Low-Profile Electrical Mechanical Connector

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connectors often require separate mechanical and electrical connections, which can be inefficient in terms of space and component layout, especially in small form factor electronic devices.

Innovation Solution

A dual-purpose connector with a rigid body and flexible conductor that provides both mechanical fastening and electrical conductivity, allowing for a single connection that combines mechanical and electrical functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate mechanical connectors (screws, bolts) and electrical connectors (solder, flex circuits) are used, then reliable mechanical and electrical connections are achieved, but additional space is required and component layout efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidspace requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines mechanical fastening and electrical connection functions into a single connector assembly. The rigid body provides mechanical fastening through threading or other attachment mechanisms, while the flexible conductor embedded within or coupled to the rigid body provides the electrical connection path, eliminating the need for separate mechanical and electrical connectors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs mechanical fastening and electrical connection. The rigid body structure enables mechanical attachment while the integrated flexible conductor enables electrical connectivity, allowing one component to fulfill multiple functions that previously required separate components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate connectors are used for mechanical and electrical connections, then distinct functions are achieved, but component layout efficiency and space utilization worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidconnector quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple connector types into a single integrated assembly. The rigid body with its mechanical fastening features and the flexible conductor with its electrical connection capabilities are combined into one unit, reducing the total number of components while maintaining all necessary functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is segmented into functional zones within a unified structure. The rigid body contains mechanical attachment features while housing or coupling the flexible conductor, creating distinct functional segments that work together within a single component rather than requiring separate discrete parts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9761979B2Low-profile electrical and mechanical connector

Publication Date: 2017.09.12 APPLE INC

AI summary

A connector providing both an electrical and mechanical connection and an electronic device utilizing the connector. The connector includes a rigid body, a head connected to the rigid body, and a flexible conductor coupled to the body. The rigid body and the flexible conductor define an electrically conductive path to the head. An electronic device includes a housing defining at least one sidewall, an interior component, and a connector passing through at least one sidewall and mechanically contacting the interior component. The connector defines an electrically conductive path from the interior component to an exterior of the housing.