Multi-type Receptacle Connector with Sub Contacts for Space Efficiency
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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 connecting additional modules to small-size portable electronic devices, leading to inefficient use of space and potential inferior connections.
Innovation Solution
A multi-type receptacle connector design that includes sub contacts in addition to main contacts, arranged at the same height but shorter in length, to provide an additional connection point, along with a plug connector that has sub contacts longer than main contacts, ensuring compatibility with existing micro USB connectors and preventing excessive insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering 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
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with both main contacts (five-pin micro USB configuration) and sub contacts (additional contact points), enabling a single connector to support multiple functions: standard USB connectivity and additional connection modules. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate connectors while maintaining USB standard compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into two distinct contact systems: main contacts arranged in the standard five-pin micro USB pattern for USB compatibility, and sub contacts positioned at different locations for additional connection modules. This segmentation allows independent operation of each contact system while sharing the same connector housing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional connectors are prepared separately to connect extra modules, then connection functionality is expanded, but space efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple connector functions are merged into a single integrated connector unit. The main contacts and sub contacts are housed together in one connector assembly, combining the functions of standard USB connectivity and additional connection modules into one physical component, thereby saving space that would otherwise be occupied by multiple separate connectors.
3Volume of moving object
If sub contacts are arranged at the same height as main contacts, then space utilization is improved, but connection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Different contact regions are designed with locally optimized properties: main contacts follow the standard five-pin micro USB arrangement for USB compatibility, while sub contacts are positioned at specific locations (including same-height positioning) optimized for additional connection modules. Each contact region has tailored characteristics suited to its specific function.
4Reliability
If stoppers are added to prevent excessive insertion, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Stoppers are pre-positioned within the connector housing at locations that prevent excessive insertion before it can occur during normal operation. These stoppers are integrated into the connector structure in advance, eliminating the need for active control mechanisms or complex sensing systems to prevent over-insertion.
Data Source
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.