Illuminated Electrical Connector Waveguide Visibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

In poorly lit environments, such as inside a car, it is difficult to locate the USB connector for inserting electronic devices due to the lack of visibility in darkness.

Innovation Solution

An electrical connector assembly featuring a waveguide around the front mating portion and an illumination device, such as an LED, is integrated to provide lighting that is conducted through the waveguide to illuminate the connector's position, enhancing visibility in low-light conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a USB connector is installed in a car dashboard, then it enables electronic device connectivity, but it becomes difficult to locate in dark environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector functionalityVSAvoidconnector visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The waveguide is made translucent/transparent and illuminated to change its visual state from invisible to visible, allowing users to easily locate the connector position in dark environments while maintaining its functional design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If an illumination device is added to illuminate the connector, then visibility improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector visibilityVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination device and waveguide are integrated into a unified structure where the waveguide serves dual purposes as both a structural component and a light-conducting element, reducing overall device complexity while achieving effective illumination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The waveguide acts as an intermediary between the illumination device and the external environment, efficiently conducting light from the LED to illuminate the connector area while keeping the illumination source concealed within the connector housing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The integration of a waveguide and illumination source allows for easier access and identification of the USB connector in dark environments, improving usability and convenience for users.

Implementation Method 1

a waveguide disposed near the front mating portion of the connector subassembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight conduction: Optical Fibre

Data Source

PatentUS7744231B2Electrical connector with illumination waveguide

Publication Date: 2010.06.29 HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO LTD

AI summary

An electrical connector including a connector subassembly having a front mating portion and a waveguide disposed around the front mating portion of the connector subassembly. The waveguide may alternatively be disposed near the front mating portion of the connector subassembly and an illumination device is provided at the side portion of the connector subassembly adjacent to the waveguide for coupling light emanating therefrom onto a portion of the waveguide which in turn conducts the light to illuminate at least a front end of the waveguide. The connector subassembly may further cooperate with a bezel having a frame and an opening. The frame retains the connector subassembly in position with the front mating portion of connector subassembly extending to the opening. The waveguide is then configured to have a front portion disposed between a rim portion of the opening and the front mating portion of the connector subassembly.