Modified Micro-USB Receptacle Asymmetric Projection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Proprietary charging devices for medical devices are inconvenient and become obsolete when the device is replaced, as they are designed for single-use only, unlike consumer devices which can share charging methods like Micro-USB, due to stricter regulatory requirements.
Innovation Solution
A modified Micro-USB receptacle with a recess in the shield allows for a micro plug with a corresponding recess to be inserted, preventing standard Micro-USB plugs from being inserted, ensuring compatibility with proprietary specifications and stricter regulations while maintaining compatibility with standard Micro-USB devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a proprietary charging device with proprietary connection is used to comply with medical device regulations, then regulatory compliance is achieved, but the charging device becomes single-use and obsolete when the medical device is replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface is segmented into two parts: a standard Micro-USB receptacle (common part) and a proprietary plug with additional features (specific part). The proprietary plug includes a standard Micro-USB connector plus an additional contact pin and a projection feature, allowing it to interface with both standard and proprietary devices. This segmentation enables the charging device to work with multiple medical devices through the standard receptacle while maintaining proprietary functionality through the unique plug design.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging device is designed with dual functionality: it can charge both standard Micro-USB devices and proprietary medical devices. The receptacle accepts standard Micro-USB plugs, and the proprietary plug design with additional contact pin and projection provides enhanced functionality for medical devices. This multi-functionality allows a single charging device to serve multiple purposes and remain useful across different device generations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a standard Micro-USB receptacle is used for medical devices, then charging compatibility is improved, but accidental insertion of incompatible plugs cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The proprietary plug incorporates a projection on its housing that is asymmetric in shape and position. This projection corresponds to a recess in the receptacle, creating an asymmetric mechanical interface. Standard Micro-USB plugs without this projection cannot be inserted, providing passive mechanical protection against incompatible connections while maintaining compatibility with proprietary devices.
3Reliability
If a proprietary connection design is used, then regulatory compliance is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The proprietary plug merges the standard Micro-USB connector with additional proprietary features (extra contact pin, projection) into a single integrated component. The receptacle similarly merges the standard Micro-USB receptacle structure with a corresponding recess. This merging approach maintains simplicity by reusing the well-established Micro-USB design while adding minimal proprietary elements, avoiding the need for entirely custom connection designs.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present patent application inter alia relates to a micro plug and a modified standard micro receptacle. The modified standard micro receptacle comprises a housing, at least two contact terminals attached to a surface of a bar of the housing, a shield attached to the housing and at least partially laterally enclosing the at least two contact terminals and the bar of the housing, and at least one projection configured to be received in a recess of a corresponding micro plug when the micro plug is correctly inserted into the modified standard micro receptacle. Therein, the at least one projection is further configured to hinder an insertion of a standard micro plug into the modified standard micro receptacle.