Abstract:
Disclosed is a docking station for an electronic device including a port block, a first electronic connector of the port block, a retention member of the port block, a tray for receiving the electronic device, a sidewall of the tray, an interior side of the sidewall, a first through-hole of the sidewall sized to slidably receive the first connector, a second through hole of the sidewall sized to slidably receive the retention member, wherein the port block is configured to slide between a substantially open position and a substantially closed position with respect to the sidewall of the tray, and wherein the first connector protrudes from the first through-hole on the interior side of the sidewall of the tray when the port block is in the substantially closed position.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The embodiments of the invention relate docking stations for electronic devices, and more particularly, to a horizontal docking station for a laptop computer. Although embodiments of the invention are suitable for a wide scope of applications, it is particularly suitable for securely retaining a laptop computer in a docking station in a horizontal orientation. 
     Discussion of the Related Art 
     The related art docking stations include docking stations for laptop computers. Docking stations of the related art are generally of the form disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,309,230 to Helot, particularly FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The related art docking stations generally interface with an electronic device such as a laptop computer. The electrical connection between electronic device and docking station is generally achieved through a single, multi-pin docking port. The related art docking station generally provides a multitude of additional interface ports connected to the docking port. 
     Docking stations of the related art also include multi-plug to multi-port docking stations such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Pub. 2013/0148289 of Kitae Kwon (“Kwon”), particularly in FIG. 2 (multi-plug), and FIG. 6 (multi-port). See also U.S. Pat. Pub. 2012/0127651 of Kitae Kwon, et. al. Kwon discloses, generally, a plurality of plugs on a sliding arm that can be activated by a lever. When the lever is activated, the arms squeeze together and engage the plurality of plugs with the corresponding ports of an electronic device. Kwon also discloses using a Kensington-style lock to bind the sliding arm to the chassis and prevent movement sliding arm. 
     Docking stations of the related art also include motorized docking stations such as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/306,198 of Vroom. Vroom discloses, generally, a docking station actuated by a motor connected to rack-and-pinion arms (See Vroom, FIG. 16). The arms are connected to sliders on underside of the tray (See Vroom, FIG. 19). A motor turns the pinion gear causing the arms to actuate connector blocks. 
     The related art docking stations also include opposing connector blocks. To connect a computer to the related art docking stations, a user positions the electronic device within the docking station, and activates a lever to cause the opposing connector blocks to press into the electronic device thereby making an electrical connection between the docking station and the electronic device. In the related art, the opposing connector blocks can be connected to the lever through a hinge or a cam. Both the hinge and cam are described in U.S. Pat. Pub. 2013/0148289 of Kitae Kwon, particularly in FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B (cam), and FIG. 4 (hinge). See also U.S. Pat. Pub. 2012/0127651 of Kitae Kwon, et. al. 
     There are some disadvantages of the related art systems. For example, the related art docking stations rely on a lever to so that a user can manually actuate the connector blocks. The lever is generally offset from the axis of the connector blocks the lever can be accessible by a user. An offset lever creates a non-linear force on the connector block and can cause misalignment of the connector block and prevent the connector block from interfacing with the docked device as designed. The lever also has the disadvantage that it must be moved to effectuate docking and undocking. The lever can be challenging to manipulate on a crowded desk or by a person having limited dexterity. 
     The related art docking stations that using on a motor rely on sliding arms that are connected to an underside of the tray such as in Vroom. The sliding arms and sliding connection points of Vroom are a point of precision from which all other movement is indexed. For example, the arms of Vroom are slidably connected to the underside of the tray, the arms are connected to port blocks, the port blocks have connectors, and the connectors are positioned to interface with ports of a corresponding electronic device. However, the indexing point in Vroom (the underside of the tray) is distant from the position that precision is required (i.e. the point where the connectors are inserted into the electronic device.) Vroom therefore discloses undesirable tolerance stacking as between the indexing point and the point where precision is required. This requires adherence to very strict tolerances and increases manufacturing costs. 
