Expandable Cable Overmold for Secure Multi-Port Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional device cables rely solely on friction to maintain connections with device ports, which can lead to loose connections and signal interference due to degradation over time, especially with frequent use.
Innovation Solution
An expandable overmold with an expansion mechanism and tensioning mechanism that adjusts to fit various port configurations, applying tension to surrounding connectors for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cables rely solely on friction to maintain connection, then the structure is simple, but the connection security degrades over time with frequent use
Solution Approach 1:
The overmold is designed to be dynamically expandable from a compressed state to an expanded state. The expansion mechanism allows the overmold to adapt its size based on engagement requirements, providing enhanced connection security when expanded and maintaining simplicity when compressed. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction by offering enhanced reliability only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion mechanism is nested within the overmold structure, with the overmold enveloping the connector body and the expansion mechanism contained within the overmold. This nesting approach allows the complex expansion mechanism to be integrated into the overall connector structure without significantly increasing external complexity, while still providing enhanced connection security.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the overmold is expanded to accommodate various port configurations, then the adaptability increases, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable overmold serves multiple functions: it provides connection security through expansion, accommodates various port configurations and orientations, and maintains a compact form when not in use. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by achieving high adaptability through a single versatile component rather than requiring multiple specialized components for different configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The overmold's physical parameters (size, shape) are changed dynamically through the expansion mechanism. By altering the overmold's dimensions from compressed to expanded state, the connector can adapt to different port configurations. This parameter change approach allows a single overmold design to serve multiple configurations without requiring multiple manufacturing processes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the overmold applies tension to surrounding cables, then the connection stability improves, but the force required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion mechanism applies preliminary outward force against the surrounding housing or port structure upon engagement. This preliminary anti-action prevents the connector from becoming loose or disconnected by counteracting potential displacement forces before they can cause connection failure. The tension is applied in advance to maintain connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion mechanism creates a counterbalancing force by expanding outward against the housing or port structure. This counterforce opposes any forces that might cause the connector to become loose or disconnect, providing stability. The outward expansion force acts as a counterweight to the inward pulling forces that might occur during use.
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
Enhances connection security and reliability, minimizing signal interference by dynamically adjusting to fit different port orientations and applying tension to maintain cables in place.
Implementation Method 1
The expansion mechanism may comprise an accordion shape and made of a spring or elastic element
Implementation Method 2
The expansion mechanism may comprise an accordion shape and made of a spring or elastic element
Implementation Method 3
The expansion mechanism may comprise an accordion shape and made of a spring or elastic element
Implementation Method 4
Typical device cables rely solely on friction to maintain the connection between the cable and the device port
Implementation Method 5
a tensioning mechanism for applying outward tension on an external surface
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are system, apparatus, article of manufacture, and/or method embodiments, and/or combinations and sub-combinations thereof, of an expandable overmold for a device connector such as an HDMI or USB-C connector. An example embodiment of the overmold includes an expandable connector body, an expansion mechanism for expanding the connector body, and a tensioning mechanism for applying tension to one or more surrounding device connectors connected to other ports of the computing device.