Idea for alternative charger connector (updated 3/7)

funnycreature · Mar 5, 2011

There have been a lot of complaints about the flimsy connector for the Xoom charger. I also think that it is a very poor design at most. The metal pin is too long, the plastic part is poking out too much etc.

I am no engineer and also bad at drawing but I attached something that I think might work. If anyone feels like they could produce a prototype that would be awesome!

The small magnet might or might not work. If you look at the area where all the connectors are you will see a small metal plate that could probably be used to anchor the connector magnetically.

Any feedback is appreciated (even just to say that I am full of sh!t!)

UPDATE: I added an alternative design using the two metal connectors for charging and a silicone plug to keep the connectors in place. A magnet will give additional stability.

keitht · Mar 5, 2011

funnycreature said:
There have been a lot of complaints about the flimsy connector for the Xoom charger. I also think that it is a very poor design at most. The metal pin is too long, the plastic part is poking out too much etc.

I am no engineer and also bad at drawing but I attached something that I think might work. If anyone feels like they could produce a prototype that would be awesome!

The small magnet might or might not work. If you look at the area where all the connectors are you will see a small metal plate that could probably be used to anchor the connector magnetically.

Any feedback is appreciated (even just to say that I am full of sh!t!)

It charges my Xoom very fast. It is still working and has not caused me any issues. If it breaks, I will come back here to *****.

funnycreature · Mar 5, 2011

I was just referring to the connector but thanks for the warning

keitht · Mar 5, 2011

funnycreature said:
I was just referring to the connector but thanks for the warning

So was I. The stock one works fine however, alternatives are great as well. I just do not see a need for one personally. Others may.

RonnieFoxxx · Mar 5, 2011

Yeah, the stock connecter scares me. I like your design though I'm not sure anyone here has the means to develop and sell it. I'm hoping maybe someone may find a softwear solution to charge via the USB micro port. What do you guys think, possible or no?

AndroidFileHost · Mar 6, 2011

funnycreature said:
There have been a lot of complaints about the flimsy connector for the Xoom charger. I also think that it is a very poor design at most. The metal pin is too long, the plastic part is poking out too much etc.

I am no engineer and also bad at drawing but I attached something that I think might work. If anyone feels like they could produce a prototype that would be awesome!

The small magnet might or might not work. If you look at the area where all the connectors are you will see a small metal plate that could probably be used to anchor the connector magnetically.

Any feedback is appreciated (even just to say that I am full of sh!t!)

I like it! i think its a pretty good idea. Wish i knew someone who could create one. I would buy it. stock one scares me

generic.imitation · Mar 6, 2011

how the F do magnets work?

anyhow, yeah really good design. I would buy that too.

evb1 · Mar 6, 2011

i just turn it upside down while charging it.

xlGmanlx · Mar 6, 2011

I would buy one of those

ritalin · Mar 6, 2011

I have to ask, why you would use that connector at all if you want to redesign a magnetic charger? Why not use the same priciple to connect it to the two plates on the bottom next to the hole for power?

As someone who repairs laptops for a living, this was the single most troubling design aspect of our new toy. It looks like it will be far to easy to damage the internals of this device with the default power cable.

It would make more sense to use a breakaway magnetic connection that makes contact with the two metal plates. I have not looked in to it too far but it would seem that the docs use this and the USB in them is strictly for audio out.

funnycreature · Mar 6, 2011

I was actually wondering if the metal plates would be used for dock charging. Since I don't own a dock I can't check. But if it is then yes, the charger should be attached magnetically! Thanks for the clarification. I'll try to design more options

Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk

Banggugyangu · Mar 6, 2011

keitht said:
So was I. The stock one works fine however, alternatives are great as well. I just do not see a need for one personally. Others may.

My only complaint with the xoom, honestly is the charging system.

For starters, I don't see a reason to not allow charging over USB. Sure the voltage would only be 5v, and it would take considerably longer, but the option would be nice. This isn't to say I want to do away with the 12v charger, because the speed at which it charges is lovely, just the option for the other.

Secondly, the needle-like connector screams, "I want to be broken quickly!" Was there really a need to make the connector in that type and size?

Thirdly, the placement of the charger port is hideous and impractical. It's dead center at the bottom. I rarely use my xoom flat against a surface. I purchased the display portfolio that motorola made. The charger port is not only a hinderance to the utilization of my portfolio case, but is also covered at all times when using the case in any manner that motorola designed it. I'm sure this is simply a brain-fart on motorola's part, which happens to everyone and is understandable, but is there a reason the charger port couldn't have been placed on one of the sides of the device? I would say preferably the left hand side, as people are less likely to turn the device to sit on that side.

I'm not simply posting this to complain, just express my thoughts on the only true fault that I feel the xoom has. On that note, a 90 degree *honestly 180 degree by the design sketch* connector would be lovely, IMO. It still wouldn't be usable with the portfolio case, but it would allow someone to angle the xoom without fear of breaking the charger off inside it.

markbo2000 · Mar 7, 2011

The two metal plates are indeed for charging on the dock. It takes away the need to use the stock charger on the needle tip. Just plug the charger into the dock and set the Xoom on it. I charge this way every time.

funnycreature · Mar 10, 2011

markbo2000 said:
The two metal plates are indeed for charging on the dock. It takes away the need to use the stock charger on the needle tip. Just plug the charger into the dock and set the Xoom on it. I charge this way every time.

Only problem is that's a $70-$120 solution

xlGmanlx · Mar 12, 2011

Why even have the plug then and just use the metal plates?

funnycreature · Mar 12, 2011

xlGmanlx said:
Why even have the plug then and just use the metal plates?

The plug would add additional stability so that it doesn't come off so easily. Not sure how strong you could make the magnets. As I said, I'm no engineer

xlGmanlx · Mar 12, 2011

Makes sense, maybe a smaler nub though haha, otherwise I like the idea

funnycreature said:
The plug would add additional stability so that it doesn't come off so easily. Not sure how strong you could make the magnets. As I said, I'm no engineer

c0t0d0s2 · Mar 13, 2011

Apple has a patent on the magnetically attached charger. Perhaps this is why motorola went the direction that it did.

http://patft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph...XT&s1=7311526.PN.&OS=PN/7311526&RS=PN/7311526

Numbaonei · Mar 14, 2011

im gonna make this. I will let you guys know how it works. my first android by the way!

funnycreature · Mar 14, 2011

Sweet! I was also thinking about getting some latex and a second charger that I can strip and modify. This will be so cool!

Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk

Idea for alternative charger connector (updated 3/7)

Senior Member

Attachments

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Inactive Recognized Developer

Senior Member

Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Similar threads

Top Liked Posts