Docking connector platform for mobile electronic devices
Docking platforms formed in one of the largest-surface-area surfaces of mobile electronic devices. Such a docking platform may comprise a docking accessory cavity having a docking connection system comprising one or more docking connectors formed within the cavity, and optionally two or more electrical contacts within the cavity, the contacts electrically connected to electronics within the electronic device and constructed and arranged to allow electrical connection to detachable docking accessories. The docking connection system is operable to form detachable attachments to multiple independent docking accessories simultaneously. The cavities of the docking platforms are shaped to accommodate a broad range of docking accessories that are specially adapted to sit in a generally flush manner with the back surface of the mobile electronic device while attached to the docking connectors. One type of accessory forms an assembly with an expandable accordion attached to the docking platform.
1. A detachable docking power accessory system for a mobile electronic device, the system comprising:
a platform adapted to couple to the mobile electronic device, the platform including a first docking connector portion and a back portion, the back portion configured to attach to a back surface of the mobile electronic device;
a docking power accessory comprising an accessory body;
a second docking connector portion of the accessory body, the first docking connector portion and the second docking connector portion are configured to form a detachable attachment to secure the accessory body to the platform; and
an electronic assembly within the accessory body, the electronic assembly comprising a battery and electronics operable to wirelessly transfer power from the battery to the mobile electronic device.
2. The detachable docking power accessory system of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first docking connector portion or the second docking connector portion comprise a magnet to form a magnetic attachment.
3. The detachable docking power accessory system of claim 1 , wherein the back portion comprises a surface area configured to contact the back surface of the mobile electronic device, and wherein the back portion further comprises a side portion configured to connect to a side of the mobile electronic device.
4. The detachable docking power accessory system of claim 3 , wherein the platform further comprises a recessed accessory cavity formed in the surface area, and wherein the recessed accessory cavity is configured to receive an expandable docking accessory.
5. The detachable docking power accessory system of claim 4 , wherein the expandable docking accessory is movable between an expanded state and a collapsed state.
6. The detachable docking power accessory system of claim 5 , wherein when the expandable docking accessory is in the collapsed state, the second docking connector portion is configured to attach to the first docking connector portion such that the accessory body is flushly mounted to the surface area.
7. The detachable docking power accessory system of claim 4 , wherein the expandable docking accessory is a holding docking accessory.
8. The detachable docking power accessory system of claim 1 , wherein the electronic assembly within the accessory body is configured to wirelessly transmit accessory information to the mobile electronic device to identify the docking power accessory to the mobile electronic device based on the wirelessly transmitted accessory information.
9. The detachable docking power accessory system of claim 8 , wherein the accessory information comprises at least one of an accessory type, an accessory configuration, or a level of interoperability.
10. The detachable docking power accessory system of claim 8 , wherein the accessory information is transmitted by the electronic assembly within the accessory body to the mobile electronic device using a message passing protocol.
11. The detachable docking power accessory system of claim 8 , wherein the mobile electronic device is configured to perform a function based on the accessory information.
12. The detachable docking power accessory system of claim 11 , wherein the function is specific to an accessory type of the docking power accessory.
13. The detachable docking power accessory system of claim 11 , wherein the mobile electronic device is configured to make a determination as to whether the docking power accessory is attached to the platform before performing the function based on the accessory information provided by the docking power accessory.
14. The detachable docking power accessory system of claim 1 , wherein the electronics are operable to wirelessly transfer power by inductively transferring power between the battery and the mobile electronic device.