Intelligent Electrical Connector Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional USB connectors continue to consume power even when no device is connected, leading to increased power consumption and reduced efficiency, and require complex mechanical switches for power control, which are not user-friendly and hinder miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent electrical connector with a metallic shielding case, insulating main body, conducting terminals, and a detecting element that allows electricity to be transmitted only when a mating connector is connected, using an elastic sustaining element to contact and separate from the detecting element, enabling or disabling power transmission based on connection status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a mechanical switch is used to control power transmission in the USB socket, then power consumption can be controlled, but the device complexity increases and fabricating cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power control function from a separate mechanical switch and integrates it into the connector structure itself. The elastic sustaining element is built into the shielding case, and the detecting element is incorporated into the insulating main body, eliminating the need for external mechanical switches while maintaining power control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power control function with the connector structure by combining the elastic sustaining element (for mechanical support) with the power control detection system. The detecting element is positioned to interact with the elastic sustaining element, creating an integrated system that simultaneously provides structural support and power transmission control.
2Loss of energy
If a mechanical switch is used to control power transmission, then power control is achieved, but space utilization decreases and miniaturization is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into unified components: the elastic sustaining element serves both as a mechanical support structure and as part of the power control mechanism, while the detecting element integrates detection and control functions. This merging eliminates the need for separate mechanical switches, reducing overall connector volume and improving space utilization.
3Loss of energy
If a mechanical switch is used for manual power control, then power transmission control is achieved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service operation where the connector automatically detects the presence of a mating connector through the interaction between the detecting element and elastic sustaining element, and automatically controls power transmission accordingly. This eliminates the need for manual switch operation, making the system more user-friendly while achieving power control.
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 solution reduces power consumption, enhances operating efficiency, simplifies configurations, lowers manufacturing costs, and improves space utilization by automatically controlling power transmission based on connection status, while maintaining user-friendliness.
Implementation Method 1
The metallic shielding case includes a receiving space and at least one elastic sustaining element
Data Source
AI summary
An intelligent electrical includes a metallic shielding case, an insulating main body, plural conducting terminals and at least one detecting element. The metallic shielding case includes a receiving space and at least one elastic sustaining element. The insulating main body includes a first body part and a second body part. The first body part is accommodated within the receiving space. The second body part is exposed outside the metallic shielding case. The detecting element is disposed on the second body part, arranged beside the elastic sustaining element of the metallic shielding case, and selectively contacted with or separated from the elastic sustaining element. When the elastic sustaining element is contacted with the detecting element, the electricity is permitted to be transmitted through the intelligent electrical connector. Whereas, when the elastic sustaining element is separated from the detecting element, the electricity fails to be transmitted through the intelligent electrical connector.