Flippable Electrical Connector With Identification Protrusion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current flippable plug connectors for super speed signaling require costly MUX integration, leading to signal degradation, and existing USB proposals do not adequately address the need for improved electrical plug and receptacle connectors.
Innovation Solution
A receptacle connector assembly with a metallic shield and embedded shielding plate, along with a plug connector featuring a metallic shell and slot, ensures compatibility only with customized connectors, preventing mis-mating with standard connectors while allowing dual orientation functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a MUX (or SS switch) is built into the silicon for super speed signaling, then the flippable connector can switch orientations, but the cost increases and signal degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the MUX from the silicon and replaces it with a mechanical flippable connector structure. The connector housing can be physically flipped to different orientations, and the contacts are arranged to maintain proper electrical connections in both orientations, eliminating the need for complex electronic switching while preserving dual-orientation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using electronic switching (MUX) to achieve orientation change, the patent inverts the approach by using mechanical inversion - the entire connector housing is designed to be flipped physically. The contact arrangement and shielding structure are symmetrical or mirrored to ensure proper function in both orientations, replacing electronic complexity with mechanical simplicity.
2Reliability
If identification protrusion and slot are added to prevent mis-mating, then compatibility with standard connectors is reduced, but correct mating with customized connectors is ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetric features - an identification protrusion on the receptacle connector and a corresponding slot on the plug connector. These asymmetric elements create a mechanical interlock that allows mating only in the correct orientation and only between customized connectors, preventing mis-mating with standard connectors while ensuring reliable connection when properly mated.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification protrusion and slot act as intermediary mechanical elements that mediate between the two connectors. They serve as a verification mechanism during the mating process, allowing the connectors to engage only if the geometric features align properly, thereby ensuring compatibility verification before electrical contact is established.
Data Source
AI summary
A receptacle connector assembly includes an insulative housing defining base with a mating tongue forwardly extending therefrom in a front-to-back direction, a plurality of contacts disposed in the housing with contacting sections exposed upon the mating tongue, a metallic shield enclosing the housing to define a capsular mating cavity in which the mating tongue is disposed and a metallic shielding plate embedded within the mating tongue and defining a pair of lateral edge sections. The metallic shield defines an identification protrusion extending into the mating cavity so as to preclude from mating with a standard plug connector, which has a contour compliant with said capsular mating cavity, but with a customized plug connector which also has a contour compliant with said capsular mating cavity and further with a corresponding slot to receive said identification protrusion.