Asymmetrical Connector Unit Preventing Incorrect Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing connector designs for liquid crystal display (LCD) devices are prone to incorrect insertion, leading to potential pin bending or short circuits due to their symmetrical shape, which complicates the perception of connection direction.

Innovation Solution

A connector unit with asymmetrical fixing protrusions and grooves on both the first and second connectors, allowing for easy orientation and secure connection, preventing incorrect insertion and enhancing product reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If symmetrical connector shape is used, then manufacturing is simplified and cost is reduced, but connection direction cannot be easily perceived leading to incorrect insertion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by providing fixing protrusions at different positions on the first and second connectors. Specifically, the first connector has fixing protrusions at positions different from those on the second connector, creating an asymmetric configuration that allows easy perception of connection direction while maintaining manufacturing simplicity. This resolves the contradiction by enabling correct orientation identification without requiring complex symmetric designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Device complexity

If symmetrical connector shape is used, then device complexity is reduced, but incorrect insertion may occur causing pin bending or short circuits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector structure complexityVSAvoidmechanical damage and electrical shorts
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The asymmetric positioning of fixing protrusions on the first and second connectors creates a directional guide that prevents incorrect insertion. The protrusions engage with corresponding grooves only in the correct orientation, physically blocking wrong-way insertion before pins can bend or short circuits can occur. This maintains low device complexity while eliminating harmful effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Reliability

If asymmetrical fixing protrusions are added to prevent incorrect insertion, then connection reliability is improved, but connector structure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidconnector structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements asymmetry through minimal structural modifications - simply positioning fixing protrusions at different locations on the first versus second connector. This asymmetric arrangement provides reliable directional guidance and prevention of incorrect insertion while adding minimal structural complexity. The solution achieves high reliability through simple positional differentiation rather than complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS8715014B2Connector unit and display device having the same
Publication Date: 2014.05.06 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US8715014B2 patent drawing
  • US8715014B2 patent drawing
  • US8715014B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A connector unit is connectable to a printed circuit board (“PCB”) and includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector includes a first connector body having a receiving hole at one side, and a first terminal part disposed inside the receiving hole. The second connector includes a second connector body, and first and second fixing protrusions. The second connector body has a second terminal part formed at a first side. The second terminal part is inserted in the receiving hole, and is electrically connected to the first terminal part. First and second fixing protrusions are disposed at top and bottom surfaces of the second connector body, and are fixed to upper and lower edges of the receiving hole.