). In this non-limiting example, this may include operating the second latch310to disconnect from (or un-mate with) the second latch catch148. Once in the third free pivoting configuration520, the battery unit300may be moved perpendicular to the axis844so that the pivot rod144exits the pivot rod recess342. This may include rotating the battery unit300a sufficient degree so that the pivot rod slot surface646(shown inFIG. 4) is more parallel to the top of the stop350. The battery unit300may then be moved along a plane defined by the pivot rod slot surface646in the direction perpendicular to the axis844.

FIG. 15illustrates another view of the first attached configuration400of the three modular units100,200,300in accordance with the exemplary embodiment. As shown, the inspection unit200and the battery unit300are linked with the pivot rod144which is nearly hidden from view.

The receiver250of the inspection unit200is disposed in the modular unit seat330of battery unit300. This places the receiver250between the modular unit guides360. As both the inspection unit200and the battery unit300prevent the pivot rod144from moving laterally along the axis844, the inspection unit200and the battery unit300are, thus, restricted from moving laterally by extension. Accordingly, the modular unit guides360also serve to align the pivot rod guides252of inspection unit200with the pivot rod144when connecting the inspection unit200to the third attached configuration420or to align the hook340and stop350of battery unit300with the pivot rod144when connecting the battery unit300to the second attached configuration410.

Because the inspection unit200mates with a different portion of the pivot rod144than the battery unit300(seeFIGS. 10, 14 and 15) the inspection unit200may be mated with the pivot rod144when the battery unit300and handset unit100are in either the third attached configuration420or the third free pivoting configuration520as well as when the handset unit100is detached from the battery unit300. Likewise, the battery unit300may be mated with the pivot rod144when the handset unit100is detached from the inspection unit200as well as when the handset unit100and the inspection unit200are in the second attached configuration410or in the second free pivoting configuration510.

Based on the foregoing various exemplary embodiments provide a method, systems and apparatus to selectively attach/detach individual modular units of a modular device using rotational motion. An advantage that may be realized in the practice of some embodiments of the described methods, systems and apparatus is to ensure proper alignment of the individual modular units. Another advantage that may be realized is the ability to independently attach and/or remove a single modular unit without forcing a complete disassembly of the composite modular device. A further advantage that may be realized is that since the various modular units (or sub-assemblies) are well-aligned, the modular units may be designed to form a tighter fit giving a cleaner look. Another advantage that may be realized is that, by using a common connection point (such as pivot rod144), the modular device can be made with less parts with a reduced weight.

FIG. 16is a logic flow diagram that illustrates the operation of a method, in accordance with exemplary embodiments. The various blocks shown inFIG. 16may be viewed as method steps. In accordance with these exemplary embodiments the method performs, at Block1610, a step of linking a first modular unit and a second modular unit using a pivot rod. The first modular unit includes a first connector (such as an electrical connector as a non-limiting example) and the second modular unit includes a second connector. A step of rotating the second modular unit about an axis of rotation defined by the pivot rod into contact with the first modular unit is performed by the method at Block1620. The second connector is configured to align with the first connector when the second modular unit is rotated about the axis of rotation defined by the pivot rod into contact with the first modular unit. The method performs, at Block1630, a step of linking a third modular unit using the pivot rod. The third modular unit includes a third connector (such as an electrical connector as a non-limiting example) and the first modular unit further includes a fourth connector. A step of rotating the third modular unit about the axis of rotation defined by the pivot rod into contact with the first modular unit is performed by the method at Block1640. The third connector is configured to align with the fourth connector when the third modular unit is rotated about the axis of rotation defined by the pivot rod into contact with the first modular unit. The second modular unit and the third modular unit are configured to be independently removable.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the second connector146and second matching connector320are configured to supply power from the battery unit300to the handset unit100.

In another exemplary embodiment, the first connector820and first matching connector220are configured to supply power from the handset unit100to the inspection unit200. The first connector820and first matching connector220may also be configured to transfer high-speed data and control signals.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the pivot rod144is securely attached to the handset unit100(via the mounting plate140). Alternative, the pivot rod144and mounting plate140may be integrated into the handset unit100as a part of the housing.

