Fluorescent Plug Slot Inserts for Low-Light Connector Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical components, such as USB ports, power plugs, and control elements, are difficult to identify and operate in unfavorable lighting conditions, leading to challenges in precise alignment and operation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating fluorescent or phosphorescent materials into the visible surfaces of electrical components, such as USB ports, power plug pins, and component covers, to enhance visibility and orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional materials are used for electrical components, then manufacturing cost and simplicity are maintained, but visibility and recognizability in poor lighting conditions deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining conventional plastic or metal materials with fluorescent or phosphorescent materials to create electrical components that emit light in darkness. This composite approach maintains the structural integrity and electrical functionality of the base material while adding the light-emitting property, thereby improving visibility without completely replacing the original material system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by applying fluorescent or phosphorescent materials selectively to specific surface portions of electrical components rather than the entire component. This allows the critical areas (such as contact surfaces, identification marks, or user interaction zones) to emit light for enhanced visibility, while other areas maintain their original material properties and manufacturing simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If fluorescent or phosphorescent materials are added to electrical components, then visibility and orientation are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies fluorescent or phosphorescent materials selectively to specific surface portions of electrical components rather than the entire component. This allows the critical areas (such as contact surfaces, identification marks, or user interaction zones) to emit light for enhanced visibility, while other areas maintain their original material properties and manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by applying the light-emitting material only to the extent necessary for improving visibility and alignment - specifically to surface portions that are visible in the plug-in slot or critical for user orientation. This partial application avoids the complexity of treating entire components, thereby balancing manufacturing ease with operational improvement.
3Illumination intensity
If uniform material composition is used throughout electrical components, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but visibility enhancement is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies fluorescent or phosphorescent materials selectively to specific surface portions of electrical components rather than the entire component. This allows the critical areas (such as contact surfaces, identification marks, or user interaction zones) to emit light for enhanced visibility, while other areas maintain their original material properties and manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the material composition of the electrical component into different regions: areas with fluorescent/phosphorescent materials for visibility enhancement and areas with conventional materials for structural functionality. This segmentation allows targeted visibility improvement without requiring the entire component to be made of complex composite materials.
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
Improves visibility and ease of use in poor lighting conditions by making these components easily recognizable and facilitating precise alignment and operation.
Implementation Method 1
at least surface portions of the plastic element that are visible in the plug-in slot before contact is made with the plug connection consist of a material with fluorescent or phosphorescent properties
Implementation Method 2
at least surface portions of the plastic element that are visible in the plug-in slot before contact is made with the plug connection consist of a material with fluorescent or phosphorescent properties
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a component of an electrical connector with a plug-in slot, wherein a plastic element is located inside the plug-in slot. To improve the user's orientation when operating controls or for contacting, even in poor lighting conditions, the invention proposes that at least those surface portions of the plastic element that are visible in the plug-in slot before contacting the connector be made of a material with fluorescent or phosphorescent properties.