Multi-Type Receptacle Connector with Sub Contacts

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing micro USB connectors, with their five-pin configuration, are limited to USB standards and require additional connectors for additional connection modules in portable electronic devices, leading to inefficient use of space and potential inferior connections.

Innovation Solution

A multi-type receptacle connector with a sub contact in addition to the main contact, allowing for an additional connection module while maintaining compatibility with existing plug connectors, by incorporating sub contacts arranged alongside the main contacts within the same space, and a corresponding multi-type plug connector with matching sub contacts for stable coupling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a five-pin micro USB connector is used, then compatibility with USB standards is ensured, but the ability to connect additional connection modules is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection module compatibilityVSAvoidconnector configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The receptacle connector is designed with both main contacts (for USB connection) and sub contacts (for additional connection modules) within the same connector body, enabling a single connector to serve multiple functions and connect different types of devices without requiring separate connectors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional connectors are added for connection modules, then connection versatility is improved, but space efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection module capabilityVSAvoidconnector space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the USB connector and additional connection module connector into a single integrated receptacle connector structure, where main contacts and sub contacts coexist in the same connector body, thereby reducing the total space required compared to using separate connectors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If sub contacts are added to the receptacle connector, then additional connection functionality is enabled, but connection reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadditional connection moduleVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sub contacts are positioned at a different location (recessed deeper in the receptacle) than the main contacts, allowing differential contact engagement where USB plugs engage only main contacts while additional module plugs engage both main and sub contacts, ensuring reliable connection for each plug type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2822109B1Multi-type receptacle connector and plug connector applied thereto

Publication Date: 2019.02.27 LS MTRON LTD

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AI summary

A multi-type receptacle connector includes a receptacle insulator, main receptacle contacts arranged at the receptacle insulator to provide an electric contact point corresponding to a universal plug connector, sub receptacle contacts additionally installed at both sides of the main receptacle contacts to give an additional contact point, and a receptacle shell surrounding at least a part of the receptacle insulator, wherein the sub receptacle contacts are arranged at the same height as the main receptacle contacts and disposed at a relatively inner side in the insertion direction of a plug connector in comparison to the main receptacle contacts.