In a further exemplary embodiment, various elements (146,148,220,230,310,320,820,830) may be configured to mate using a rotational motion (as compared to, e.g., a linear motion), as a non-limiting example, interfacing surfaces of the element (146,148,220,230,310,320,820,830) may be curved. This curvature may be based, at least in part, on the distance of the surface from the axis844, such as where a surface located closer to the axis844may be more curved than a surface located farther from the axis844for example.

In another exemplary embodiment, the rotational motion used to mate various elements (146,148,220,230,310,320,820,830) causes elements of a connector (such as metal pads as a non-limiting example) to move or “wipe” across a surface of the mating connector as it comes into final position (latched on). This ensures the metal pad is clean and provided a more reliable connection.

In the above exemplary embodiment, various connectors are described as mechanical connectors (148,310,230,830) and electrical connectors (146,320,820,220) as non-limiting examples. In additional exemplary embodiments, electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, inductive and pneumatic connectors may be used. Furthermore, a connector may provide multiple types of connection, for example, a single connector may provide both a mechanical connection and a hydraulic connection.

The mechanical connectors, such as second latch catch148, second latch310, first latch230and first latch catch830, may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable technology, such as spring latches, magnetic fasteners, sliding locks, etc.

The electrical connectors, such as second connector146, second matching connector320, first connector820and first matching connector220, may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable technology, such as electrical pin connectors, magnetic induction connectors, etc. In a further exemplary embodiment, the pivot member may be a set of cylindrical nubs on the sides of a portion of the hand set unit100. In another embodiment the pivot member may be a concave receiver on the hand set unit100which is configured to receive a convex mating surface on another modular unit, such as the inspection unit200.

In view of the foregoing, various embodiments provide a way to connect modular units using a rotational motion. A technical effect is to help align the modular units for connection and enable easy replacement of individual modular units without disassembling the entire combination.

An exemplary embodiment provides an apparatus for selectively attaching/detaching individual modular units of the modular device using rotational motion. The apparatus includes a first modular unit having a pivot member and a first connector. The apparatus also includes a second modular unit having a second connector and a first mating point. The first mating point is configured to fit a first portion of the pivot member. The second connector is configured to align with the first connector when the second modular unit is rotated about an axis of rotation defined by the pivot member into contact with the first modular unit.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the apparatus above, the first connector is a first electrical connector and the second connector is a second electrical connector. The first modular unit includes a first mechanical connector and the second modular unit includes a second mechanical connector. The second mechanical connector is configured to align with the first mechanical connector when the second modular unit is rotated about the axis of rotation defined by the pivot member into contact with the first modular unit. The first mechanical connector and the second mechanical connector attach when the second modular unit is rotated about the axis of rotation defined by the pivot member into contact with the first modular unit.

In another exemplary embodiment of any one of the apparatus above, the first mating point includes a male hook defining a recess configured to fit the first portion of the pivot member. The pivot member may be a pivot rod having a slot. The second modular unit may then include a stop configured to fit the slot and to prevent the pivot rod from moving along the axis of rotation when the first portion of the pivot rod is fit within the first mating point.

In a further exemplary embodiment of any one of the apparatus above, the first mating point includes a pivot member guide defining a seat configured to fit the first portion of the pivot member. The pivot member guide may prevent the pivot member from moving along the axis of rotation when the first portion of the pivot member is fit within the first mating point.

In another exemplary embodiment of any one of the apparatus above, the apparatus also includes a third modular unit having a third connector and a second mating point. The second mating point is configured to fit a second portion of the pivot member. The first modular unit also includes a fourth connector. The third connector is configured to align with the fourth connector when the third modular unit is rotated about the axis of rotation defined by the pivot member into contact with the first modular unit. The second modular unit and the third modular unit may be configured to be rotated independently. The second modular unit may include a modular unit guide defining a seat configured to fit a portion of the third modular unit. The modular unit guide may prevent the third modular unit from moving along the axis of rotation when the third modular unit is fit within the modular unit guide.

In a further exemplary embodiment of any one of the apparatus above, the first modular unit is configured to be powered by the second modular unit.

In another exemplary embodiment of any one of the apparatus above, the second modular unit is configured to be powered by the first modular unit.

In a further exemplary embodiment of any one of the apparatus above, the first modular unit is a handset unit and the handset unit which includes a computer processor, an input and an output. The second modular unit may be a battery unit or a sensor unit.

