Accessory Shoe Terminal Layout for Protected Multi-Contact Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shoe apparatus designs for electronic devices, such as digital cameras, often compromise on the space for arranging multiple communication terminals, terminal protection, and component positioning due to the need for a large number of connection terminals, leading to potential damage from external forces.
Innovation Solution
A shoe apparatus design with orthogonal arrangement of connection terminals, a terminal protecting portion projecting from the engagement portion, and sloped terminal exposure to minimize damage and ensure adequate space for terminals and positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the shoe apparatus includes a large number of connection terminals, then communication functionality is improved, but the area for arranging terminals and protection space are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection terminals are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the attachment/detachment direction, utilizing the third dimension (width) rather than only the length dimension. This orthogonal arrangement allows multiple terminals to be packed efficiently without increasing the overall footprint in the attachment direction, resolving the contradiction between terminal quantity and available space.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal protecting portion is integrated within the shoe apparatus structure, nesting the protection function inside the existing engagement member footprint. This nested design provides terminal protection without requiring additional external space, maintaining compact dimensions while securing communication terminals.
2Reliability
If the terminal protecting portion separately contacts the engagement member, then terminal protection is improved, but the terminal protecting portion may get damaged from external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal protecting portion is merged with the engagement member to form an integrated structure. This combination ensures that the protecting portion benefits from the structural strength of the engagement member while maintaining its terminal protection function, preventing damage from external forces applied to the accessory.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal protecting portion is designed to absorb and distribute external forces before they reach the connection terminals. By positioning the protecting portion to contact the engagement member first, it acts as a cushioning element that prevents direct transmission of impact forces to the fragile terminals.
3Ease of operation
If the connection terminals are exposed from the terminal protecting portion, then connection accessibility is improved, but the terminals are more vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal protecting portion provides localized protection specifically at the exposed terminal regions. The protection structure is strategically positioned to cover only the vulnerable exposed areas while maintaining terminal accessibility, creating different functional zones (protected vs. accessible) within the same component.
Data Source
AI summary
A shoe apparatus attachable to and detachable from an accessory shoe apparatus of an electronic apparatus in a first direction includes a plurality of connection terminals arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, a shoe engagement portion engageable with the accessory shoe apparatus, and a terminal protecting portion configured to project from the shoe engagement portion toward a tip side in the first direction and to protect the plurality of connection terminals. The plurality of connection terminals are exposed in a direction orthogonal to the first and second directions from the terminal protecting portion, and include slopes that tilt in an exposed direction from inside to outside in the second direction on both sides in the second direction of the terminal protecting portion.