     The related art docking stations are also generally passive—the dock does not have awareness of whether an electronic device is present or if the connectors of the connector blocks are inserted into the docked device. A passive docking station cannot, for example, detect whether the electronic device is properly positioned within the dock. 
     The related art docking stations also have a predetermined range of motion for the connector blocks. This range of motion is determined by the length of the lever arms and hinges or the size of the cam. Mechanical devices, however, tend to wear with extended use. As the related art begins to wear, the range of motion for the connector blocks can become sloppy or loose. Because docking requires high tolerances, a loose connector block could cause misalignment or incomplete insertion. 
     The related art of Helot, requires that the electronic device includes a docking connector. Thus the docking station of Helot cannot be used with electronic devices that do not include a docking connector. Helot is also limited in that Helot does not provide a mechanism to secure either the electronic device or the docking station. While Kwon teaches using multiple plugs instead of a docking connector and using a Kensington-style lock to secure the electronic device and docking station, Kwon does not allow removal of the electronic device without also manually removing the Kensington-style lock. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, embodiments of the invention are directed to a Precision Docking Station for an Electronic Device Having Integrated Retention Mechanism that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art. 
     An object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a docking station that minimizing tolerance stacking. 
     Another object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a docking station for an electronic device that does not have a docking port. 
     Yet another object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a docking station that provides additional security features to retain an electronic device. 
     Additional features and advantages of embodiments of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of embodiments of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the embodiments of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings. 
     To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of embodiments of the invention, as embodied and broadly described, a Precision Docking Station for an Electronic Device Having Integrated Retention Mechanism includes a port block, a first electronic connector of the port block, a retention member of the port block, a tray for receiving the electronic device, a sidewall of the tray, an interior side of the sidewall, a first through-hole of the sidewall sized to slidably receive the first connector, a second through hole of the sidewall sized to slidably receive the retention member, wherein the port block is configured to slide between a substantially open position and a substantially closed position with respect to the sidewall of the tray, and wherein the first connector protrudes from the first through-hole on the interior side of the sidewall of the tray when the port block is in the substantially closed position. 
     In another aspect, a Precision Docking Station for an Electronic Device Having Integrated Retention Mechanism includes a chassis, a port block configured to slide between an open position and a closed position, a void in the chassis sized to slidably retain the port block, a tray for holding the electronic device, a sidewall of the tray, an interior surface of the sidewall, a first hole in the sidewall of the tray, a electronic connector of the port block positioned to slidably interface with the first hole, a second hole in the sidewall of the tray, a retention finger of the port block positioned to slidably interface with the second hole, and wherein the electronic connector passes through the first hole in the sidewall and protrudes from the interior surface of the sidewall when the port block is in the closed position. 
     In yet another aspect, a Precision Docking Station for an Electronic Device Having Integrated Retention Mechanism includes a first port block, a first electronic connector of the first port block, a first retention finger of the first port block, a second port block, a second retention finger of the second port block, a tray portion for receiving the electronic device, a first sidewall, a first hole in the first sidewall for slidably receiving the first electronic connector, a second hole in the first sidewall for slidably receiving the first retention finger, a second sidewall, and a third hole in the second sidewall for slidably receiving the second retention finger. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of embodiments of the invention as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of embodiments of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a port block according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric view of a tray according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a detailed isometric view of the tray of  FIG. 2  according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  is an isometric view of a chassis according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5A  is an isometric view of a chassis and port block in an open position according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5B  is an isometric view of a chassis and port block in a closed position according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5C  is an isometric view of a chassis, tray, and port block in an open position according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5D  is an isometric view of a chassis, tray, and port block in a closed position according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 5E  is an isometric view of a chassis, tray, electronic device, and port block in a closed position according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the thicknesses of layers and regions are exaggerated for clarity. Like reference numerals in the drawings denote like elements. 
       FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a port block according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 1 , a port block  110  includes retention members  115   a - 115   c , an electronic connector  120 , and a drive train interface  125 . The port block  110  can be a left-hand-side port block for use on a left-hand-side of a docking station. 
