Press-Type Connector Segmentation for High-Speed Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors for portable information terminals with integrated spring terminals are not suitable for high-speed charging or data communication due to complex structures and limited design freedom, restricting size and shape flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring separate contacts and elastic members, with a protection member and base body that allows for impedance matching and flexible positioning, enabling high-speed transmission while maintaining compactness and increased design freedom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the contact portion and spring portion are integrated in a single terminal, then the connector structure is simplified, but the design freedom regarding size and shape is restricted and high-speed transmission is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate components: a contact portion (conductor) and a spring portion (elastic member), allowing independent optimization of each part. The contact portion can be designed for optimal electrical performance while the spring portion provides mechanical flexibility, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and design freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact portion is positioned within a cavity of the elastic member, creating a nested structure where the conductor fits inside the spring component. This nesting allows the contact to be protected and guided while maintaining the compact overall structure, achieving both simplicity and design flexibility.
2Ease of manufacture
If the contact portion and spring portion are integrated, then manufacturing is simplified, but the connector size and shape are heavily restricted
Solution Approach 1:
Separating the contact and spring portions into distinct components allows each to be manufactured using optimized processes for its specific function, then assembled together. This segmentation enables greater size and shape flexibility while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member serves multiple functions: providing spring pressure, guiding the contact portion, and offering structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, maintaining ease of manufacture while enabling greater design freedom.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate contacts and elastic members are used, then design freedom and compactness are improved, but the connector structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The contact portion is nested within the elastic member's cavity, creating a compact integrated appearance while maintaining separate functional components. This nesting reduces the overall structure complexity despite using separate parts, as the components work together as a unified assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The separate contact and spring portions are combined into a single functional unit where the contact is positioned within the elastic member. This merging of components into one compact assembly reduces structural complexity while preserving design freedom.
4Speed
If the contact portion protrudes before connection, then high-speed transmission is enabled, but the contact portion is more exposed to external damage
Solution Approach 1:
The contact portion is nested within the protective housing and guided by the elastic member, allowing it to protrude for connection while remaining partially shielded. This nesting structure enables the contact to extend for high-speed transmission while the housing provides protection against external damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective housing acts as an intermediary between the exposed contact portion and external environmental factors. It allows the contact to protrude for electrical connection while filtering out harmful external elements, resolving the contradiction between exposure needed for transmission and protection from damage.
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
The solution enables high-speed transmission and compact design, simplifies the connector structure, and enhances durability by protecting contacts from external damage, thus improving both performance and usability.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member that is formed separately from the contact and presses the contact and the protection member in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction
Implementation Method 2
a spring portion for pressing the contact portion against the connection terminal of the portable information terminal
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a first connector and a second connector mounted on an external device. The first connector includes a contact including a contact portion electrically connected to a connection terminal of the second connector by pressing the connection terminal in a predetermined direction; a flexible conductor connected to the contact; a protection member that protects the contact portion by covering a periphery of the contact; a base body that accommodates the contact, the flexible conductor, and the protection member; and an elastic member that is formed separately from the contact and presses the contact and the protection member in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction.