Flippable USB-C Connector with Diagonal Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors, particularly Type C connectors, face challenges in adapting to various devices without significant changes in dimension or contour, necessitating a modification for flippable and versatile applications.
Innovation Solution
A flippable plug connector with a capsular front contour and insulative housing enclosed in a metallic shell, featuring diagonally symmetric contact arrangements, EMI shielding, and a metallic securing plate with latches, allowing for dual orientations and secure attachment to a printed circuit board, along with an attachment connector for enhanced shielding and grounding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Type C connector is modified for flippable mating, then adaptability to different orientations is improved, but device dimension and contour compatibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector housing employs asymmetric internal structure with diagonal contact arrangement where upper and lower rows of contacts are diagonally symmetrically arranged, enabling the connector to function in both orientations while maintaining proper electrical connectivity
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design integrates multiple functions including EMI shielding, mechanical retention, and electrical connectivity within a single housing structure, allowing it to serve as both a standard and flippable connector without requiring separate designs
2Object-affected harmful factors
If EMI shielding structure is added, then electromagnetic interference protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The EMI shielding function is merged with the housing structure itself, where the housing includes integrated EMI shielding portions that form a continuous shield with the contact shielding portions, eliminating the need for separate shielding components
Solution Approach 2:
The EMI shielding structure is nested within the housing cavity, with shielding portions positioned around the contacts and secured to the housing, creating a layered protective structure that maintains compact dimensions
3Adaptability or versatility
If diagonal contact arrangement is implemented, then flippable mating is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing includes pre-formed guide structures and positioning features that guide the contacts into their diagonal positions during assembly, ensuring proper alignment before final securing
Solution Approach 2:
The contact arrangement utilizes the housing structure itself to maintain diagonal positioning through integrated support features, where the housing geometry inherently maintains the required precision without additional adjustment mechanisms
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
Enables seamless flippable mating and secure attachment to printed circuit boards, reducing electromagnetic interference while maintaining compatibility with existing devices through a modular design that adapts to different orientations and applications.
Implementation Method 1
a rear region resiliently contacting the shell
Implementation Method 2
A metallic EMI shield can further enclose the assembled housing and shell
Data Source
AI summary
A plug connector mateable with the receptacle connector, includes an insulative housing enclosed in a metallic shell, defining a receiving cavity to receive the mating tongue, and equipped with a plurality of contacts on opposite sides. A pair of mounting ears are located on two opposite lateral ends of the housing in a transverse direction. A securing/shield plates forms a pair of locking heads extending into two opposite lateral sides of the receiving cavity to lock with a shielding plate embedded within a mating tongue of the complementary receptacle connector during mating. A metallic EMI shield encloses the metallic shell and includes a front wall with there in a front opening through which the metallic shell with the housing forwardly extends and a pair of side walls with therein a pair of slots through which the mounting ears laterally extend outwardly away from each other in the transverse direction.