Hybrid Connector Nesting Contacts in Housing Recess
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face challenges in efficiently transferring power and data across different types of connectors while minimizing space consumption and simplifying manufacturing, especially for smaller devices that require minimal surface area and volume usage.
Innovation Solution
The development of hybrid connectors that combine wired and inductive connectors, featuring a contact assembly with a housing and insulating rings, allowing for efficient power and data transfer between devices with various connector interfaces, including USB, HDMI, and proprietary standards, while being compact and easy to manufacture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If surface contacts are used for power and data transfer, then efficient power and data transfer is achieved, but the connector consumes large surface area, depth, and volume in the electronic device
Solution Approach 1:
The contact assembly is nested within a housing that features a backside recess. The recess allows the contacting portions of the contacts to extend into the recess area, effectively nesting the functional elements within the housing volume rather than requiring external space. This nesting approach maintains efficient power and data transfer through surface contacts while minimizing the overall volume consumed by the connector in the electronic device.
2Power
If surface contacts with large surface area are used, then efficient power and data transfer is achieved, but the electronic device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing with its backside recess nests the contacts vertically rather than spreading them horizontally. The contacting portions extend into the recess, utilizing the depth dimension to accommodate the contact surfaces needed for efficient power and data transfer. This vertical nesting reduces the horizontal surface area required at the device face, allowing efficient transfer without increasing the electronic device's external dimensions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of connectors are included for different devices, then compatibility with various electronic devices is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The contact assembly with its array of contacts in a standardized housing configuration can serve multiple connector types and applications. The housing provides a universal mounting structure that can accommodate different contact arrangements and configurations. This multi-functional design allows a single basic connector architecture to work with various electronic devices and connector standards, reducing the need for entirely separate connector designs for different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is segmented into modular components: the housing, the contact assembly, and the backside recess structure. This segmentation allows the same housing and recess architecture to support different contact configurations for different connector types. Each contact can be independently positioned or configured within the standardized housing, enabling versatility without requiring complete redesign for different applications.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional connector manufacturing processes are used, then manufacturing capability is maintained, but manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with a pre-formed backside recess that is created during the housing manufacturing process itself, rather than requiring subsequent machining or assembly steps. This preliminary formation of the recess allows the contact assembly to be directly installed into the pre-prepared housing structure, eliminating additional manufacturing operations and reducing overall manufacturing time while maintaining the necessary precision for proper contact alignment.
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
The hybrid connectors enable seamless power and data transfer across diverse electronic devices, reducing manufacturing complexity and space requirements, and providing a unified connection point for both wired and inductive methods, enhancing user convenience and device design.
Implementation Method 1
Individual rings may extend from the raised portion or surface and form insulating rings around the contacts
Data Source
AI summary
Hybrid connectors that may transfer power and data with a variety of electronic devices having different types of connector interfaces, may consume a minimal amount of surface area, depth, and volume in an electronic device, and may be readily manufactured.