Connector Lock Structure for Storage Media

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic apparatuses fail to prevent data loss when a storage medium is unintentionally pulled out due to mechanical positioning tolerances, leading to disconnection and loss of information.

Innovation Solution

An electronic apparatus with a connector, first detector for electrical connection, second detector for physical contact, and circuitry to control a lock structure based on detector outputs, including an arm member that moves between lock and unlock positions to secure the storage medium, ensuring stable electrical connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a lock mechanism is used to mechanically position the storage medium, then the storage medium is prevented from being pulled out, but relative movement within tolerance ranges may still cause disconnection and data loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of storage medium ejectionVSAvoiddata loss due to disconnection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the purely mechanical lock mechanism with an electrical detection system. The detection mechanism uses electrical signals to monitor the connection state between the storage medium and the drive device, detecting whether the storage medium is properly connected based on electrical continuity rather than mechanical positioning. This substitution eliminates the problem of relative movement within mechanical tolerance ranges causing disconnection, as the electrical detection can accurately identify the connection state regardless of minor mechanical variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electrical detection mechanism as an intermediary between the mechanical lock and the data transfer process. This detection mechanism acts as a mediator that monitors the connection state and provides feedback to the control system, enabling the system to respond appropriately to connection status changes. The intermediary detection system bridges the gap between mechanical positioning and data integrity, ensuring that data transfer only occurs when proper electrical connection is confirmed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If mechanical locking is used to secure the storage medium, then ejection is prevented, but positional tolerances may still allow unintended disconnection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure ejection controlVSAvoidelectrical connection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the detection mechanism continuously monitors the electrical connection state and provides real-time feedback to the control system. Based on this feedback, the system can determine whether the storage medium is properly connected and adjust its operations accordingly. The feedback loop ensures that even if mechanical positioning varies within tolerance ranges, the system can detect and respond to connection status changes, maintaining reliable electrical connection for data transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes mechanical connection verification with electrical detection. Instead of relying on mechanical indicators of proper positioning, the system uses electrical continuity detection to verify the connection state. This substitution provides more accurate and reliable detection of the actual connection status, as electrical continuity directly indicates functional connectivity rather than just mechanical presence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If no detection mechanism is used, then the device structure remains simple, but data loss occurs when the storage medium is unintentionally pulled out

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelock structure simplicityVSAvoiddata loss during ejection
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical detection systems with simpler electrical detection mechanisms. The electrical detection system uses basic electrical continuity testing to determine connection status, which is inherently simpler than mechanical sensors or switches. This substitution maintains device simplicity while providing reliable detection of storage medium ejection, enabling the system to prevent data loss through straightforward electrical monitoring rather than complex mechanical means.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection mechanism utilizes the existing electrical connection infrastructure to perform self-detection of the connection state. The same electrical pathways used for data transfer also serve as the detection medium, eliminating the need for separate detection hardware. This self-service approach allows the system to monitor its own connection status using its existing electrical components, adding detection capability without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9261899B2Electronic apparatus
Publication Date: 2016.02.16 SONY GROUP CORP
  • US9261899B2 patent drawing
  • US9261899B2 patent drawing
  • US9261899B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic apparatus including a connector configured to electrically connect with a terminal of a second electronic device; a first detector configured to detect an electrical connection between the connector and the terminal; a second detector configured to detect physical contact between the connector and the terminal; and circuitry configured to control a lock structure based on outputs of the first and second detectors.