Modular Jack Cover Integration for Low-Profile Electronic Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional modular jacks increase the dimensions of electronic apparatus due to their four-walled design, making miniaturization and low-profile configurations challenging for electronic devices with electrical connectors.

Innovation Solution

An electronic apparatus design featuring a base portion with a first cover and a second cover, where the first cover has a locking slot and the second cover has an opening, creating a receiving cavity that allows for a reduced height configuration by integrating the first cover as a wall of the modular jack, eliminating the need for an opposing wall in the electrical connector.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If conventional modular jack with four walls is used, then structural integrity and locking functionality are ensured, but the dimension of the electronic apparatus increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedimension of electronic apparatusVSAvoidfour-walled design of modular jack

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the cover structure with the modular jack wall structure. The first cover and second cover are integrated to form the sidewall and bottom wall of the modular jack simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate wall components and reducing overall dimensions while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover components serve multiple functions: they enclose the electronic components, provide structural support, and simultaneously form the functional walls of the modular jack including the sidewall, bottom wall, and locking portions. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Length of moving object

If four walls are provided in modular jack, then locking portions and structural stability are achieved, but the height of the electrical connector increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheight of electrical connectorVSAvoidlocking functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The first cover and second cover are merged to form both the enclosures and the functional walls of the modular jack. The sidewall is formed by the first cover and the bottom wall with locking portions is formed by the second cover, achieving both miniaturization and reliable locking functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of providing all four walls within the electrical connector housing, the patent inverts the approach by having the cover structure provide the walls. This reverses the conventional design where the connector itself provides all structural walls, enabling low-profile configuration while maintaining locking functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS8142217B2Electronic apparatus having a cover which synchronously defined as a wall of a modular jack disposed thereof

Publication Date: 2012.03.27 HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic apparatus includes a base portion including a first cover, a second cover perpendicular to the first cover and a receiving cavity running through the first and second covers to respectively provide a locking slot in the first cover and an opening in the second cover. The first cover defines locking portions oppositely extending from opposite faces of the locking slot.