Asymmetric Connector for Wireless Module Orientation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems using radio waves with high directivity face reduced reception sensitivity due to installation position, requiring costly mechanisms to adjust the receiving device's direction.
Innovation Solution
A connector system with a plug and receptacle that allows connection in any direction, ensuring electrical contact regardless of orientation, thereby selecting the optimal communication direction and maintaining good communication conditions regardless of installation position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanism for adjusting the direction of the receiving device is provided to change the direction on the basis of reception sensitivity, then reception sensitivity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs asymmetric contact pad arrangements where the plug has contact pads positioned at specific locations and the receptacle has corresponding contact pads arranged asymmetrically to match. This asymmetric design ensures that only one rotational orientation (0 degrees) aligns all contact pads correctly, while other orientations (90, 180, 270 degrees) result in misalignment and connection failure, thereby eliminating the need for complex directional adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design allows the plug and receptacle to self-align through their asymmetric contact pad geometries. When inserted, the unique pattern of contact pads automatically guides the plug into the correct orientation without requiring external adjustment mechanisms, motors, or sensors to detect and correct misalignment, thus achieving self-service alignment.
2Reliability
If the plug is designed to connect in a fixed direction only, then connection reliability is improved, but adaptability to different installation positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector uses asymmetric contact pad layouts where the plug and receptacle have non-symmetric patterns of electrical contacts. This asymmetry creates a unique geometric keying system that permits reliable electrical connection in only one rotational orientation, ensuring connection reliability while the physical design accommodates various installation positions through the asymmetric geometry itself serving as the orientation reference.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a plug and a receptacle which are fitted to each other and is used to connect a wireless communication module to an electronic apparatus. The plug includes a plurality of contacts. When the plug is connected to the receptacle in any of the first and second directions which are symmetric with respect to the center of a junction surface with the receptacle, the plurality of contacts are connected to contacts of the receptacle.