     The port block  110  can include retention members  115   a - 115   c . The retention members can be formed from rubber a rubber-like material. The retention members  115   a - 115   c  can be formed from plastic. The retention members  115   a - 115   c  can be formed from hard plastic coated in a rubber-like substance. The port block  110  can slide between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the retention members  115   a - 115   c  can contact a top surface of an electronic device to stabilize the electronic device within a docking station and to prevent removal of the device. In the open position, the retention members  115   a - 115   c  can be free from or clear of the electronic device in the docking station and allow removal of the electronic device. In preferred embodiments, the port block  110  can include three retention members  115   a - 115   c  as shown in  FIG. 1 . In other embodiments, more of fewer retention members can be used. Retention members can also be called retention fingers. 
     The port block  110  can include an electronic connector  120 . The electronic connector  120  can be positioned to on the port block  110  to correspond to the position of a corresponding port of the electronic device (not shown). In the open position, the electronic connector  120  can be disconnected from the electronic device. In the closed position, the electronic connector  120  can be inserted into the corresponding port of the electronic device. The electronic connector  120  can be any type of electronic connector that are known in the art. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the electronic connector  120  is a USB Type-C connector and the electronic device can be a 12″ Apple MacBook. 
     In preferred embodiments of the invention there is exactly one electronic connector on a port block. However, the invention is not limited to port blocks having only one electronic connector and includes, without limitation, port blocks having two or more electronic connectors each respectively corresponding to a port of the electronic device. The invention further contemplates port blocks having no electronic connectors and having only retention members or dummy connectors. Dummy connectors can be formed from plastic, metal, or nylon and be positioned to interface with a corresponding port of the electronic device. Dummy connectors can retain the electronic device within a docking station without making an electrical connection. 
     In an exemplary embodiment of the invention (not shown) a right-hand-side port block can include one or more retention members, one or more dummy connectors, or combinations of retention members and dummy connectors. 
     A port block  110  can include a drive train interface  125 . The drive train interface  125  can connect to a drive train (not shown) to provide a motor force to translate the port block  110  between and open and closed position. The drive train can include, for example, a rack and pinion actuator. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the drive train (not shown) can include a rotating drive shaft having a threaded end. The threaded end can be inserted into the drive train interface  125  which can have a corresponding threaded hole. The drive shaft can be connected to an electric motor through a series of gears. The motor can rotate the gears which, in turn, can rotate the drive shaft which, in turn, can rotate the threaded end of the drive shaft which, in turn can interface with a threaded hole of the drive train interface  125  to translate the port block  110  between an open and closed position. 
       FIG. 2  is an isometric view of a tray according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 2  a tray  130  can include a left side wall  135   a  and a right side wall  135   b . The tray  130  can be sized to precisely receive a specific electronic device such as a 12″ Apple MacBook computer. 
     The left side wall  135   a  can have an interior surface  145   a , an exterior surface  150   a , and a plurality of cutouts or holes  140   a . The holes  140   a  can be sized and positioned to receive the retention members and electronic connector of  FIG. 1 . The holes  140   a  can be precisely sized to exactly fit the retention members and electronic connector of  FIG. 1 . The holes  140   a  can serve as an indexing member to align the electronic connector of  FIG. 1  with an electronic device seated in the tray  130 . 
       FIG. 3  is a detailed isometric view of the tray of  FIG. 2  according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the tray has a left side wall  135   a , and a plurality of cutouts or holes  140   a . The left side wall  135   a  has an interior surface  145   a  and an exterior surface  150   a . The cutouts  140   a  can be sized and shaped to precisely receive the fingers (not shown) and/or connectors (not shown) of a port block (not shown). While, the drawing of  FIG. 3  particularly relates to a left side of a tray, it should be appreciated that that the features disclosed and described in conjunction with  FIG. 3  are equally applicable to a right side of a tray. 
       FIG. 4  is an isometric view of a chassis according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 4 , a chassis  155  includes a cavity or void  160 . The chassis  155  can be made from metal or sturdy plastic. The cavity or void  160  can be sized and shaped to receive and allow the lateral translation of a port block (not shown) such as the port block shown and described in conjunction with  FIG. 1 . A port block (not shown) can translate or slide inside the cavity or void  160  to allow for the connectors associated with the port block to be quickly inserted or removed from an electronic device in the docking station. 
