Reversible Electrical Connector with Offset Terminal Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors lack a simple and effective design for reversible connectivity with improved terminal arrangements that allow for easy orientation and secure coupling in USB applications.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design featuring an insulative housing with a tongue portion and shielding shell, where first and second contacts are arranged with offsetting contacting portions and soldering extensions, enabling 180-degree symmetry for reversible insertion and secure coupling, along with a metal sheet for added stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If contacts are arranged in a traditional aligned array, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but reversible connectivity and orientation identification become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by offsetting the contacting portions of first and second contacts relative to each other in the terminal array. This asymmetric arrangement creates distinct orientation characteristics that enable reversible connectivity - the connector can be inserted in either orientation while the asymmetric contact layout ensures proper electrical connection in both cases. The offset configuration provides visual and physical cues for correct orientation without requiring complex additional components.
2Strength
If soldering portions are extended for better connection, then connection strength is improved, but connector height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the height-strength contradiction by changing the dimensional arrangement of soldering portions. Instead of extending soldering portions vertically (increasing height), the invention arranges first and second soldering portions in a horizontal line at the same height level. This lateral distribution in another dimension (horizontal plane) maintains compact vertical profile while ensuring adequate soldering connection strength through proper spacing and alignment of soldering portions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If contact portions are offset for reversible connectivity, then orientation flexibility is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the terminal array into distinct first contacts and second contacts with clearly defined offset positions. Each contact type has its contacting portion positioned at a specific offset distance from the other, creating modular, repeatable units. This segmented approach simplifies manufacturing by allowing standardized production of contact pairs with fixed offset geometry, reducing the overall precision burden compared to a fully custom asymmetric design.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing having a tongue portion, a number of terminals having a number of first contacts and second contacts, and a shielding shell attached to the housing. The tongue portion defines a first surface and a second surface. Each first contact has a first contacting portion exposed from the first surface, a first soldering portion, and a first connecting portion. Each second contact has a second contacting portion exposed from the second surface, a second soldering portion, and a second connecting portion. The first contacts have a first outermost contact, and the first contacting portion of the first outermost contact offsets outwardly beyond the second contacting portion along a transverse direction.