Modular RJ Connector With Split Housing For Dual Telecommunication And Networking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RJ-type modular connectors are dedicated to specific functions, such as telecommunication or networking, requiring separate connectors for devices needing both capabilities, which increases device size and complexity, particularly in handheld and laptop computers.
Innovation Solution
A modular connector system with a female receptacle and male plug that includes a printed circuit board with contact terminals on both sides, allowing the same connector to be used for both telecommunication and networking applications by accommodating different numbers of contact pins and pins, enabling flexible functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate RJ11 and RJ45 modular connectors are used for telecommunication and networking functions, then functional versatility is improved, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single modular connector housing that can accommodate both RJ11 and RJ45 contact terminal arrangements. The housing includes a cavity with interior surfaces that can be configured to receive either 4-position or 8-position contact terminals, allowing one connector to perform multiple functions (telecommunication and networking) that previously required separate connectors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of separate RJ11 and RJ45 connectors into a single unified connector structure. The housing combines features needed for both connector types, including space for different numbers of contact terminals, wire grooves, and insulation displacement contacts, eliminating the need for multiple separate connectors in devices needing both telecommunication and networking capabilities
2Device complexity
If a single modular connector is used for both telecommunication and networking, then device size is reduced, but adaptability to different contact terminal configurations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing cavity is segmented into regions that can accommodate different contact terminal configurations. The interior surfaces include designated areas for 4-position contact terminals (for RJ11) and 8-position contact terminals (for RJ45), allowing the single housing to be adapted to different wiring standards and applications through selective installation of contact terminal arrays
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the housing interior are designed with specific local qualities to support different connector types. The housing includes wire grooves and contact terminal mounting areas that can be configured locally to match either RJ11 or RJ45 requirements, enabling the same overall structure to provide locally optimized interfaces for different functions
Data Source
AI summary
A modular RJ-type connector includes a female receptacle having an internal cavity, and first and second sets of rigid contacts disposed in back-to-back spaced relation to each other and in spaced relation to interior surfaces of the female receptacle that define the internal cavity. The first and second sets of rigid contacts can be disposed adjacent an edge of a support that is positioned in the internal cavity facing an open, plug receiving end of the female receptacle. A male plug can be provided which includes first and second sets of spaced facing contacts that make contact with the contacts of the first and second sets of rigid contacts of the female receptacle when the male plug is inserted in the open, plug receiving end of the female receptacle.