Compressible Conductor Data Interface for Electronic Locks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data interface assemblies for electronic locks face issues with unreliable soldered joints due to mechanical loads and moisture damage, and often experience malfunctions from pinched wires and require waterproofing.
Innovation Solution
A data interface assembly featuring a contact and a data port spaced apart with a compressible conductor body that is electrically coupled, and a fluid-impermeable cover to prevent moisture ingress, ensuring reliable data transmission and protection from mechanical loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the data port is directly soldered to the PCB contact, then the electrical connection is simple and direct, but the soldered joints become unreliable under mechanical loads and the PCB integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A conductor is introduced as an intermediary component between the data port and the PCB contact. This conductor absorbs the mechanical loads and protects the PCB from direct mechanical stress, while still providing reliable electrical connection. The conductor acts as a mediator that decouples the mechanical and electrical functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible conductor that can accommodate mechanical movements and stresses. The flexible nature of the conductor allows it to maintain electrical connection while absorbing mechanical loads, preventing damage to the rigid PCB structure.
2Reliability
If wires, prongs, or springs are used to connect the data port with the PCB contact, then mechanical loading of the contact is eliminated, but malfunctions occur due to pinched wires and waterproofing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of electrical connection and mechanical support into a single integrated conductor component. This eliminates the need for separate waterproofing measures and complex interface arrangements, while maintaining reliable electrical connection and eliminating pinched wire issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connection, absorbs mechanical loads, and acts as a waterproof barrier. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional waterproofing components and simplifies the overall interface arrangement.
3Strength
If the data port is spaced from the contact, then mechanical loading is reduced, but the connection requires additional components and waterproofing
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the spaced data port and contact. It maintains electrical connection while accommodating the spacing, eliminating the need for additional waterproofing components and simplifying the interface assembly.
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
The solution provides reliable electrical connections, prevents moisture damage, and accommodates varying spacing distances between the data port and contact, ensuring consistent functionality and protection against electrostatic discharge.
Implementation Method 1
a conductor configured to electrically couple the data port and the contact. The conductor has a body disposed at least partially between the data port and the contact such that data is transmissible between the data port and the contact through the conductor body
Implementation Method 2
The conductor body has sufficient resistance so as to be configured to snub electrostatic charge
Implementation Method 3
The conductor body is either generally compressed between or generally compressible between the data port and the contact
Implementation Method 4
The conductor body is either generally compressed between or generally compressible between the data port and the contact
Implementation Method 5
a generally fluid impermeable cover disposed at least partially over the base mounting surface so as to generally cover the control and the contact. The cover is configured to generally prevent moisture from contacting the control and the contact
Data Source
AI summary
An interface assembly is for an electronic device including a base and a control on the base and includes a contact on the base and coupled with the control and a data port spaced from the contact. A conductor is disposed between the data port and the contact such that data is transmissible between the data port and the contact through the conductor. The conductor is generally compressed or/and compressible between the data port and the contact and is formed of a conductive carbon material. The data port is spaced from the contact by a distance within a range of values, and the conductor provides a conductive path between the data port and the contact at each spacing distance value. A fluid impermeable cover is disposed over the base and covers the control and the contact to prevent moisture from contacting these components, with the conductor extending through the cover.