Militarized Audio Connector With Integrated A/D Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing militarized electrical connectors for audio equipment require pre-storing information about each equipment, making them impractical for easy interconnection with electronic interconnection devices.

Innovation Solution

A militarized electrical connector with an integrated analog-digital converter that converts analog audio signals into digital signals conforming to a predefined standard, such as USB, facilitating connection to digital communication ports and enabling easier initialization with interconnection devices, while also incorporating electromagnetic compatibility filters and shielding for protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If analog audio equipment is connected to digital communication ports using traditional militarized connectors, then connection compatibility is achieved, but complex pre-storing of equipment information is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection compatibilityVSAvoidinformation storage requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

An analog-to-digital converter is introduced as an intermediary component within the connector assembly. This converter mediates between the analog audio equipment and digital communication ports, eliminating the need for complex pre-storing of equipment information while maintaining connection compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector assembly is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating both analog signal transmission capabilities and integrated analog-to-digital conversion. This universal design allows the same connector to work with both analog and digital systems without requiring separate information storage mechanisms.

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

2Device complexity

If analog signals are transmitted directly through militarized connectors, then simple connector design is maintained, but incompatibility with digital communication ports occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector design simplicityVSAvoiddigital port compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The analog-to-digital converter is merged with the connector assembly, combining signal conversion functionality with the mechanical connector structure. This integration maintains the simplicity of the connector design from a user perspective while adding digital compatibility internally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If multiple audio equipment need to be interconnected, then connection flexibility is improved, but manual information configuration time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterconnection flexibilityVSAvoidinformation configuration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connector assembly with integrated analog-to-digital converter enables self-service interconnection. The device automatically handles signal conversion and communication protocol adaptation without requiring manual configuration or pre-storing of equipment information, thus maintaining interconnection flexibility while eliminating configuration time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

The connector simplifies the connection of audio equipment to electronic interconnection devices by converting analog signals to digital, allowing direct connection to digital ports and enabling efficient exchange of initialization information, thus enhancing interoperability and protection against electromagnetic disturbances.

Implementation Method 1

an analog-to-digital converter connected to the at least one electrical contact member capable of circulating an analog audio signal, the analog-to-digital converter being configured to convert each analog audio signal into a digital signal conforming to a predefined digital communication standard

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAnalog-to-digital conversion:

Implementation Method 2

at least one electromagnetic compatibility filter connected between the analog-to-digital converter and at least one corresponding electrical contact member, each electromagnetic compatibility filter being configured to protect the analog-to-digital converter against electromagnetic disturbance circulating via said at least one electrical contact member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic filtering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 3

electromagnetic shielding surrounding the analog-to-digital converter and each electromagnetic compatibility filter, the electromagnetic shielding forming a Faraday cage around the analog-to-digital converter and each electromagnetic compatibility filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFaraday cage effect: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentEP4280395A1Militarized electrical connector for connection to audio equipment, associated connection cable and audio system
Publication Date: 2023.11.22 ELNO SOC NOUV
  • EP4280395A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4280395A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4280395A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This weaponized electrical connector (40), intended to be connected to audio equipment, comprises: - several electrical contact members (42), at least one electrical contact member (42) being capable of carrying an analog audio signal; - a connector body (44), inside which the electrical contact members (42) are arranged; - a rear connector (46), removably attached to the connector body (44); and - an analog-to-digital converter connected to at least one electrical contact member (42) capable of carrying an analog audio signal, the analog-to-digital converter being configured to convert each analog audio signal into a digital signal conforming to a predefined digital communication standard, the analog-to-digital converter being arranged inside the rear connector (46).