Illuminated Waterproof Connector Ports With Uniform Light-Guiding Rings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical connectors lack a simple light-transmitting structure at the plug port, making it difficult for users to quickly locate the plug port, especially in compact and complex hub designs.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector features a light guiding member with light outputting rings and a light incident structure, combined with a front panel and light source, providing uniform luminescence around waterproof plug ports for easy assembly and high tolerance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light-transmitting structure is provided at the non-plug port of the housing to indicate working status, then the aesthetic requirement is improved, but the plug port cannot be quickly located by users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing light-transmitting structures at specific locations (plug ports) rather than uniformly across the housing. The light outputting rings are precisely positioned at the front sides of the light guiding plate corresponding to plug port locations, creating localized visual indicators that guide users to the correct insertion points without compromising aesthetic appearance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the structure of the hub at the plug port is made more complex and compact to meet functional requirements, then the functionality is improved, but the structure becomes more complex and difficult to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light guiding plate into multiple independent light outputting rings, each corresponding to a specific plug port. This segmentation allows each ring to be independently positioned and assembled, simplifying the overall assembly process despite having multiple functional modules. The board end receptacles are also segmented and can be independently assembled with their corresponding light outputting rings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs nesting by embedding the light outputting rings within the front panel holes and positioning the board end receptacles within the light guiding plate structure. The light outputting rings are nested within the light guiding plate, and the board end receptacles are nested within the housing with their corresponding light outputting rings exposed through the front panel, creating a compact multi-functional structure.
3Ease of operation
If uniform luminescence is provided around plug ports to guide users, then user guidance is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light outputting rings are designed to be self-aligning components that fit into predetermined positions within the light guiding plate and front panel holes. The modular design allows the rings to self-position during assembly, reducing the need for high-precision manual alignment and thereby lowering manufacturing precision requirements while still achieving uniform luminescence appearance.
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
This design provides a simple, aesthetically enhanced electrical connector with uniform luminescence around plug ports, improving user guidance and assembly efficiency while maintaining waterproof integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a light guiding member, having a light guiding plate, a plurality of light outputting rings and a light incident structure, the plurality of light outputting rings being formed on a front side of the light guiding plate, the light incident surface being formed on a rear side of the light guiding plate
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an electrical connector, comprising: a light guiding member, having a light guiding plate, a plurality of light outputting rings and a light incident structure, the plurality of light outputting rings being formed on a front side of the light guiding plate, the light incident structure being formed on a rear side of the light guiding plate and disposed relatively to a center area of the light outputting rings; a plurality of board end receptacles; a front panel, having a plurality of front panel holes, each front panel hole allowing one board end receptacle and one light outputting ring to be embedded therein respectively; and a light source, facing toward a light incident surface of the light incident structure. The electrical connector of the present disclosure provides a plurality of waterproof plug ports with uniform luminescence outer edges.