Dock with compliant connector mount

摘要

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 there between. 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.

主权项

1. A docking station for a portable electronic device, the docking station comprising:
a base; a connector movably coupled with the base; and a compliant mount coupling the connector to the base, the compliant mount being configured to support the connector in a mounting position for mounting of the portable electronic device on the connector, wherein the compliant mount is configured with one or more flexures between the base and connector such that a combination of movements, including flexural movement of the one or more flexures, moves the connector about a pivot point projected a distance away from a point of flexure of the one or more flexures, wherein the one or more flexures comprise a first and second flexure, wherein the first flexure flexes along a first flexure axis and the second flexure flexes along a second flexure axis, the first and second flexure axes being transverse to one another such that a normal axis of the first flexure axis intersects a normal axis of the second flexure axis at or near the projected pivot point.