Connector With Movable Protection Protrusion For Multi-Directional Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies for electronic devices are limited in design flexibility due to a fixed attachment direction, requiring a large structure for guiding attachment, which restricts the number of attachable directions and increases the size of the extension unit.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly featuring a supporting member, a movable member with a protection protrusion, and a contact that moves downward when a force is applied along an intersecting direction, allowing attachment in multiple directions while protecting the contact from buckling and enabling the extension unit to be designed more flexibly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a large-sized structure is used to guide attachment in a predetermined direction, then the attachment guidance function is improved, but the design flexibility and size of the extension unit deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the attachment guidance function from a large-sized structural guide and relocates it to a small-sized protection protrusion on the connector. This allows the extension unit to have a compact structure while still providing effective attachment guidance through the protection protrusion that protrudes from the connector housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection protrusion acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the connector and the electronic equipment. It provides attachment guidance and protection without requiring a large-sized guide structure, enabling flexible design while maintaining proper attachment orientation.
2Reliability
If the contact portion is exposed on the reference surface, then the electrical connection function is improved, but the contact portion becomes vulnerable to buckling and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by positioning the contact portion inward of the protection protrusion before any harmful force can reach it. The protection protrusion serves as a first line of defense that absorbs or redirects forces before they can affect the contact portion, preventing buckling while maintaining electrical connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection protrusion provides beforehand cushioning by being positioned to receive and absorb external forces before they can transmit to the contact portion. This cushioning effect protects the fragile contact portion from buckling and damage during attachment or handling operations.
3Device complexity
If the connector has a fixed attachment direction, then the structure is simplified, but the number of attachable directions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The protection protrusion serves multiple functions: it provides attachment guidance, protects the contact portion from damage, and enables flexible positioning. This multi-functional element allows the connector to accommodate various attachment directions and configurations without increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic positioning capability through the protection protrusion, which can be positioned at different locations on the connector housing. This allows the connector to adapt to different attachment directions and orientations while maintaining a simple overall structure, enabling the extension unit to support multiple electronic equipment attachments.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector comprises a supporting member, a movable member and a contact. The movable member is supported by the supporting member so as to be movable in an up-down direction. The movable member is provided with a reference surface and a protection protrusion. The protection protrusion protrudes upward from the reference surface in the up-down direction. The protection protrusion is provided with a protection portion. The contact has a contact portion. The contact portion protrudes upward through the reference surface of the movable member in the up-down direction. The contact portion is positioned inward of the protection portion in a front-rear direction perpendicular to the up-down direction. The movable member moves the contact portion of the contact downward in the up-down direction when a force along an intersecting direction is applied to the protection portion. The intersecting direction intersects with the up-down direction. When the force is released, the movable member is moved upward in the up-down direction together with the contact portion of the contact.