Flexible Data Cable Connector Preventing Reverse Insertion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
USB 3.0 A or USB 3.0 Micro B to USB-C data cables require detection and switching circuits to handle connector orientation, leading to signal distortion, reduced transmission rates, and increased costs due to energy loss and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A data cable design with flexible connection members allowing USB-C male connectors to be inserted only in one direction, eliminating the need for detection and switching circuits, and incorporating a high-frequency filter circuit to manage interference signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a detection and switching circuit is arranged in the USB 3.0 A or USB 3.0 Micro B to USB-C converter to detect connector orientation, then the connector can be inserted in both forward and backward directions, but the circuit causes time latency and energy loss resulting in signal distortion and reduced transmission rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the detection and switching circuit from the converter, extracting the problematic component that caused signal distortion and transmission rate reduction. The solution relies on the mechanical structure of the flexible connection member to inherently prevent backward insertion, eliminating the need for electronic detection and switching components.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible connection member serves itself by using its own mechanical properties (twisting when bent in reverse) to prevent incorrect insertion, rather than relying on external detection circuits. The structure automatically ensures correct orientation through its physical characteristics.
2Ease of operation
If a detection and switching circuit is arranged in the USB 3.0 A or USB 3.0 Micro B to USB-C converter, then the connector orientation can be detected and switched, but the circuit increases the cost of the converter and lowers yield
Solution Approach 1:
The detection and switching circuit is completely removed from the converter design, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing component count. This extraction eliminates the associated costs and yield issues while maintaining functional requirements through mechanical design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive electronic detection and switching components with a simple, inexpensive flexible connection member that achieves the same functional goal through its mechanical properties, significantly reducing converter cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the USB-C to USB-C data cable has an e-marker circuit generating configuration channel signals, then the cable can provide USB C configuration, but the signals may interfere with USB 3.0 A or USB 3.0 Micro B electronic devices resulting in abnormal USB enumeration
Solution Approach 1:
The e-marker circuit is removed from the data cable when used with USB 3.0 A or USB 3.0 Micro B connectors, eliminating the source of configuration channel signal interference that caused abnormal USB enumeration in connected devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different design approaches depending on the connector type: USB-C connectors include the e-marker circuit for full functionality, while USB 3.0 A/Micro B connectors omit it to prevent interference, creating locally optimized solutions for different applications.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a data cable including a data cable body and a first converter (40). The data cable body includes a cable (10) and a first connector (20) connected to a first end of the cable (10). The first converter (40) comprises a second connector (42) and a third connector (43) that are communicationally connected to each other. The first converter (40) is connected to the first connector (20) through a first flexible connection member (50). The junction between the first flexible connection member (50) and the first connector (20) deviates from a first joint (22) of the first connector (20) and/or the junction between the first flexible connection member (50) and the first converter (40) is close to the second connector (42). When the second connector (42) is located in a front direction, the second connector (42) can be inserted into the first joint (22). When the second connector (42) is located in an opposite direction, the first flexible connection member (50) is twisted, which makes the length of the twisted first flexible connection member (50) shortened, so that the second connector (42) cannot be inserted into the first joint (22). The transmission rate of a signal can be improved. The cost can be reduced through the data cable.