Lifting Connector Mechanism for Accurate Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices and docking stations face connector damage due to repeated insertion and removal, as well as inaccurate connections, which affect the practicability and durability of the connection interface.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connection structure featuring a housing with a groove and a lifting component, where the electronic device pushes a pushing component to drive the lifting component, allowing the connector to be easily connected and disconnected from the connection interface, utilizing a combination of mechanical and elastic mechanisms for secure and efficient engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connector is directly connected to the housing without a lifting mechanism, then the structure is simple, but the connector is easily damaged due to repeated insertion and removal and inaccurate connections
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed to move dynamically between a lowered state (for connection) and a lifted state (for protection). The lifting component enables the connector to change its position vertically, transitioning from a static to a dynamic structure that can adapt between connection and protection modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection structure is segmented into distinct functional components: the housing, the lifting component, and the connector. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, with the lifting component acting as an intermediary mechanism between the housing and the connector.
2Reliability
If a lifting mechanism is added to protect the connector, then the connector durability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure utilizes the electronic device itself as the actuating force for the lifting mechanism. When the electronic device is inserted, its weight and insertion motion automatically drive the lifting component to raise the connector, eliminating the need for separate motors or actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a motor or actuator to lower the connector for connection, the design inverts the approach by using the insertion force to raise the connector. The lifting mechanism is activated by the opposite action (insertion) rather than by a dedicated actuating mechanism.
3Manufacturing precision
If the connector is lifted up for connection, then the connection accuracy is improved, but the operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanism is passively activated by the insertion motion of the electronic device itself. The user does not need to manually operate any additional controls; simply inserting the device provides the force needed to lift the connector into the correct position for connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting component performs the preliminary action of positioning the connector before the actual connection occurs. By raising the connector in advance during the insertion process, the system ensures that the connection interface is properly aligned and positioned before contact is made.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connection structure includes a housing, a connector, a pushing component and a lifting component. The housing has a top portion, a bottom portion and a groove between the top portion and the bottom portion. The connector is disposed in the groove. The pushing component is disposed in the groove and a part thereof is exposed from the opening of the top portion. The lifting component is disposed in the groove and connected between the pushing component and the connector. When the electrical connection structure is connected to the electronic device, the electronic device pushes the pushing component to move in a first direction toward the bottom portion, so that the pushing component drives the lifting component to move in a second direction opposite to the first direction and toward the top portion, so that the lifting component lifts up the connector to be connected to the connection interface.