Docking station for an electronic device with improved electrical interface
Disclosed is a device for attaching a plurality of external connectors to an electronic device having a first port and second ports on a main body for accepting a first and second external connectors, a first and second plugs on the main body positioned to interface with a first and second ports on the electronic device, a slot in the main body for slidably receiving a third external connector and for positioning the third external connector to interface with a third port of the electronic device, and a retention mechanism in the main body for retaining the third external connector.
1. A device for attaching a plurality of external connectors to an electronic device, comprising:
a main body;
a first port on the main body for accepting a first external connector;
a second port on the main body for accepting a second external connector;
a first plug on the main body positioned to interface with a first port on the electronic device;
a second plug on the main body positioned to interface with a second port on the electronic device;
an adapter piece for accepting and retaining a third external connector;
a slot in the main body for receiving the adapter piece and for positioning the third external connector to interface with a third port of the electronic device; and
a retention mechanism in the main body for retaining the adapter piece.
2. The device of claim 1 further comprising:
a recessed portion in the slot;
a protrusion on the adapter piece for engaging the recessed portion of the slot.
3. The device of claim 1 further comprising:
a hole on the main body which extends through to the slot;
a screw in the hole which retains the adapter piece.
4. The device of claim 1 wherein the retention mechanism is a sidewall of the slot.
5. The device of claim 1 wherein the slot further comprises a first opening on a first surface of the main body and a second opening on a second surface of the main body.
6. A device for attaching a plurality of external connectors to an electronic device, comprising:
a main body;
a first port on the main body for accepting a first external connector;
a second port on the main body for accepting a second external connector;
a first plug on the main body positioned to interface with a first port on the electronic device;
a second plug on the main body positioned to interface with a second port on the electronic device;
a slot in the main body for slidably receiving a third external connector and for positioning the third external connector to interface with a third port of the electronic device, the slot having:
a first opening on a first surface of the main body to receive the third external connector, and
a second opening on a second surface of the main body to allow a portion of the third external connector to protrude from the second opening of the main body; and
a retention mechanism in the main body for retaining the third external connector, the retention mechanism having:
a first wall opposite the first surface,
a rear wall opposite the second surface,
a top wall, and
a bottom wall.
7. The device of claim 6 wherein the retention mechanism is a side wall of the slot.
8. The device of claim 6 wherein the main body deforms along the slot to receive and retain the third external connector.
9. The device of claim 6 wherein the first opening is smaller than the second opening.
10. The device of claim 6 wherein the first opening is perpendicular to the second opening.
11. The device of claim 6 wherein first surface is perpendicular to the second surface.
12. The device of claim 6 wherein the third external connector is for providing power to the electronic device.
13. A device for attaching a plurality of external connectors to an electronic device, comprising:
a main body;
a first port on the main body for accepting a first external connector;
a second port on the main body for accepting a second external connector;
a first plug on the main body positioned to interface with a first port on the electronic device;
a second plug on the main body positioned to interface with a second port on the electronic device;
a slot in the main body for slidably receiving a third external connector and for positioning the third external connector to interface with a third port of the electronic device, the slot having:
a first opening on a first surface of the main body to receive the third external connector, and
a second opening on a second surface of the main body to allow a portion of the third external connector to protrude from the second opening of the main body; and
a retention mechanism in the main body for retaining the third external connector; and
wherein the first opening is smaller than the second opening.