Connector With Partitioned Optical And Electrical Sections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric connectors, such as USB and HDMI, lack sufficient space to accommodate optical transmission components, leading to interference with electric transmission terminals when optical transmission is added, resulting in compatibility issues and the need for separate connectors.

Innovation Solution

A connector design that separates electric and optical transmission sections using a partition, with the optical transmission section provided outside the electric transmission housing, preventing interference and allowing compatibility with existing electric-only transmission devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the number of terminals is reduced or layout is changed to accommodate optical components, then optical transmission is enabled, but the connector structure becomes more complex and compatibility is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical transmission functionVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the connector into separate housings for electric and optical transmission, the design avoids the complexity of reconfiguring terminal layouts or reducing terminal counts. Each housing maintains its original structure independently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a separate electric-only connector is provided for existing devices, then compatibility is maintained, but user burden and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with existing devicesVSAvoiduser burden

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connector merges both electric transmission and optical transmission functions into a single integrated unit with separate housings. This allows users to use one connector for both new and existing devices, eliminating the need to prepare separate connectors and reducing user burden

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The dual-housing connector achieves multi-functionality by incorporating both electric and optical transmission capabilities in one device. This universal design enables the same connector to work with both optical-capable and electric-only devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9033590B2Connector with optical and electrical transmission connectors and electronics apparatus utilizing same

Publication Date: 2015.05.19 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

A connector includes: an electric transmission section; an optical transmission section; and a partition section provided between the electric transmission section and the optical transmission section.