Connector Unit for Mobile Apparatus Neck with Shock-Absorbing USB-C

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current connectors used in conference units, such as XLR connectors, lack the capability for high-speed digital data transmission while being robust enough to withstand mechanical loads, and their replacement is not ergonomic or efficient due to the need for soldering and threading.

Innovation Solution

A connector unit with a USB-C connector pair that allows for high-speed digital data transmission, featuring a housing with a positioning component that includes an elastic part for clearance and a linking component for flexible connection to a processing unit, ensuring stability and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a USB-C connector is used for high-speed digital data transmission, then data transmission speed is improved, but mechanical robustness deteriorates due to fragility under mechanical loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission speedVSAvoidmechanical robustness
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a shock-absorbing element between the USB-C connector and the housing that anticipates and cushions mechanical shocks and vibrations before they reach the connector. This protective mechanism allows the use of fragile USB-C connectors for high-speed data transmission while preventing mechanical damage from frequent插拔operations and external impacts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Strength

If an XLR connector is used for mechanical robustness, then durability is improved, but data transmission speed deteriorates as it does not support high-speed digital transmission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical robustnessVSAvoiddata transmission speed
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the mechanical connection function from the electrical connection function. The housing and shock-absorbing elements handle mechanical robustness and protection, while the USB-C connector handles high-speed data transmission. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If a threaded system is used for mechanical anchoring, then connection stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to time-consuming tightening

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidease of placement
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the static threaded anchoring system with a dynamic snap-fit mechanism that provides stable connection through elastic deformation. The shock-absorbing element's elasticity enables automatic engagement and secure anchoring without manual tightening, making the system both stable and easy to operate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If soldered connections are used for electrical linking, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates due to complexity of replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidease of connector replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the connector from the housing as replaceable modules. The connector with its shock-absorbing element can be independently removed and replaced without affecting the housing or requiring soldering work. This modular design maintains reliable electrical connections while dramatically simplifying repair and replacement operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

5Adaptability or versatility

If frequent removal and placement is performed, then adaptability is improved, but mechanical wear increases causing connector deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of replacementVSAvoidconnector lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The shock-absorbing element is designed to protect the connector during each插拔cycle, cushioning mechanical stresses before they reach the connector. This beforehand protection significantly reduces wear and extends the connector's lifespan, enabling frequent removal and placement operations without premature deterioration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component with lower cost than the housing. When the connector eventually wears out after many cycles, it can be replaced without replacing the entire assembly, making the system economically viable for frequent reconfiguration scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 and durable high-speed digital data transmission while being robust enough to handle mechanical loads and allowing for easy replacement without the need for soldering, improving ergonomic placement and removal of the connector unit.

Implementation Method 1

the positioning component comprises an elastic or resilient part, such that elastic compression of that part allows for clearance in the position of the electric connector component relative to the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic compression: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3745737B1Connector unit for mobile apparatus including neck
Publication Date: 2022.07.27 TELEVIC CONFERENCE NV
  • EP3745737B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3745737B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3745737B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Connector unit (100) for connecting a mobile apparatus (102) including neck (105) in a conference unit (101), comprising: - a housing (200) adapted for placing the neck (105) in the conference unit (101); - an electric connector component (201) forming a first element (208) of a connector pair (208, 220), and adapted for connecting to a second element (220) of the connector pair (208, 220) within the neck (105), wherein the connector pair (208, 220) is adapted for high-speed digital data transmission; - a positioning component (202) adapted for positioning the electric connector component (201) within the housing (200); - a linking component (203) adapted for electrically linking the electric connector component (201) to a processing unit (1000) within the conference unit (101).