Another exemplary embodiment provides an apparatus for selectively attaching/detaching individual modular units of the modular device using rotational motion. The apparatus includes a first modular unit, the first modular unit having a pivot member and a first connector, and a second modular unit having a second connector and a first mating point. The first mating point is configured to fit a first portion of the pivot member. The apparatus also includes a third modular unit having a second mating point. The second mating point is configured to fit a second portion of the pivot member. The second connector is configured to align with the first connector when the second modular unit is rotated about an axis of rotation defined by the pivot member into contact with the first modular unit and the third modular unit is configured to be rotated about the axis of rotation defined by the pivot member. The second modular unit and the third modular unit are configured to be independently removable.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the apparatus above, the second modular unit and the third modular unit are configured to be rotated independently.

In another exemplary embodiment of any one of the apparatus above, the first portion of the pivot member is different from the second portion of the pivot member.

A further exemplary embodiment provides a method for selectively attaching/detaching individual modular units of the modular device using rotational motion. The method includes linking a first modular unit and a second modular unit using a pivot member. The first modular unit includes a first connector and the second modular unit includes a second connector. The second modular unit is rotated about an axis of rotation defined by the pivot member into contact with the first modular unit. The second connector is configured to align with the first connector when the second modular unit is rotated about the axis of rotation defined by the pivot member into contact with the first modular unit. The method also includes linking a third modular unit using the pivot member. The third modular unit includes a third connector and the first modular unit also includes a fourth connector. The third modular unit is rotated about the axis of rotation defined by the pivot member into contact with the first modular unit. The third connector is configured to align with the fourth connector when the third modular unit is rotated about the axis of rotation defined by the pivot member into contact with the first modular unit. The second modular unit and the third modular unit are configured to be independently removable.

In another exemplary embodiment of the method above, in a first attached configuration, the first modular unit and the second modular unit are in contact and the first modular unit and the third modular unit are in contact. The method also includes, in the first attached configuration, rotating the second modular unit about the axis of rotation defined by the pivot member out contact with the first modular unit and unlinking the first modular unit and the second modular unit while the first modular unit and the third modular unit remain in contact. While the first modular unit and the third modular unit remain in contact, a fourth modular unit may be linked using the pivot member. This fourth modular unit includes a fifth connector. The fourth modular unit may be rotated about the axis of rotation defined by the pivot member into contact with the first modular unit. The fourth connector may be configured to align with the first connector when the fourth modular unit is rotated about the axis of rotation defined by the pivot member into contact with the first modular unit. The fourth modular unit and the third modular unit may also be configured to be independently removable.

A further exemplary embodiment provides an apparatus for selectively attaching/detaching from a modular device using rotational motion. The apparatus includes a mating point configured to fit a first portion of a pivot member connected to a modular device and a first connector configured to align with a second connector on the modular device when the apparatus is rotated about an axis of rotation defined by the pivot member into contact with the modular device.

In another exemplary embodiment of the apparatus above, the first connector is a first electrical connector and the second connector is a second electrical connector. The apparatus also includes a first mechanical connector configured to align with a second mechanical connector on the modular device when the apparatus is rotated about the axis of rotation defined by the pivot member into contact with the modular device. The first mechanical connector is also configured to attach with the second mechanical connector when the apparatus is rotated about the axis of rotation defined by the pivot member into contact with the modular device.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the apparatus above, the apparatus also includes a modular unit guide defining a seat configured to fit a portion of a modular unit.

Various embodiments in accordance with the invention are inclusive of combinations of the aspects or other embodiments described herein. References to “a particular aspect” or “embodiment” and the like refer to features that are present in at least one aspect of the invention. Separate references to “an aspect” or “particular aspects” or “embodiments” or the like do not necessarily refer to the same aspect or aspects; however, such aspects are not mutually exclusive, unless so indicated or as are readily apparent to one of skill in the art. The use of singular or plural in referring to “method” or “methods” and the like is not limiting. The word “or” is used in this disclosure in a non-exclusive sense, unless otherwise explicitly noted.

Various embodiments in accordance with the invention have been described in detail with particular reference to certain preferred aspects thereof, but it will be understood that variations, combinations, and modifications can be effected by a person of ordinary skill in the art within the spirit and scope of the invention. Examples of variations, combinations, and modifications that are intended to be within the scope of the claims are those having structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims and those including equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.