Connector Switch Terminal for Signal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional USB and HDMI connectors lack a switch mechanism to activate or deactivate signal and power transmission circuits, limiting their functionality.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring an insulative housing with a base and tongue, a plurality of terminals, and a switch terminal with a mounting, contacting, and soldering section, which allows for the activation or deactivation of a circuit on a PCB based on the engagement of a corresponding plug connector, integrated within a metal shell for electromagnetic shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a switch terminal is added to enable selective activation of signal and power transmission circuits, then the functionality and control capability of the connector is improved, but the device complexity and structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switch terminal is integrated with the existing connector structure by mounting it within the insulative housing and positioning it to contact with the metal shell. The switch terminal's mounting section is secured in a mounting slot, its contacting section contacts the metal shell, and its soldering section connects to the PCB, merging the switching function into the existing connector assembly without requiring a completely separate control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal shell serves multiple functions: it provides electromagnetic shielding for the terminals, acts as a grounding element, and serves as the contact surface for the switch terminal's contacting section. This multi-functionality allows the switch mechanism to be implemented without adding dedicated components solely for switching, as the existing metal shell is repurposed to enable circuit activation/deactivation.
2Ease of operation
If a switch terminal with mounting, contacting and soldering sections is integrated into the connector, then the control capability over signal and power transmission is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switch terminal is divided into three distinct sections: a mounting section with a mounting tab for securing to the insulative housing, a contacting section for electrical contact with the metal shell, and a soldering section for connection to the PCB. This segmentation allows each section to be independently formed and positioned, facilitating modular assembly and simplifying the manufacturing process by enabling separate fabrication of functional elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch terminal is nested within the insulative housing structure, with its mounting section inserted into a mounting slot formed in the housing. This nesting approach allows the switch terminal to be integrated into the existing connector geometry without requiring additional external mounting structures, thereby simplifying assembly and reducing the number of discrete parts.
3Reliability
If the switch terminal is mounted movably in the open slot to contact the metal shell, then the reliability of circuit activation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switch terminal's movable mounting in the open slot allows it to automatically contact the metal shell through its own elastic deformation when the plug connector is inserted. The switch terminal itself provides the mechanical action needed for circuit activation without requiring external actuators, springs, or complex mechanical linkages, thereby achieving reliable circuit control through self-service mechanics.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector has an insulative housing, a plurality of terminals, switch terminal and a metal shell. The insulative housing has a base and a tongue. The base has a slit and an open slot communicating with the slit. The terminals are mounted in the base and the tongue of the tongue. The switch terminal is mounted in the slit and the open slot and has a mounting section, a contacting section and a soldering section. The mounting section is mounted securely in the slit. The contacting is mounted movably in the open slot. The metal shell covers the insulative housing. With the switch terminal, the connector is capable of activating and deactivating a circuit on a PCB for signal and power transmission depending whether a corresponding plug connector plugged into the connector.