Multi-Pin Network Cable Connector Layout for Power Pin Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network cable connectors face challenges in preventing voltage breakdown and electrical interference between high-voltage or high-wattage power pins, which can disrupt data signals.
Innovation Solution
The connectors are designed with a specific spacing between adjacent power pins to prevent voltage breakdown, and the power pins are configured to carry higher electrical power than data pins, with the data pins and power pins being positioned on opposite surfaces of the connector housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If power pins are placed close together to reduce connector size, then device compactness is improved, but voltage breakdown between adjacent power pins occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the spacing requirements for different pin types. Power pins are spaced at a greater distance (first spacing) compared to data pins (second spacing) to account for the higher voltage requirements. This localized adjustment of spacing parameters allows the connector to maintain compact overall dimensions while ensuring adequate isolation between high-voltage power pins to prevent breakdown.
2Device complexity
If power pins and data pins are positioned close together to reduce connector complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but electrical interference between power and data signals occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the interference issue by utilizing spatial separation in three-dimensional space. Power pins are positioned on a first surface of the connector housing while data pins are positioned on a second surface, effectively using the housing thickness as an additional dimension for isolation. This dimensional separation allows the connector to maintain a compact footprint while physically isolating high-voltage power signals from sensitive data signals to prevent electrical interference.
3Reliability
If adequate spacing is provided between power pins to prevent voltage breakdown, then reliability is improved, but connector area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the connector housing into distinct regions for power pins and data pins. The power pins are grouped together on one surface with adequate spacing between them, while data pins are grouped on the opposite surface. This segmentation allows each group of pins to be optimized independently - power pins have the spacing needed for voltage breakdown prevention, while the overall connector area is controlled by efficiently packing each pin group into its designated region.
Data Source
AI summary
Presented herein are techniques for connectors, apparatuses, and system with connectors for data and power. A connector at an end of the network cable can be configured to mate with a port in a device. The connector can include a set of data pins for connecting data wires in the network cable to the port. The connector can include a set of power pins for connecting power wires in the network cable to the port. The set of power pins can carry a higher electrical power than that carried by the set of data pins. A first spacing between adjacent power pins in the set of power pins has at least a minimum distance to reduce voltage breakdown between the adjacent power pins in the set of power pin.