Configurable Lighted Connector with Dynamic Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication connectors in electronic devices are inflexible and pre-colored, making it difficult to reconfigure them without increasing cost and size, and complicating connectivity when additional peripherals are added.
Innovation Solution
A configurable communication connector with a light source and interconnects that emit illumination to indicate the correct connection for peripheral components, allowing users to easily identify and connect the appropriate ports, reducing the number of jacks needed and freeing up device space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If communication connectors are reconfigured to reduce the number of jacks, then device size and cost are reduced, but the pre-colored indicators no longer correspond to the new communication functions
Solution Approach 1:
The connector housing transitions from a static pre-colored design to a dynamic illuminated design. The housing includes illumination means that can be activated to display color codes corresponding to the current communication function of each jack, allowing the indicators to adapt when jacks are reconfigured through software without requiring physical repainting or replacement of the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
An illumination system acts as an intermediary between the reconfigurable jack and the user. When a jack's function is changed via software, the corresponding illumination means displays the appropriate color code to indicate the new function, mediating the communication between the internal reconfiguration and the external user interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional communication connectors are added to support more peripherals, then functionality is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device is designed with jacks that can perform multiple functions through software reconfiguration. Instead of adding separate dedicated jacks for each peripheral type (USB, IEEE 1394, audio, etc.), the system uses a smaller number of universal jacks that can be dynamically assigned to different communication protocols and functions, reducing the total number of physical connectors needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If communication connectors are made reconfigurable through software, then adaptability is improved, but the visual indicators become inaccurate when functions change
Solution Approach 1:
The visual indication system is made dynamic through illumination means that can change color based on the current function assignment. When software reconfigures a jack's function, the corresponding illumination means is updated to display the appropriate color code, ensuring the visual information remains accurate and synchronized with the actual connector function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback between the software configuration and the visual indication system. When a jack's function is modified through software, the change is communicated to the illumination means, which then displays the corresponding color code, providing continuous feedback to the user about the current state of each connector.
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
Simplifies connectivity, reduces device cost and size by allowing for flexible configuration of connectors, and frees up space for additional circuits, making it easier for users to connect peripherals correctly.
Implementation Method 1
The light source is disposed in the housing and is operable to emit illumination
Data Source
AI summary
A communication connector, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, includes an insulative housing having a cylindrical opening, a light source, and a first and second electrical interconnect. The insulative housing includes a body portion and a head portion. The cylindrical opening extends through the head portion and partially into the body portion of the insulative housing. The light source is disposed in the insulative housing proximate the head portion. The first electrical interconnect includes a terminal portion for fixedly connecting the communication connector to a device and a contact portion comprising a resilient conductive element disposed in the cylindrical opening for engaging a mating communication connector. The second electrical interconnect couples an indicator signal to the light source.