Mechanized Connector Receptacles for Blind Mating and Breakaway Ejection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connector receptacles in electronic devices often require blind mating, which is difficult for users positioned at the front of the device, and lack breakaway protection against inadvertent forces.

Innovation Solution

The connector receptacle includes drive mechanisms such as rollers, vacuum pumps, electromagnets, springs, and mechanical tweezers to facilitate blind mating and provide breakaway protection by detecting the presence of a connector insert and applying forces for insertion, retention, and ejection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the connector receptacle is located in the rear surface of the electronic device, then the device structure is compact and organized, but it becomes difficult for users to insert the connector insert through blind mating

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of connector insertionVSAvoidconnector receptacle location

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drive mechanism is activated before the connector insert is fully inserted to pull the connector insert into the connector receptacle, enabling blind mating by performing the insertion action in advance rather than requiring manual alignment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical insertion process is replaced with an automated drive mechanism that uses rollers, vacuum pumps, electromagnets, springs, or mechanical tweezers to automatically pull the connector insert into the receptacle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the connector receptacle provides strong retention force to secure the connector insert, then the connection is stable and secure, but the connector insert cannot be easily extracted when needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidease of connector extraction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The retention force is made dynamic rather than static - the drive mechanism can adjust the force applied to the connector insert, providing strong retention during normal use but enabling easy extraction when a release signal is received

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback signals (button press, cover removal detection, or inadvertent force detection) to determine when to maintain strong retention or when to assist extraction, allowing the retention force to adapt to different operational states

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If the connector receptacle allows free movement of the connector insert for easy insertion, then the insertion process is simple, but the connector receptacle becomes vulnerable to damage from inadvertent forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of connector insertionVSAvoidvulnerability to inadvertent forces

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The drive mechanism provides beforehand cushioning by detecting inadvertent forces (such as tripping over the cable) and initiating ejection of the connector insert before damage can occur to the connector receptacle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The potential harmful effect of cable movement is converted into a beneficial feature - the same drive mechanism that enables easy blind mating also detects when the cable is inadvertently pulled and automatically ejects the connector insert to prevent damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 easy and secure connection and disconnection of cables by facilitating blind mating and protecting the connector receptacle from damage due to inadvertent forces.

Implementation Method 1

a vacuum pump to pull the connector insert into the connector receptacle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

an electromagnet to pull the connector insert into the connector receptacle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS20250210914A1Mechanized connector receptacles

Publication Date: 2025.06.26 APPLE INC

AI summary

A connector receptacle can facilitate blind mating by detecting a presence of a corresponding connector insert and in response, providing a force to pull the connector insert into the connector receptacle. Once the connector insert is inserted into the connector receptacle, the connector receptacle can provide a consistent retention force to ensure a good connection is maintained. The connector receptacle can provide breakaway protection by sensing that an ejection should occur and then in response, initiating an ejection of the connector insert.