Pivoting Cover Connector for USB Type-C Dust Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
USB Type-C connectors are prone to environmental dust and moisture ingress due to their exposed design, which can impair signal and electric power transmission.
Innovation Solution
A connector structure featuring a tongue-shaped portion and a covering component that pivotally connects to the housing, allowing the covering component to rotate and cover the open slot, preventing dust and moisture entry while also exposing the slot for plug insertion by forming a parallel gap with the tongue-shaped portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the USB Type-C connector is exposed from an open slot for easy access and orientation-free plugging, then the ease of operation is improved, but environmental dust or moisture easily enters the connector, worsening the reliability of signal or electric power transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic cover component that can rotate between a closed position (covering the open slot and protecting the connector) and an open position (exposing the slot for plug insertion). This dynamic mechanism allows the system to adapt its state based on operational needs, providing protection during storage/non-use and accessibility during use, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability
2Reliability
If a covering component is added to protect the open slot from dust and moisture, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the covering component with the existing connector structure by pivotally connecting it to the housing, integrating the protection function into the overall connector assembly rather than adding a completely separate mechanism. This integration approach provides effective protection while minimizing the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The cover component is designed to be operable by the user through simple rotational motion, and it automatically positions itself to cover or expose the slot based on the plug insertion state. The mechanism serves itself by using the user's natural interaction (attempting to plug or unplug) to trigger the appropriate protective state, reducing the need for additional control systems
Data Source
AI summary
A connector structure adapted to an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing with an open slot. The connector structure comprises a tongue-shaped portion, a covering component, and a connecting member. The tongue-shaped portion is pivotally connected to the housing and disposed in the open slot. The covering component is pivotally connected to the housing and for covering the open slot. The connecting member is disposed inside the open slot and connecting the tongue-shaped portion and the covering component. When the covering component drives the tongue-shaped portion to rotate simultaneously via the connecting member, a gap is formed between the tongue-shaped portion and the covering component to expose the open slot.