Retractable Connector Contacts for Moisture-Resistant Electronic Devices

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connector systems for electronic devices are large, prone to corrosion, easily damaged, and vulnerable to moisture, which can lead to reliability issues and increased manufacturing costs due to complex assembly processes.

Innovation Solution

The development of space-efficient connector assemblies with high corrosion resistance and moisture protection, featuring retractable electrical contacts and interlock mechanisms for secure engagement, using materials like stainless steel and water-resistant coatings, and sliding or plug-in attachment methods to prevent damage during assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If connector contacts are placed on outside surfaces of electronic devices for direct contact, then electrical connections can be established between devices, but the connectors become large and exposed to corroding fluids

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidexposure to corroding fluids

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connector contacts are nested within recesses in the device housing rather than being exposed on the outside surface. The recesses create a protective cavity that shields the contacts from corroding fluids while still allowing electrical connection when devices are mated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

A seal or gasket material is introduced as an intermediary between the connector contacts and the external environment. This seal prevents corroding fluids from reaching the contacts while allowing electrical current to pass through during connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If connector contacts are on outside surfaces for direct contact, then electrical connections are formed, but the contacts become damaged during connection formation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedamage resistanceVSAvoidconnection formation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connector contacts are pre-positioned within recesses and oriented at specific angles before connection occurs. This preliminary positioning ensures that contacts engage smoothly without lateral stress or misalignment that could cause damage during the connection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The connector assembly incorporates flexible or spring-loaded contacts that can dynamically adjust during connection and disconnection. This flexibility allows the contacts to withstand mechanical stresses without permanent damage while maintaining reliable electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If connector systems are manufactured in millions of units, then production volume increases, but assembly process complexity increases manufacturing costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing volumeVSAvoidassembly process simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple connector contacts and their supporting structures are merged into a single integrated connector assembly that can be manufactured as one piece or pre-assembled unit. This consolidation simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces the number of separate components that need to be assembled during production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector system is segmented into modular components that can be manufactured separately and then quickly assembled. This segmentation allows for specialized manufacturing processes for each component while maintaining overall assembly simplicity through standardized interfaces and snap-fit connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If electronic devices come into physical contact for connection, then data and power transfer occur, but moisture leakage damages the electronic device housing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture protectionVSAvoidmoisture leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connector contacts are nested within recesses that extend into the device housing, creating a stepped structure. This nesting arrangement allows the housing surfaces to overlap and form a barrier against moisture leakage while still permitting electrical connection between devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

A flexible seal or gasket is placed around the connector assembly to create a moisture barrier. This flexible film conforms to the connector geometry and prevents moisture from penetrating into the device housing during connection and disconnection operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS10448711B2Accessory contacts

Publication Date: 2019.10.22 APPLE INC

AI summary

A first connector assembly may be connectable to a second connector assembly using a sliding attachment process, in which a front portion of the first connector assembly is inserted into an end of a slot in the second connector assembly and slides laterally along the slot until electrical contacts on the two connector assemblies are aligned. Electrical contacts of the first connector assembly may be biased proud to make contact with recessed electrical contacts in the second connector assembly. A retraction mechanism may be provided to retract the electrical contacts of the first connector assembly during lateral sliding. An interlock mechanism may be provided to prevent unwanted operation of the retraction mechanism.