Compact eSATA USB Connector Socket with Shared Contact Seat

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing connector sockets for notebook computers, which incorporate both USB and eSATA interfaces, increase the thickness of the device, making it less compact and unmarketable due to the non-compatible and space-occupying nature of these interfaces.

Innovation Solution

A compact connector socket design that stacks eSATA and USB interfaces vertically within a single casing, with a shared contact seat and conductive contacts, allowing for secure mounting of either eSATA or USB plugs without exceeding the thickness of conventional single interface plugs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If USB and eSATA connector sockets are incorporated on a notebook computer, then both USB and eSATA interfaces are available, but the mounting space is occupied and other elements cannot be mounted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface availabilityVSAvoidmounting space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines USB and eSATA connector sockets into a single integrated connector socket structure. The shared casing and contact seat allow both USB and eSATA plugs to be connected through one unified interface, reducing the number of separate mounting spaces required while maintaining both interface functionalities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector socket is designed with multi-functionality to accommodate both USB and eSATA plugs. The contact seat includes contact groups that can interface with either USB or eSATA plug types, allowing a single connector socket to serve multiple interface purposes and increasing adaptability without proportionally increasing mounting space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If eSATA and USB connector sockets are stacked vertically, then both interfaces are integrated, but the thickness of the notebook computer increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface integrationVSAvoidthickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges eSATA and USB connector sockets into a single integrated structure with a shared casing and contact seat. This consolidation allows both interfaces to be accommodated within the thickness of a conventional single interface plug, avoiding the increased thickness that would result from vertical stacking while maintaining both interface functionalities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If separate USB and eSATA connector sockets are used, then each interface functions independently, but the connector socket occupies more mounting space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface independenceVSAvoidmounting space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines USB and eSATA connector sockets into a single integrated connector socket with a shared casing and contact seat. The contact seat includes distinct contact groups that maintain independent functionality for each interface type, ensuring reliable independent operation while reducing the total mounting space occupied compared to separate connector sockets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7371116B2Connector socket for eSATA and USB plugs

Publication Date: 2008.05.13 TAIWIN ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A connector socket for external serial ATA (eSATA) and universal serial bud (USB) plugs has a casing, an eSATA contact set and a USB contact set. The casing has a cavity defined in the casing, an inner rear surface and a contact seat formed on and extending forward from the inner rear surface. The eSATA contact set is mounted on the contact seat and has multiple eSATA contacts being conductive and mounted on the contact seat. The USB contact set is mounted on the contact seat opposite to the eSATA contact set and has multiple USB contacts being conductive and mounted on the contact seat. The connector socket having the single contact seat is compact.