Interchangeable Electronic Module Connector With Elastic Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face compatibility issues due to limited connection interfaces, making it difficult to connect with specialized electronic devices that use different and incompatible interfaces.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device design featuring interchangeable electronic modules with multiple connection ports and a secure connector system, including elastic elements and positioning mechanisms, allowing for easy module exchange and ensuring waterproof and vibration-proof connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If electronic devices use limited connection interfaces to maintain simplicity, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different electronic devices deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of connection interfacesVSAvoidcompatibility with specialized electronic devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection interface is divided into a fixed base connector and interchangeable module connectors. Each module contains specific connection ports that can be swapped based on the required application, allowing the device to adapt to different specialized electronic devices without permanently increasing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection interface configuration becomes dynamic through interchangeable modules. Users can change the connection ports according to different operational needs, transforming a static limited interface into a flexible, adaptable system that maintains simplicity while providing versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connection interfaces are provided to enhance adaptability, then compatibility with various electronic devices is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection compatibilityVSAvoidnumber of connection interfaces
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of integrating all possible connection interfaces into the main device body, the interfaces are segmented into separate interchangeable modules. This allows multiple connection types to be available when needed while maintaining a simple base device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base connector is designed with universal compatibility to work with different module types. A single base unit can accommodate various specialized modules, providing multi-functionality without requiring multiple dedicated interfaces in the main device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If interchangeable modules are used to provide multiple connection ports, then adaptability is improved, but reliability of connection may deteriorate due to repeated insertion and removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterface interchangeabilityVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Elastic elements are pre-installed in the base connector to provide cushioning and absorption for repeated insertion and removal operations. This beforehand protection ensures that the connection components are shielded from wear and stress, maintaining reliability despite frequent module exchanges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

Elastic elements and sealing components are used to create flexible yet reliable connections. These elements can deform to accommodate insertion forces while maintaining electrical contact and providing environmental sealing, ensuring connection stability even with repeated module changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Object-affected harmful factors

If elastic elements are added to ensure waterproof and vibration-proof connections, then protection against environmental factors is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproof and vibration-proof protectionVSAvoidconnector structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic elements serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide mechanical cushioning for repeated insertions, create waterproof seals to prevent environmental ingress, and maintain reliable electrical contact under vibration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective components, minimizing the increase in overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables convenient and efficient connection to various electronic devices by providing multiple interchangeable interfaces, reducing the need for multiple hardware configurations and enhancing durability and protection against environmental factors.

Implementation Method 1

The elastic element surrounds the junction between the first connector and the second connector, wherein the electronic module presses the elastic element against the body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8817462B2Electronic device with interchangeable electronic module
Publication Date: 2014.08.26 PEGATRON
  • US8817462B2 patent drawing
  • US8817462B2 patent drawing
  • US8817462B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic device includes a body, an electronic module, and an elastic element, wherein the body has at least an accommodating space and a first connector. The electronic module is accommodated in the accommodating space and has a plurality of connection ports and a second connector electrically connected to the plurality of connection ports. The second connector is electrically connected to the first connector, and the plurality of connection ports is exposed on the outer surface of the body. The elastic element surrounds the junction between the first connector and the second connector, wherein the electronic module presses the elastic element against the body.