Miniaturized Audio Connector Using Nested Male and Female Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio connectors, such as micro jack connectors, face challenges in reducing size while maintaining functionality, which is crucial for applications like hearing aids and ear monitors where space is limited.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a receptacle with a first and second contact spring housed within a female receptacle part and a plug with a female plug part inside a male plug part, allowing for a reduction in size by a factor of 2-3 times, along with a cable structure that includes litz wires and a strength member, enhancing electrical contact and locking functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional micro jack connector construction is used, then electrical connection functionality is maintained, but connector size cannot be reduced further
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing a female receptacle part inside a male plug part, and a male receptacle part inside a female receptacle part. This nested configuration allows multiple contact points to be arranged in a compact space, reducing the overall connector volume while maintaining all necessary electrical connection functions.
2Volume of moving object
If connector size is reduced for compact device integration, then space requirements are met, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate male and female parts that can be manufactured independently using standard micro jack manufacturing processes. This segmentation allows each component to be produced separately with conventional techniques, then assembled together, thereby reducing the final size while avoiding excessive manufacturing complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If nested male and female parts are used, then connector size is reduced by 2-3 times, but assembly precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The male and female parts are designed with pre-formed geometric features including cylindrical contact surfaces and complementary shapes that guide proper alignment during assembly. These preliminary geometric configurations ensure that even with reduced size, the components can be assembled with adequate precision using standard manufacturing tolerances.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A~4C
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a receptacle and a plug for a miniaturized connector for use in an audio device, a hearing device or a similar device.