Pogo Pin Adjustment Control for Angled Docking Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
USB Type-C connectors face challenges in alignment, push force, and tolerance during docking, especially when used at angles, leading to reliability issues and degradation of electrical connections due to repeated movement in non-standardized docking systems.
Innovation Solution
The use of pogo pins with an adjustment control mechanism and magnetic connections to simulate USB Type-C behavior, allowing for angled docking and resilient connection, along with strategic placement of pogo pins to support high-speed signals and prevent signal degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If USB Type-C connectors are used for docking, then power delivery and signal delivery capabilities are improved, but alignment precision and push force consistency deteriorate due to tolerance issues and angled docking challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system is segmented into multiple independent pogo pins instead of a single USB Type-C connector. Each pogo pin operates independently with its own contact point, eliminating the need for precise alignment of multiple pins as a unified connector. This segmentation allows each pin to tolerate positional variations while maintaining reliable electrical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
A resilient member is introduced as an intermediary between the pogo pin and the contact surface. This resilient member absorbs misalignment and tolerance variations, ensuring consistent electrical contact even when docking angles or positions vary. The resilient member acts as a mediator that compensates for manufacturing precision issues.
2Adaptability or versatility
If USB Type-C connectors are used at angles, then docking versatility is improved, but electrical connection reliability deteriorates due to push force inconsistency and tolerance accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The pogo pin assembly incorporates a resilient member that dynamically adapts to different docking angles and positions. The resilient member can deflect and adjust its position to maintain optimal contact force regardless of the docking angle, enabling reliable electrical connections whether docking is performed at 0 degrees, 45 degrees, or other angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the contact mechanism from a rigid fixed-position connector to a resilient dynamic contact system. The resilient member allows the contact point to move within a range of positions, changing the effective contact parameters to accommodate various docking angles while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
3Ease of operation
If repeated docking and undocking movements occur, then device mobility and usability are improved, but electrical connection integrity deteriorates due to wear and contact degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member serves as a cushioning element that absorbs mechanical stress and wear from repeated docking and undocking movements. By placing this cushioning element beforehand in the contact path, the system protects the electrical contact points from direct wear, maintaining connection integrity over many cycles of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member automatically adjusts and self-regulates the contact force during each docking cycle without requiring external intervention. The elastic properties of the resilient member allow it to self-correct for minor misalignments and wear, maintaining reliable electrical connection through repeated use without needing adjustment or replacement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables reliable high-speed communication and power delivery at various angles, maintaining electrical connection integrity even with repeated use, suitable for applications like retail point-of-sale environments.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member positioned within a cavity to contact the pogo pin and advance the pogo pin in response to movement of the computing device away from the mounting device
Implementation Method 2
magnetic connections to simulate USB Type-C behavior, allowing for angled docking and resilient connection
Data Source
AI summary
An example device can include a mounting device having a first connector bracket fixedly positioned on the mounting device, a plurality of pogo pins positioned within the first connector bracket, and an adjustment control mechanism positioned about at least one pogo pin of the plurality of pogo pins. A computing device has a second connector bracket fixedly positioned on the computing device, the second connector bracket forming a plurality of openings for receiving the plurality of pogo pins, wherein the adjustment control mechanism is to fixedly position the plurality of pogo pins within the plurality of openings to maintain electrical connection of the first connector bracket and the second connector bracket during adjustment of the computing device relative to the mounting device.