Apple has been granted a patent (number US 12001240 B2) for a “Modular Electronic Device System” for iPads.
About the patent
In the patent Apple notes that portable computing devices have grown in popularity and ubiquity worldwide in recent years. Users of these devices have found applications for many different types of work and in settings in nearly all parts of life. In some ways, these devices have been used to replace or improve other devices, such as flashlights, cash registers, lab equipment, scientific instruments, cameras, and other electronic devices.
Apple says that such portable computing devices often have batteries that need to be regularly charged between uses. Thus, although the devices can provide great benefits in remote areas and when used in mobile applications, they also frequently need to be connected to power to restore charge.
Apple says that users often find it difficult to quickly and easily control the charging of the device while still operating the device, particularly in settings where the portable computing devices are under heavy duty loads and operating cycles.
And although the computing devices can be very effective on their own, it is also common to use a case or cover on the computing device to protect it from bumps, drops, scrapes, scratches, and other damage. However, the presence of a cover can make the mounting and securement of a computing device or a charger complex, unreliable, slow, or otherwise challenging. These covers also similarly inhibit the usage of electronic accessories that are connected to the computing device due to interference from the cover or an undesirable connection to the computing device.
Apple says there’s a constant need for improvements in portable computing devices, covers, and related parts. The company’s solution is a modular system.
Summary of the patent
Here’s Apple’s abstract of the patent: “A modular electronic device system includes an electronic device and a cover for the device that allows the device to be mechanically and electrically mounted to a stand or device adapter on the rear side of the cover. The cover or device adapter can be connectable to modularly attachable and removable accessory devices and can provide electrical ports for powering and operating the accessory devices.
“While mounted to a stand, power and data communications can be provided to the electronic device, cover, and accessory devices from the stand or an external source. The modular components of the system can be interchangeable to allow the system to be adapted to many different settings and use cases based on the types of components included as the accessory devices and based on the number of accessory devices used.”
I hope that you’ll consider becoming a patron of Apple World Today. Prices range from $2 a month to $10 a month. You can sign up here. Thanks in advance for your support.
