Modular Connector With Shielding Gasket
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing trend of compact electronic devices leads to integration of components, making them difficult to repair and recycle, resulting in a heavy burden on natural resources and poor working conditions for miners in developing countries.
Innovation Solution
A modular electronic device design with a connector system featuring a conductive ring and elastomeric shielding gasket for secure and easy attachment of modules, allowing for individual module replacement and upgrading, reducing the need for raw materials and promoting sustainable production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If components are integrated to make devices compact, then device size is reduced, but repairability and recyclability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate plug and socket components that can be independently replaced. The plug connector can be detached from the socket connector, allowing individual module replacement without replacing the entire device, thus resolving the contradiction between compact integration and repairability.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug connector is designed to be inserted into and nested within the socket connector housing. This nested structure allows the smaller plug component to be replaced independently while maintaining the overall compact device form factor, addressing both size reduction and repairability concerns.
2Volume of moving object
If components are integrated to make devices compact, then device size is reduced, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular connector design enables individual components (plug or socket) to be replaced only when necessary, rather than discarding the entire connector assembly. This extends the lifecycle of functional components and reduces raw material consumption by allowing selective replacement and potential recycling of intact parts.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If shielding is added to protect contacts, then electromagnetic protection is improved, but connector complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding function is merged with the existing connector housing structure. The socket connector housing itself serves as the shielding enclosure for the contacts, eliminating the need for separate shielding components and maintaining structural simplicity while providing electromagnetic protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector housing performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the contacts, serves as the shielding enclosure for electromagnetic protection, and acts as the structural interface for connection. This multi-functionality reduces overall connector complexity while achieving shielding goals.
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 users to easily repair and upgrade electronic devices, reducing electronic waste and promoting sustainable production practices while improving working conditions for miners.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive ring and elastomeric shielding gasket for secure and easy attachment of modules
Implementation Method 2
elastomeric shielding gasket
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention provides a connector (16) for functionally coupling a module (8) in a modular electronic device, in particular a portable device, more in particular a handheld device (1), comprising a first connector end, wherein said first connector end comprises a series of contacts (34) and an electromagnetic shielding (81) surrounding said contacts (34). Said connector (16) is in particular suited for a modular electronic device (1), for electronically coupling its modules (8) to a chassis (9).