Hinge-Integrated Circular Connector Grounding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector receptacles face challenges in providing high signal quality and durability, are difficult to manufacture reliably, and often cannot be positioned in nonstandard locations within electronic devices, leading to potential damage from incorrect insertions and limited placement options.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a comprehensive grounding scheme with robust ground connections, including a grounded center plate, folded ground contacts, and overmold protection for contacts, along with flexible manufacturing processes like stamping and injection molding, allows for durable and versatile connector receptacle designs that can be positioned in nonstandard locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a comprehensive grounding scheme with multiple ground contacts and connecting plates is implemented, then signal integrity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate ground contacts are merged into a single integrated center plate structure, which consolidates multiple grounding functions into one component. This reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining comprehensive grounding coverage across the connector tongue, thereby improving signal integrity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding structure is segmented into multiple functional zones: ground contacts extending from the housing, a central center plate providing structural grounding, and connecting plates that electrically join these elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively achieving superior signal integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If connector receptacles are positioned in nonstandard locations such as within a hinge, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector receptacle is integrated into a hinge structure that can accommodate angular movements and positioning variations. The hinge design allows the connector to adapt to different assembly configurations and tolerances, enabling placement in nonstandard locations without requiring extremely tight manufacturing precision for the connector itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical articulation for the device, structural support, and housing for the connector receptacle. This multi-functionality allows the same component to accommodate the connector in nonstandard locations while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized hinge manufacturing processes.
3Reliability
If robust ground connections with multiple connecting plates and welding points are used, then wear resistance is improved, but manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Ground contacts are pre-formed and pre-positioned on the connector tongue before final assembly. The center plate and connecting plates are prepared in advance with predetermined attachment points, allowing for efficient assembly through pre-planned welding or other attachment processes, thereby reducing overall manufacturing time while maintaining robust connections.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple grounding functions are merged into integrated plate structures that can be attached as single components rather than multiple separate elements. This consolidation reduces the number of individual attachment operations required while maintaining the robust multi-point grounding connection, thereby improving wear resistance without proportionally increasing manufacturing time.
Data Source
AI summary
Connector receptacles that can provide a high signal quality or signal integrity to allow high-speed data transfers, can be reliably manufactured, can be durable and have good wear performance, and can be positioned in nonstandard locations in an electronic device. One example can provide connector receptacles that can provide a high signal quality or signal integrity by utilizing a comprehensive grounding scheme. These connector receptacles can be located in a hinge of an electronic device.