Mini DisplayPort Connector with Latch and Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors with reduced size suffer from signal crosstalk and integrity issues, and provide poor user feedback, making them difficult to properly insert and potentially damaging when misaligned.
Innovation Solution
Design of a small form factor connector system with chamfered edges and latches that prevent upside-down insertion and provide tactile feedback, ensuring proper alignment and mechanical stability, while supporting high-speed digital interfaces like Mini DisplayPort with enhanced signal integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If connector size is reduced, then device thickness and connector density improve, but signal crosstalk and integrity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing shielding structures specifically around high-speed signal pins in the mini display port connector. This localized shielding approach maintains signal integrity in critical areas while preserving the overall reduced connector size, resolving the contradiction between compact dimensions and signal quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs nesting by placing ground pins and shielding structures between and around signal pins within the compact connector body. This nested arrangement of conductive elements provides electromagnetic isolation for high-speed signals while maintaining the minimized connector form factor, thus resolving the contradiction between small size and signal integrity.
2Volume of moving object
If connector size is reduced, then device thickness and connector density improve, but user feedback and insertion detection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a latch mechanism that provides counterbalancing force during insertion. The latch engages with the connector housing and provides tactile feedback by overcoming a spring-loaded resistance, enabling users to detect proper insertion despite the reduced connector size. This resolves the contradiction between compact dimensions and user feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates tactile feedback mechanisms including a latch that engages during insertion and provides audible/ tactile confirmation. This feedback system allows users to determine when the mini connector is properly seated, resolving the contradiction between reduced size and ease of operation.
3Area of stationary object
If pin spacing is reduced, then connector width improves, but signal crosstalk and interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts harmful electromagnetic interference by implementing dedicated ground pins and shielding structures that are separated from signal pins. This extraction of interference elements allows for reduced pin spacing while maintaining signal integrity through the isolated ground references and shielding, resolving the contradiction between compact width and reduced crosstalk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric pin assignments with ground pins strategically positioned adjacent to high-speed differential pairs. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes the reduced pin spacing by placing reference planes closest to vulnerable signals, thereby minimizing crosstalk while maintaining compact connector width.
Data Source
AI summary
Connectors having a smaller profile. These connectors are useful as a reduced form factor DisplayPort connector. Keys on a receptacle are used to indicate when an insert is fully engaged. Edges of the receptacle and insert are chamfered in such a way as to prevent the pins of the connector from being damaged when an improper insertion is attempted. User experience is also enhanced by the use of one or more latches. As the connector is inserted, the latch provides resistance that builds until the connector is inserted a certain distance, after which the latch enters a cutout portion of the insert thus releasing the pressure and letting the user know the connection has been made. Fingers are employed to provide mechanical stability and electrical connection between receptacle and insert.