Oval Electrical Connector Shell for Wearable Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors lack shielding against EMI/RFI, have a bulky circular shape that is difficult to mount on wearable articles, and have shrouded terminals that are hard to clean without damaging them.
Innovation Solution
The design includes an oval-shaped metal shell with a flat mating interface and deflectable spring terminals, which are protected by ribs and can be easily cleaned, and a sealing ring to prevent electromagnetic interference and facilitate mounting on wearable articles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If circular electrical connectors are used, then they provide standard connection functionality, but they have a bulky profile that causes difficulty mounting on wearable articles and may cause irritation to the wearer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing the connector shape from a traditional circular form to an oval form with a flattened side. This asymmetric design reduces the overall profile volume and eliminates the bulky appearance, making the connector suitable for mounting on wearable articles without causing irritation to the wearer while maintaining connection functionality
2Reliability
If shrouded terminal design is used, then the terminals are protected, but debris collection occurs and cleaning becomes difficult without damaging the terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional shrouded terminal design by exposing the terminals rather than enclosing them. The terminals are positioned to protrude slightly from the connector body, allowing direct access for cleaning with a finger or cloth. This inversion maintains reliability through the metal shell protection while dramatically improving cleaning ease by eliminating the shrouded structure that trapped debris
3Device complexity
If no shielding is provided, then the connector structure is simpler, but excessive interference with data signals occurs due to lack of EMI/RFI protection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a metal shell that acts as a flexible shielding structure surrounding the terminal subassembly. This thin metallic enclosure provides effective EMI and RFI protection for the data signals while adding minimal structural complexity. The shell integrates seamlessly with the oval connector body, providing shielding functionality without significantly increasing device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector is provided for terminating a plurality of electrical conductors. The electrical connector includes a terminal subassembly having terminals configured to be electrically connected to the electrical conductors. The terminal subassembly has an insulator holding the terminals. The terminal subassembly has a mating interface where mating surfaces of the terminals mate with a mating connector. The mating interface of the terminal subassembly is approximately flat. The electrical connector also includes a metal shell holding the terminal subassembly. The metal shell has the cross-sectional shape of an oval.