eSATA Connector Integrating Power Contacts on Side Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing eSATA connectors for external data storage devices require separate power connections, complicating interconnection and usability by necessitating additional connectors beyond the data connection.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design that integrates power contacts onto the side surfaces of a dielectric housing with a tongue, allowing for both signal and power transmission through a single connector without altering its physical dimensions, with power contacts oriented non-coplanar to signal contacts and flush with the side surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If separate power connections are provided in addition to data connection, then power delivery capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines data transmission and power delivery functions into a single connector assembly. The connector integrates both data contacts and power contacts within one housing structure, eliminating the need for separate data and power connectors. This merging approach maintains full power delivery capability while reducing overall system complexity by consolidating multiple connection functions into one unified interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously provides data transmission and power delivery capabilities. By incorporating both data contacts and power contacts within the same connector housing, the device achieves universal functionality, allowing a single connector to replace what would traditionally require separate specialized connectors for data and power.
2Power
If power contacts are added to eSATA connector, then power delivery capability is improved, but physical dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the third dimension (vertical depth) of the connector housing to accommodate power contacts. Instead of expanding the connector footprint in the horizontal plane, power contacts are positioned along the depth dimension of the housing, allowing them to be recessed within the existing external dimensions. This dimensional approach enables power delivery capability without increasing the connector's external area.
Solution Approach 2:
The power contacts are nested within the existing connector housing structure. Rather than adding external protrusions that would increase the connector's physical dimensions, the power contacts are positioned inside the housing cavity, utilizing the internal volume of the existing structure. This nesting approach allows integration of additional functionality while maintaining the original external form factor.
3Ease of manufacture
If power contacts are positioned on side surfaces, then ease of manufacture is improved, but contact arrangement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector contacts are segmented into distinct functional groups positioned on different surfaces of the housing. Data contacts are arranged on the upper surface while power contacts are positioned on side surfaces. This segmentation allows each contact group to be manufactured and positioned independently, simplifying the manufacturing process by enabling separate assembly operations for data and power contacts rather than requiring complex integrated positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes a dielectric housing having a tongue including an upper surface, a lower surface, and opposite side surfaces. A plurality of signal contacts are held by the housing and are exposed along the upper surface. At least one power contact is held by the housing and is exposed along one of the opposite side surfaces. Optionally, the tongue and signal contacts define an eSATA mating interface configured for mating with a plug of a serial cable defining an eSATA plug interface.