Elastic Plug Hole Connector for Angular Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connector modules for electronic devices face challenges in securely connecting power adaptors with varying rated voltages, as they often require precise alignment and risk damage during insertion and detachment.

Innovation Solution

A connector module design featuring a first connector with a plug hole and elastic elements, allowing the second connector's connecting portion to be inserted at any angle, with elastic restoring forces ensuring secure contact and easy detachment, and enabling 360-degree rotation without damaging the connectors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the connecting portion is inserted into the plug hole with precise alignment, then reliable electrical contact is achieved, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical contact reliabilityVSAvoidinsertion operation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The plug hole is designed with elastic properties that allow its shape and size to change dynamically. During insertion, the elastic plug hole deforms to accommodate the connecting portion, then restores to create secure contact. This parameter change enables both easy insertion (by deforming) and reliable contact (by restoring), resolving the contradiction between operation ease and contact reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The connector system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic elastic interaction. The plug hole's elastic deformation during insertion and subsequent restoration creates a self-adjusting connection mechanism that guides the connecting portion into proper alignment automatically, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment while ensuring reliable electrical contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If the connecting portion is firmly restrained in the plug hole, then connection stability is improved, but detachment becomes difficult and may cause damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoiddetachment ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic plug hole creates a periodic interaction during connection and detachment. During insertion, the elastic material deforms and then restores to grip the connecting portion securely. During detachment, applying force reverses the deformation cycle, allowing the connecting portion to be pulled out smoothly when the elastic restoring force is overcome. This periodic elastic deformation enables both stable connection and easy detachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic plug hole acts as a cushioning element that absorbs insertion forces and provides controlled resistance during detachment. The elastic deformation beforehand prevents sudden impacts or excessive forces that could damage the connectors, while still maintaining stable connection during normal use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Strength

If the plug hole has a small opening, then the connecting portion is securely held, but insertion becomes difficult and may cause deformation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholding strengthVSAvoidinsertion ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The plug hole's effective opening size changes dynamically during insertion. The elastic material allows the opening to expand temporarily to accommodate the connecting portion, then contracts to secure it. This parameter change enables easy insertion (expanded state) and secure holding (contracted state), resolving the contradiction between holding strength and insertion ease

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design ensures reliable and secure electrical contact between the first and second electrodes while allowing easy insertion and detachment, reducing the risk of damage and accommodating various angular orientations.

Implementation Method 1

the edge of the plug hole deforms and expands outwards, so the connecting portion of the second connector can be pushed into the plug hole

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the edge of the plug hole generates an elastic restoring force to make the plug hole restore, and the plug hole wraps the connecting portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic restoring force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8506318B2Connector module and electronic device using the same

Publication Date: 2013.08.13 ASUSTEK COMPUTER INC

AI summary

A connector module includes a first connector, a first electrode, a second connector and a second electrode. The first connector has a plug hole. The first electrode is disposed in the plug hole. The second connector has a connecting portion. A projecting area of the connecting portion is larger than that area of the plug hole. The second electrode is disposed at the connecting portion. When the connecting portion is disposed in the first connector, the first electrode contacts the second electrode and an inner wall of the plug hole restrains the connecting portion from detaching from the plug hole. An electronic device with the connector module is also disclosed herein.