Plug-In Connector Authentication Using Integrated ID Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Counterfeit plug-in connectors can compromise the safety and functionality of electric devices by failing to meet application-specific requirements, potentially leading to device damage and health risks.
Innovation Solution
A plug-in connector design that incorporates an electric identification device with a unique identifier, which is read via an output terminal to authenticate the OEM parts, ensuring that only genuine components are used.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electric identification device is added to authenticate OEM parts, then the reliability of the plug-in connector is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric identification device is integrated within the housing of the plug-in connector, with the circuit board extending into terminal receiving cavities. This nesting approach embeds the authentication functionality within the existing connector structure, adding reliability through authentication while minimizing increases in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board serves multiple functions: it provides structural support within the housing, establishes electrical connections through contact areas, and enables authentication through the unique identifier. By making the identification device multi-functional, the patent improves reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Weight of moving object
If the circuit board is made smaller to reduce weight, then the weight of the plug-in connector is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board is designed with specific local features: contact areas positioned at precise locations within terminal receiving cavities, and a U-shape configuration that optimizes both size and contact reliability. This localized optimization allows the board to be smaller while maintaining necessary precision through targeted design features rather than uniformly increasing precision across the entire board.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a plug-in connector including a housing having at least two contact terminals received in adjacent terminal receiving cavities. An electric identification device is arranged in the housing and adapted to simultaneously contact the at least two terminals. The electric identification device including a unique identifier, wherein one of the at least two terminals is an output terminal of the identification device, and wherein the unique identifier of the electric identification device is adapted to be read out via the output terminal for authenticating an original equipment manufacturer's parts, such as a plug-in authenticator.