Gated Connector Receptacles Preventing Inadvertent Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inadvertent connections to test connector receptacles can damage the receptacle or associated circuitry, leading to loss of functionality or rendering devices inoperable, highlighting the need for connector receptacles that prevent such accidental connections.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a movable gate mechanism in test connector receptacles, combined with conventional connector receptacles, to ensure that test contacts are only accessible through modified inserts or specific actions, preventing inadvertent access during normal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If test connector receptacles are made accessible like conventional connectors, then ease of operation for authorized users is improved, but risk of inadvertent connections and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gate is designed as a movable component that transitions between blocked and unblocked positions. During normal operation, the gate remains in the blocked position protecting the test contacts. When a modified connector insert is inserted, the gate moves to the unblocked position to allow authorized access, thus dynamically adapting its state based on operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The modified connector insert acts as an intermediary that mediates access to the test connector receptacle. The insert includes a gate engagement feature that interacts with the gate, causing it to move from the blocked to unblocked position. This intermediary mechanism ensures that only authorized users with the specific modified insert can access the test contacts.
2Reliability
If test connector receptacles are protected with movable gates, then reliability against inadvertent connections is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gate mechanism is merged with the existing connector receptacle structure. The gate is positioned within the receptacle housing and integrates with the contact assembly. This merging approach allows the protection mechanism to be incorporated into the existing design without requiring a completely separate system, thus limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector receptacle is segmented into accessible and protected regions by the gate. The gate itself is a separate movable segment that can be independently actuated. This segmentation allows the test contacts to be physically separated from the main connector interface, providing protection while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
3Area of stationary object
If test connector receptacles are combined with conventional connector receptacles, then space utilization is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring access control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modified connector insert is designed with asymmetric features, including an extended front portion with a sloped surface that differs from standard connectors. This asymmetry in the insert design corresponds to the asymmetric gate structure, creating a unique interface that provides visual and tactile cues about the special access control mechanism without requiring additional visible indicators on the device surface.
Data Source
AI summary
Connector receptacles that are arranged to avoid inadvertent connections. One example may provide contacts for a first connector receptacle that may be located behind a movable gate. The first connector receptacle may be combined with a second connector receptacle that is user accessible to save space and simplify device assembly. Combining the first connector receptacle and a second connector receptacle may also remove the movable gate from a surface of an electronic device, thereby further preventing inadvertent connections.