       FIG. 5A  is an isometric view of a chassis and port block in an open position according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 5A , a chassis  155  includes a cavity or void  160 . The cavity or void  160  can receive a port block  110 . The port block  110  can slide in the cavity or void  160  to an open position as shown in  FIG. 5A . In the open position, the port block  110  can be disposed in a maximum recessed position with the cavity or void  160 . In the alternative, in an open position, the port block can be recessed within the chassis to a sufficient extent to allow the connectors (not labeled) on the port block  110  to be removed from the corresponding ports of an electronic device (not shown) in the docking station. 
       FIG. 5B  is an isometric view of a chassis and port block in a closed position according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 5B , a chassis  155  includes a cavity or void  160 . The cavity or void  160  can receive a port block  110 . The port block  110  can slide in the cavity or void  160  to a closed position as shown in  FIG. 5B . In the closed position, the port block  110  can be minimally recessed in the in cavity or void  160  such that the fingers  115   a - 115   c  and the connector  120  protrude from the cavity or void  160 , through a tray (not shown for clarity) and to an electronic device. The fingers  115   a - 115   c  can touch a top surface of the electronic device to securely retain the electronic device within the docking station. In the closed position, the fingers  115   a - 115   c  can protrude through the tray (not shown) to a minimum extent such that the fingers contact a top surface of the electronic device (such as a keyboard portion of an electronic device) yet still allow a lid of the electronic device (such as the screen of a laptop) to close without substantial interference. In the closed position, the connector  120  can protrude through the tray (not shown) and into a corresponding port of an electronic device. 
       FIG. 5C  is an isometric view of a chassis, tray, and port block in an open position according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 5C , a tray  130  can be attached to the chassis  155 . The tray can include a left side wall  135   a  having a plurality of cutouts or holes  140   a  and an interior surface  145   a . The port block (not visible) can be in an open position such that it is fully recessed into the cavity  160  of  FIG. 5A  and the fingers and connectors of the port block do not protrude through the holes  140   a  to the interior surface  145   a  of the left side wall  135   a . In the open position an electronic device can easily be inserted or removed from the tray without interference by the fingers or the connector. 
       FIG. 5D  is an isometric view of a chassis, tray, and port block in a closed position according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 5D , a tray  130  can be attached to the chassis  155  and a port block  110  of  FIG. 5B  can be in a closed or fully inserted position. In the closed position, the fingers  115   a - 115   c  and connector  120  pass through the cutouts or holes  140   a  and protrude from the interior surface of the  145   a  of the left side wall  135   a.    
       FIG. 5E  is an isometric view of a chassis, tray, electronic device, and port block in a closed position according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 5E , a plurality of fingers  115   a - 115   c  can pass through the holes or cutouts (not labeled) in the sidewall  135   a  of the tray (not labeled) and protrude from an interior surface  145   a  of the left side wall  135   a  to contact a top surface of an electronic device  165  thereby retaining the electronic device in the docking station. Similarly, a connector  120  can pass through one of the holes or cutouts (not labeled) in the sidewall  135   a  of the tray (not labeled) and protrude from an interior surface  145   a  of the left side wall  135   a  to interface with a corresponding port (not shown) of the electronic device  165  thereby retaining the electronic device in the docking station. 
     Although the invention has been shown and described in conjunction with a left side wall having three fingers and one connector, other embodiments are contemplated within the scope of this invention including variations of the foregoing. These variations include, for example, one, two, three or more fingers on one side; one, two, three or more connectors on one side; different combinations of connectors and fingers on two or more sides; at least one finger and one connector on one side and at least one finger and one connector on an opposite side; a second side horizontally opposed to a first side; at least one connector and one finger on one side and at least one finger on a second side; at least one connector and one finger on one side and a dummy connector on a second side; and one or more fingers on a first side and one or more connectors on a second side and horizontally opposed to the first side. 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the Precision Docking Station for an Electronic Device Having Integrated Retention Mechanism without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that embodiments of the invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.