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发帖数: 3492 | 1 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 13:28:41 PDT
A newly-published Apple patent application (via AppleInsider) reveals Apple'
s interest in exploring the use of the iPod nano's clip as a charging and
docking mechanism, a move that would eliminate the need for a dedicated
docking port on the bottom edge of the device as found in the current design.
By incorporating electrical contacts into the clip and using a dock adapter
to provide compatibility with Apple's current docking stations, the clamping
action of the iPod nano's clip could hold the device in position for
charging purposes.
In some embodiments, a portable user device may include a rechargeable
battery, and a clip member that is electrically coupled to the rechargeable
battery. The rechargeable battery may be charged by electrically coupling
the clip member to a receiving receptacle. In some embodiments, the clip
member may provide a clamping force which aids in maintaining contact
between the receiving receptacle and the clip member.
Apple's patent application also describes a number of other implementations
for the clip-based charging mechanism, including the ability to clip
directly onto a charging point on the bezel of another device.
The newly-published patent, originally filed in January 2011, is not the
first time Apple has proposed a means to increase the utility of the iPod
nano's clip. A May 2010 application proposed integrating a piezoelectric
speaker into the clip, while a prototype device has hinted at plans to equip
the device with a rear camera that would project through a hole in the clip.
A new rumor surfacing earlier this week claims, however, that Apple will be
abandoning the current iPod nano design later this year in favor of an
oblong design with a larger screen and a home button similar to that found
on iOS devices.
Apple is also rumored to be bringing a smaller dock connector to its iOS
devices later this year, a feature that could make its way to the iPod nano
as well given that the device currently uses the same dock connector design
seen in iOS devices. |
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