Audio Jack Connector Noise-Free Insertion via Elastic Switch Terminal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional audio jack connectors often result in noise issues when an audio plug is inserted due to misalignment of conductive terminals, leading to incomplete electrical contact.

Innovation Solution

The audio jack connector design features an insulating housing with conductive terminals and a switch terminal assembly, including an elastic arm and insulating block, ensuring proper alignment and contact through an inclined surface, preventing noise by ensuring complete electrical conduction upon insertion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the audio plug connector pushes against the first switch terminal to form electrical conduction, then electrical connection is established, but some conductive terminals fail to contact corresponding docking positions causing noise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical conductionVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive terminals are pre-positioned to elastically project into the insertion hole and contact the docking positions of the audio plug connector before the switch terminal assembly is actuated. This preliminary contact ensures that all conductive terminals are properly aligned and connected before electrical conduction is established, preventing noise during the insertion process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is divided into functionally independent components: conductive terminals for signal transmission and a switch terminal assembly for electrical conduction control. The conductive terminals are positioned independently within the insertion hole, allowing them to contact docking positions separately from the switch terminal actuation, ensuring noise-free operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the contact portions of conductive terminals are positioned to contact docking positions, then complete electrical contact is achieved, but the switch terminal assembly becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical conductionVSAvoidswitch terminal assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating block serves as an intermediary component between the switch terminal assembly and the insertion hole. It provides structural support and positioning for the switch terminal assembly while allowing the conductive terminals to independently contact the docking positions, thus managing complexity without compromising reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If the insulating block with inclined surface is used to guide the audio plug connector, then proper alignment is achieved, but the overall structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovealignmentVSAvoidinsulating block structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating block incorporates an inclined surface that guides the audio plug connector into proper alignment during insertion. This curved or angled surface provides automatic alignment functionality, ensuring that the conductive terminals contact the docking positions accurately without requiring additional alignment mechanisms, thus managing structural complexity while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This design ensures noise-free insertion by ensuring all conductive terminals make contact with the audio plug, eliminating noise issues and providing reliable electrical conduction.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic arm connected with the first fixing portion. A tail end of the elastic arm is connected with a first touch portion extending sideward

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

Each of the plurality of the conductive terminals has a contact portion. The contact portions of the plurality of the conductive terminals elastically project into the insertion hole and are capable of abutting against corresponding docking positions of the audio plug connector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10128585B1Audio jack connector

Publication Date: 2018.11.13 CHENG UEI PRECISION IND CO LTD

AI summary

An audio jack connector includes an insulating housing, a plurality of conductive terminals fastened to the insulating housing, and a switch terminal assembly mounted to the insulating housing. The switch terminal assembly includes a first switch terminal having an elastic arm, and a second switch terminal. A tail end of the elastic arm is connected with a first touch portion. A connecting portion connected between the tail end of the elastic arm and the first touch portion is fastened with an insulating block. The second switch terminal has a second touch portion. An audio plug connector is inserted into the audio jack connector. After contact portions of the plurality of the conductive terminals contact corresponding docking positions of the audio plug connector, the audio plug connector pushes against the insulating block to move downward to make the first touch portion abut against the second touch portion.