Mini USB Connector with Dual Signal Lines for Compact Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
The USB connector's size poses challenges for downsizing peripheral devices, particularly when transmitting high-quality picture or sound data, as it only has a pair of signal lines for serial transmission, necessitating additional connectors for data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A connector design that includes a receptacle capable of receiving both mini-A and mini-B plugs, featuring additional conductive posts and contacts for transmitting data beyond the standard USB signal lines, with elastic protrusions and reinforcing convex parts to maintain mechanical strength while minimizing size, and blocking mechanisms to prevent incorrect insertions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional connectors are provided for sound data transmission or high-quality picture data transmission, then data transmission capability is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines USB data transmission functionality with additional data transmission functionality into a single integrated connector. The receptacle includes both USB signal lines (D+, D-) and additional signal lines (S1, S2, S3, S4) within the same connector body, allowing multiple data transmission protocols to coexist without requiring separate connectors. This merging approach enables high-quality picture and sound data transmission while maintaining compact device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed with multi-functionality to handle both standard USB data transmission and additional high-speed data transmission requirements. The receptacle can accommodate plugs with different pin configurations (USB-only plugs or plugs with additional pins), making it universal for various connection needs. This allows a single connector to serve multiple purposes: standard USB communication, high-quality audio transmission, and high-resolution picture data transmission.
2Productivity
If the USB connector is used for high-quality picture or sound data transmission, then transmission speed requirement increases, but the single pair of signal lines limits transmission capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the signal transmission dimension by adding more signal lines beyond the standard USB pair. Instead of relying solely on the limited D+ and D- lines, the connector incorporates additional signal lines (S1-S4) that provide extra transmission channels. This dimensional expansion of the signal interface enables parallel data transmission paths, significantly increasing overall data transmission speed and capability for high-quality audio and video content.
3Volume of moving object
If the connecting part is made smaller to downsize the peripheral device, then device compactness is improved, but mechanical strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design nests the additional signal lines and structural support elements within the existing connector form factor. The second posts and second contacts are integrated into the same receptacle body as the USB signal lines, with the additional components nested alongside rather than extending the overall connector dimensions. This nesting approach maintains compact size while providing the mechanical strength needed for reliable connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle is constructed using composite material structures that combine metal components (for electrical conductivity and mechanical strength) with insulating materials (for electrical isolation). The base includes metal posts with conductive contacts, while the housing provides structural support and insulation. This composite construction achieves both miniaturization and adequate mechanical strength for the connector.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a connector which can downsize the peripheral device. A receptacle 1 is capable of receiving both a mini-A plug based on a USB OTG standard and a mini-B plug based on a USB 2.0 standard. Further, the receptacle 1 includes first posts 41 compliant with the USB standard and second posts 42 disposed at an opposite side to the first posts 41 with a connecting part 32 inserted into a connecting recess 20 of a plug 2 therebetween. Furthermore, the plug 2 includes second contacts 72 corresponding to the second posts 42 in addition to first contacts 71 corresponding to the first posts 41. Accordingly, it is possible to transmit data other than the data which are transmitted through the known USB connector by using the second posts 42 and the second contacts 72. In addition, it is possible to down size the peripheral device compared to the case where the size increases when a connector for transmitting the other data is installed in addition to the USB connector.