Detachable Cover Structure for Docking Cable Contact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Exposed metal conductive portions in flexible printed circuit connectors are prone to damage and user contact, posing reliability and safety risks during docking.
Innovation Solution
A detachable protection cover is integrated with the connection cable to shield the conductive portions, which can be slidably coupled to the insulation seat and detached upon docking to reveal the conductive portions for connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the conductive portions are exposed to enable electrical connections, then the connection functionality is improved, but the risk of accidental damage and user safety hazards increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protection cover is divided into multiple sliding covers (first sliding cover and second sliding cover) that can move independently along the insulation seat. Each sliding cover corresponds to specific conductive portions, allowing selective exposure and protection of different conductive areas during docking operations
Solution Approach 2:
The protection cover transitions from a static protective barrier to a dynamic component that can slide between protected and exposed states. The sliding mechanism allows the protection cover to automatically reveal conductive portions when pushed by the dock connector during docking, while maintaining protection during normal use
2Reliability
If a protection cover is added to shield the conductive portions, then the safety and durability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protection cover is integrated with the insulation seat through sliding engagement features including grooves, protrusions, and elastic components. The sliding covers are combined with the protection cover body, creating a unified protective assembly that moves as a single unit while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic component automatically pushes the sliding covers to return to their initial protected position after docking operations. The self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention to restore protection, reducing operational complexity while maintaining safety
3Ease of operation
If the protection cover is made detachable to allow easy exposure during docking, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of protection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic component acts as an intermediary force that continuously pushes the sliding covers toward the protected position. This intermediary mechanism ensures the protection cover reliably returns to its protective state after docking, maintaining protection reliability without requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding engagement features including grooves and protrusions create preliminary mechanical constraints that prevent the sliding covers from moving beyond their intended range. This preliminary anti-action ensures the protection cover remains reliably engaged with the insulation seat while allowing controlled movement for exposure
Data Source
AI summary
A connection cable (1) includes an insulation seat (10), a circuit board (20) and a protection cover (30). The insulation seat (10) includes a main body (11) formed with a slot (110) and a conduction opening (111). The conduction opening (111) is connected to the slot (110) and located on the bottom side of the main body (11). The circuit board (20) includes a substrate (21) and a plurality of conductive portions (22) disposed on the substrate (21). The substrate (21) is inserted in the slot (110). The conductive portions (22) are exposed from the conduction opening (111). The protection cover (30) is combined on the main body (11) to shield the conduction opening (111). The protection cover (30) is pushed by the dock connector (2) to expose the conduction opening (111) and to be separated from the main body (11).