Modular Jack With Parallel Crank Mechanism for Height Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional modular jacks for LAN connections, such as RJ45 jacks, are too thick, increasing the size of electronic devices like notebook PCs, as they do not effectively reduce the height below the prescribed height of the plug, which is a demand for compact device design.
Innovation Solution
A modular jack design featuring a socket connector with a parallel crank mechanism that allows the upper housing to switch between a lowered and raised state, enabling the jack to be housed within the device casing when not in use and extending for plug connection, thus reducing the overall height and size of the jack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional modular jack structure is used, then the jack can provide stable electrical connection, but the height of the jack becomes too large, increasing the size of the electronic device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the upper housing movable relative to the lower housing through a pivot mechanism. The upper housing can rotate between a lowered state (reducing jack height) and a raised state (providing insertion opening). This dynamic structure allows the jack to maintain reliable electrical connection when needed while reducing overall height when not in use, resolving the contradiction between connection stability and compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses another dimension principle by changing the spatial configuration from a fixed vertical structure to a rotatable structure that utilizes angular movement. The upper housing rotates about a pivot axis, transitioning between positions that expose the insertion opening and positions that minimize the jack's height profile. This dimensional transformation allows the same functional elements to serve different purposes at different orientations.
2Length of stationary object
If the jack height is reduced to fit compact devices, then the electronic device size is reduced, but the jack cannot properly accommodate the plug insertion and latching mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic rotation mechanism allows the upper housing to transition between a compact lowered position and an extended raised position. When raised, the upper housing provides sufficient depth to accommodate the plug body and engage the latching tab. This dynamic extension ensures full plug accommodation capability is available when needed, while the lowered position achieves compact height for device integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies nesting principle by placing the upper housing within or adjacent to the lower housing in the lowered state. The upper housing can be rotated from a retracted position where it is contained within the overall jack structure to an extended position where it provides the necessary insertion depth. This nested configuration allows the jack to maintain small form factor while providing adequate plug accommodation space when required.
3Length of stationary object
If a rotatable mechanism is added to reduce jack height, then the jack height is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a simple pivot mechanism that provides dynamic height adjustment. The upper housing is connected to the lower housing via a pivot joint that allows rotation between two stable states. This simple rotational mechanism achieves height reduction without requiring complex actuators, motors, or control systems, thus minimizing the increase in device complexity while still providing the desired compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper housing can be manually rotated by the user to transition between lowered and raised states. The mechanism is designed to be user-operable without requiring external power sources or complex control systems. This self-service approach allows the dynamic height adjustment function to be achieved through simple manual manipulation, avoiding the need for additional motors, sensors, or control circuitry that would increase device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular jack is composed of: a base connector installed on a printed circuit board, and a socket connector with a parallel crank mechanism at an extremity thereof, the parallel crank mechanism being slidably connected to the base connector and switching an upper housing between a raised state and a lowered state. When the upper housing is laid toward the front side of the socket connector, the socket connector can be housed inside the casing and both faces of the upper housing, the socket housing, and the base housing are made in a flat plate-like shape. This contributes to height reduction in the modular jack. The socket connector is configured such that, when the upper housing is pulled out from a side face of the casing and raised outside the casing, a plug can be electrically connected to the socket connector.