Differential Pair Connector With Shared Reference Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plugs for transmitting differential signals in motor vehicles are bulky and complex to assemble due to the need for separate contact elements for current feedback, leading to increased space requirements and assembly complexity.
Innovation Solution
A compact plug design with a flat or thin base featuring elongated, electrically insulated differential pair contact elements, where a single reference potential contact element provides current feedback for all contact pairs, eliminating the need for separate feedback elements and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate contact elements are provided for each contact pair to return current, then reliable current feedback is achieved, but plug volume and assembly complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the current feedback function from multiple separate contact elements into a single shared reference potential contact element. This single element serves all differential pairs by providing a common reference potential, thereby reducing plug volume while maintaining reliable current feedback through the shared reference connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference potential contact element performs a universal function by serving multiple differential pairs simultaneously. Instead of being dedicated to a single contact pair, this single element provides current feedback for all differential pairs by establishing a common reference potential, achieving multi-functionality and space efficiency.
2Reliability
If separate contact elements are provided for each contact pair to return current, then complete current feedback is achieved, but assembly complexity increases due to multiple connection points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate connection points into a single connection point for the reference potential. By merging all current feedback paths through one shared contact element, the assembly process is simplified while maintaining complete current feedback for all differential pairs through the unified reference connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The single reference potential contact element provides universal current feedback for all differential pairs, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated connection points. This multi-functional element reduces assembly complexity by requiring only one connection point while ensuring complete current feedback through its universal serving of all pairs.
3Reliability
If multiple separate reference potential contact elements are used, then each differential pair has dedicated current feedback, but plug compactness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate reference potential contact elements into a single shared element. This consolidation maintains plug compactness by reducing the number of components, while dedicated current feedback is preserved through the shared reference potential that serves all differential pairs simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The single reference potential contact element achieves multi-functionality by providing dedicated current feedback for multiple differential pairs simultaneously. This universal element maintains plug compactness while ensuring each differential pair has its own feedback path through the shared reference connection.
Data Source
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AI summary
One aspect of the invention relates to a plug (10) for connecting to a plug socket (40) for establishing an electrical connection between the plug (10) and the plug socket (40) in a motor vehicle, comprising: - a plug base (12); - a plurality of plug-side differential pair contact elements (14) for establishing the electrical connection with the plug socket (40), wherein the plurality of plug-side differential pair contact elements (14) is arranged on the plug base (12) and wherein each pair of the plurality of plug-side differential pair contact elements (14) is configured to conduct an electrical differential signal;and - an electrically conductive reference potential contact element (11, 24) for establishing an electrical connection with an electrical reference potential, wherein the reference potential contact element (11, 24) is electrically insulated from the plurality of plug-side differential pair contact elements (14) on the plug socket (12);