Connector Plug Flange Groove Array Conductor Density

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Solution Overview

Problem

The length of traditional connectors increases when the number of conductors is increased, leading to a larger volume that is not suitable for miniaturized electronic devices, compromising their scale and reliability.

Innovation Solution

The connector design features n parallel flanges and grooves with conductors arranged between them, allowing for an increase in the number of conductors without increasing the connector length by providing arrays of conductors on the groove and flange faces, ensuring effective electrical contact and reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the number of conductors is increased in traditional connector design, then the electrical connection capability is improved, but the connector length increases and volume enlarges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of conductorsVSAvoidconnector length
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a traditional linear arrangement of conductors to a three-dimensional spatial configuration by introducing multiple flanges with conductors arranged on their surfaces. This dimensional change allows conductors to be distributed in space rather than sequentially along a line, enabling increased conductor count without proportional increase in connector length.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a nested structure where multiple flanges are arranged within the connector body, with conductors positioned on the surfaces of these flanges. The flanges themselves are nested within the overall connector structure, allowing compact packaging of multiple conductor arrays in a limited space volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Quantity of substance

If the number of conductors is increased in traditional connector design, then the electrical connection capability is improved, but the connector volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of conductorsVSAvoidconnector volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By arranging conductors on the surfaces of multiple flanges in three-dimensional space rather than in a single plane or linear sequence, the patent utilizes spatial dimensions efficiently. This allows a higher density of conductors within the same volume, reducing overall connector volume for a given conductor count.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple functional elements (flanges, conductor arrays, and support structures) into an integrated connector assembly. The flanges serve both as structural support and as mounting surfaces for conductors, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Quantity of substance

If multiple rows of conductors are arranged on both sides of flanges, then the conductor density is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconductor densityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the connector into multiple discrete flange units, each carrying a subset of conductors. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing where each flange can be prepared independently, then assembled into the final connector assembly, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite high conductor density.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flange structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: providing mechanical support, organizing conductors into arrays, and enabling electrical connections. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing processes while maintaining high conductor density.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2999055B1Connector plug and connector socket
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 XIAOMI INC
  • EP2999055B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2999055B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a connector plug (100, 300), a connector socket (200, 400) and a connector, which belongs to the connector field. In the connector, a plurality of parallel flanges (110, 310) and conductors between every two of the plurality of parallel flanges (110, 310) are additionally provided to the middle of the connector plug (100, 300); n parallel grooves (210, 410) and conductors between every two of the plurality of parallel grooves (210, 410) are additionally provided to the middle of the connector socket (200, 400); the plurality of flanges (110, 310) of the connector plug (100, 300) are inserted into the grooves (210, 410) of the connector socket (200, 400); and the mating face of the connector plug (100, 300) is in contact with the mating face of the connector socket (200, 400).