Plug Connector Orientation Detection via Mechanical Shielding

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dual orientation plug connectors require complex sensing circuits to detect orientation, leading to increased complexity and resource wastage in software or hardware switches.

Innovation Solution

A plug connector with a pair of side arms and a receptacle connector featuring a monolithic metallic shielding plate with notch structures, allowing for simple and secure engagement between the plug and receptacle connectors, enabling correct orientation detection without complex sensing circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If sensing circuits are used to detect plug orientation, then orientation detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorientation detection capabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of sensing circuits

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electronic sensing circuits with a mechanical orientation detection system. The receptacle connector includes a detection structure that mechanically interacts with the plug connector's positioning features to determine orientation. This mechanical approach eliminates the need for complex electronic sensors while achieving reliable orientation detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector system performs self-detection of orientation through its structural features. The plug and receptacle have asymmetric positioning elements that automatically indicate correct orientation during insertion, eliminating the need for external sensing circuits or additional detection components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple software or hardware switches are implemented for orientation detection, then orientation control is improved, but loss of information increases due to resource wastage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorientation control capabilityVSAvoidsoftware or hardware resource wastage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the orientation detection function from complex software/hardware switch systems and implements it through simple structural features of the connector itself. The asymmetric positioning elements and detection structures directly provide orientation information without requiring additional software processing or hardware switches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The structural features of the connector serve multiple functions: they provide mechanical connection, ensure proper orientation, and enable orientation detection simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate software or hardware switches, reducing resource wastage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If complex sensing circuits are used, then orientation detection precision is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorientation detection precisionVSAvoidprecision of sensing circuit assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces precision-sensitive electronic sensing circuits with robust mechanical features that are tolerant to manufacturing variations. The asymmetric positioning elements and detection structures rely on geometric relationships rather than precise electronic component placement, reducing manufacturing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical detection features use simple, inexpensive structural elements that can be manufactured with standard tolerances. These features are integrated into the connector housing and contacts, eliminating the need for expensive precision electronics and complex assembly processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS9762009B2Plug connector insertable in two orientations and having a metallic shield plate with arms with hook structures

Publication Date: 2017.09.12 FOXCONN INTERCONNECT TECHNOLOGY LTD

AI summary

A plug connector includes an insulative housing with mating slot, contacts disposed in the housing by two sides of the mating slot, and a pair of side arms located by two opposite ends of the mating slot in a horizontal transverse direction. a receptacle connector includes an insulative housing defining a horizontal mating tongue; contacts disposed in the housing with contacting sections exposed upon two opposite surfaces of the mating tongue; and a monolithic horizontal metallic shielding plate disposed and extending substantially fully the mating tongue. The shielding plate defines side protruding edge sections exposed outside of corresponding side edges of the mating tongue and a notch structure on each side protruding edge section, the pair of side arms each defines a hook structure to engagement with the notch structure.