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
Engineering 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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Data Source
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.


