Connector Module Detecting Member for Plug Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors lack a built-in detection mechanism to confirm the connection of external devices, especially when the system is in power-saving mode or when the devices do not actively exchange control signals, and existing plug detection designs often result in poor contact due to the need for a metal piece close to the connector, which complicates stacking and design.
Innovation Solution
A connector module with a detecting member on the connecting sidewall, electrically connected to a power terminal and signal processing unit, which changes potential upon plug connection, allowing the unit to detect the connection without requiring the metal piece to be close to the connector, enabling efficient detection and allowing for stacked configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal piece is disposed close to the connector to detect plug connection, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and design difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detecting member is integrated directly into the connector body structure, merging the detection function with the connection structure. This eliminates the need for separate metal pieces and complex circuit board arrangements, thereby maintaining detection reliability while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The detecting member acts as an intermediary element between the plug and the signal processing unit. It provides a dedicated detection interface that simplifies the overall structure by creating a direct detection path without requiring complex circuit board modifications or additional components.
2Reliability
If the circuit board is disposed closely to the connector opening to enable detection, then detection capability is improved, but stacking capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detecting member is merged with the connector body rather than being separate on the circuit board. This integration allows the detection function to be embedded within the connector structure itself, maintaining detection capability while preserving the ability to stack multiple connectors vertically without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection function is moved from a planar circuit board arrangement to a three-dimensional connector body structure. This dimensional transition allows detection functionality to coexist with stacking requirements by utilizing the vertical space within the connector body rather than requiring extended circuit board area.
3Measurement precision
If direct contact between plug and detecting member is implemented, then detection precision is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detecting member is designed with a universal detection surface that can accommodate various plug types and connection positions. This multi-functional design reduces the need for extremely precise alignment by providing a larger, more tolerant contact area that maintains detection precision across different manufacturing variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector body structure provides mechanical guidance and positioning features that pre-align the plug with the detecting member before contact is made. This preliminary alignment cushioning reduces the impact of manufacturing tolerances and ensures reliable detection without requiring extremely tight manufacturing precision.
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
Enables reliable connection detection for various types of plugs, including male and female connectors, without compromising design flexibility or contact quality, and allows for efficient space utilization by allowing the connector modules to be stacked.
Implementation Method 1
The detecting member is electrically connected to a power terminal and a signal processing unit of the detecting device, and has a potential. When the plug is connected to the connecting port, the plug contacts the detecting member to change the potential, and the signal processing unit can detect the change of the potential to confirm that the electronic device is connected to the connector module.
Data Source
AI summary
A detecting device is used to detect the connection of an electronic device. The detecting device includes a circuit board and a connector module. The circuit board includes a power terminal and a signal processing unit. The connector module includes a body and a detecting member. The body has a connecting port and a connecting sidewall. The detecting member is disposed on the connecting sidewall and electrically connected to the power terminal and the signal processing unit, and it has a potential. When a plug of the electronic device is connected to the connecting port, the plug contacts the detecting member to change the potential. The change of the potential is detected by the signal processing unit such that the connection between the electronic device and the connector module is confirmed.