Movable Door RJ45 Connector for Thin Device Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The thickness of traditional RJ45 connectors hinders the thinning of mobile devices like Ultrabook computers, as they do not efficiently utilize space in the thickness direction.
Innovation Solution
An electric connector assembly with a movable door that slides along guide slots, allowing the RJ45 plug to be plugged in when needed and retracting to minimize thickness when not in use, thereby optimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional RJ45 connector is used, then the connector can provide stable Internet connection, but the thickness of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The door is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to slide between closed and open positions. This dynamic structure enables the connector to maintain a low-profile appearance when not in use while providing full access to the RJ45 port when needed, thus reducing the effective thickness without compromising connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The door incorporates a sliding mechanism that moves along guide slots, utilizing lateral motion to achieve the opening/closing function. This transforms the traditional vertical opening motion into horizontal sliding motion, allowing the door to clear the RJ45 port area without increasing the overall device thickness
2Volume of stationary object
If the door is made movable to enable thinning, then the space utilization is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The door assembly is divided into distinct functional components: the door body, slide members, and guide slots. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall design by breaking down the complex moving mechanism into manageable, standardized parts that can be manufactured and assembled separately
Solution Approach 2:
The slide members act as intermediary elements between the door and the housing, providing a simple mechanical interface that enables smooth sliding motion. These slide members engage with the guide slots to constrain and guide the door's movement, eliminating the need for complex linkages or actuators
3Length of stationary object
If the door is closed to minimize thickness, then the device thinning is achieved, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The guide slots are designed with specific geometric features at critical locations - wider openings at the ends for easy door insertion and removal, and narrower sections in the middle to provide natural stopping positions. This variation in local geometry guides the user's hand and finger movements, making the sliding operation intuitive and easy to perform
Data Source
AI summary
An electric connector assembly is disclosed. The electric connector assembly comprises a shell, a plurality of terminals, a spacer, a support plate, a housing, and a door. The spacer comprises a plurality of first openings. The support plate comprises a plurality of second openings. The spacer is positioned on the support plate. Each of the second openings is corresponding to one of the first openings. Each of the terminals is inserted in a corresponding first hole and a corresponding second hole. The shell is fixed to the support plate. The housing comprises two opposite sides. The shell is fixed to the housing. The door is locked to the sides. A sliding mechanism slides on the sides so that the door is closed or pulled out.