Flippable USB-C Connector with Exposed Soldering Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing USB Type-C connectors lack a simple and cost-effective design that allows for easy assembly and efficient wire connection, particularly in accommodating the USB 2.0 Type-C plug with 14 pins, which complicates the connection process due to the need for paddle cards.
Innovation Solution
A plug connector design featuring a connector body with diagonally symmetrical terminals and a rear cable supporting platform, where soldering legs are exposed on one surface for easy wire welding, and a metallic latch for secure connection, optimizing the arrangement of terminals to match USB Type-C specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a paddle card is used to connect the USB Type-C plug to the cable, then the connection is achieved, but the overall cost of the cable connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the paddle card component from the connector assembly. The connector body is designed with integrated terminal structures that directly interface with the cable, removing the need for the separate paddle card element while maintaining electrical connection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the terminal mounting function and cable connection function into a single integrated connector body structure. The terminals are directly supported by the connector body without requiring a separate paddle card, combining multiple functions into one component to reduce overall cost and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the connector uses a complex terminal arrangement to meet USB 2.0 Type-C specifications, then compatibility is achieved, but the assembly process becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric terminal arrangement within the connector body to match the specific pin configuration requirements of USB 2.0 Type-C specifications. The terminals are positioned in non-uniform patterns that correspond to the standard's pin layout, enabling compatibility while simplifying the assembly process through optimized placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal positions and orientations are pre-configured during manufacturing to match USB Type-C specifications. This preliminary arrangement of terminals in the correct diagonal symmetry pattern eliminates the need for complex assembly adjustments, allowing for straightforward installation while maintaining standard compatibility.
3Ease of operation
If soldering legs are arranged in one row exposed on one surface, then wire connection is simplified, but the structural symmetry is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating all soldering legs on one surface of the connector body in a single row arrangement. This localized configuration simplifies wire connection operations while the rest of the connector body maintains its diagonal symmetry, balancing operational ease with structural aesthetics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the symmetry issue by transitioning the soldering leg arrangement to a different dimensional organization. Instead of distributing legs symmetrically across multiple surfaces, all legs are arranged in one row on a single surface, creating a linear one-dimensional pattern that simplifies wire access while the overall connector maintains its three-dimensional diagonal symmetry.
Data Source
AI summary
A plug connector includes a connector body defining a front mating cavity with a first inner side and a second inner side opposite to the first inner side, and a rear cable supporting platform with a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first inner side and a plurality of terminals. The terminals include two rows of contacting sections arranged along the first and second inner sides of the mating cavity and soldering legs extending to the platform to be welded to a cable. The soldering legs are arranged in one row and exposing to the first surface of the platform while the second surface of the platform has no soldering legs to be welded to the cable.