Adapter Clamping Structure for Stable Plug-to-Interface Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adapters for expanding electronic device interfaces are prone to loose connections, leading to failure, and are susceptible to damage when the device is moved, causing the plug to break and potentially damaging the interface.

Innovation Solution

An adapter design featuring inclined fixing plates that form a clamping slot to securely hold the electronic device's interface, distributing force to prevent separation and damage, with options for adhesive, snap-fit, screw, or welding fixation, and accommodating various interface types such as USB-Type-C, USB-Type-B, TF card, audio, and HDMI.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a plug is fixedly connected to the interface, then the connection is stable, but the adapter is easy to be bumped and the plug is easy to be broken

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidplug strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is segmented into a body and a separate connecting structure with fixing plates. This separation allows the connecting structure to absorb impact forces independently, protecting the plug from breaking while maintaining stable connection through the fixed fixing plates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing plates act as intermediaries between the plug and the interface. They provide a robust mounting structure that distributes mechanical stress away from the plug, preventing plug breakage during bumping while ensuring reliable connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the plug is fixedly connected to the interface, then connection stability is improved, but the plug is susceptible to damage from excessive force during movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidimpact damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing plates are designed to protrude from the adapter body, creating a protective structure before impact occurs. This beforehand cushioning absorbs and distributes impact forces, preventing excessive force from reaching the plug during accidental bumping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Device complexity

If a simple plug connection is used, then the adapter structure is simple, but the connection is easy to get loose and cause connection failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadapter structureVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting structure merges the plug mounting function with additional fixing plates that provide both mechanical support and connection stability. This combination maintains relative structural simplicity while preventing connection loosening through the clamping action of the fixing plates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3675293B1adapter
Publication Date: 2024.05.08 GUANGDONG GOPOD GRP HLDG CO LTD
  • EP3675293B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3675293B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3675293B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to the technical field of adapters, and provides a connecting structure comprising: a connecting plate that has an abutting surface abutting with an electronic device and a fixing surface abutting with an adapter; a first fixing plate arranged at one end of the connecting plate, the first fixing plate protruding towards the electronic device from the abutting surface; and a second fixing plate arranged at the other end of the connecting plate, the second fixing plate protruding towards the electronic device from the abutting surface, wherein the second fixing plate is arranged opposite to the first fixing plate, an accommodating slot for receiving an end of the electronic device having an interface is formed among the first fixing plate, the second fixing plate and the connecting plate, and the accommodating slot is fitted at the end of the electronic device having an interface; and the connecting plate is provided with a plug hole through which a plug passes and the plug protrudes towards the electronic device. The present invention further provides an adapter comprising the connecting structure as described above. The connecting structure and the adapter provided in the present invention reinforce the connection force between the plug and the interface, thus reducing the possibility of separation and preventing the plug from being broken.