Reversible USB Interface Adapter for Cross-Connector Data Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

The use of mobile terminals is limited by structural differences in USB interfaces, preventing data transmission with incompatible data cables.

Innovation Solution

An interface adapter system with a male and female connector configuration that allows for interchangeable contact types, enabling compatibility with both USB Type-C and Micro-USB interfaces, and optionally lightning interfaces, through orthogonal placement and grooves for easy insertion and removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a mobile terminal uses a specific USB interface type (e.g., Type-C), then the interface structure is fixed and simple, but it cannot be compatible with other interface types (e.g., Micro-USB), limiting data transmission capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterface compatibilityVSAvoidinterface structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is divided into distinct functional segments: a first connector portion for connecting to the mobile terminal, a second connector portion for connecting to the data cable, and a conductive portion for electrical connection. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently while achieving overall interface compatibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter serves multiple functions: it acts as an interface converter between different USB types, provides electrical connection through conductive portions, and enables data transmission compatibility. The single adapter structure universalizes the mobile terminal's interface capability across multiple interface types

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the adapter uses a complex multi-contact configuration to achieve interface conversion, then compatibility is improved, but the insertion and removal operation becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterface conversion capabilityVSAvoidinsertion and removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second connectors are designed with asymmetric configurations that naturally guide correct insertion orientation. The conductive portions are asymmetrically arranged to match the specific pinout requirements of different interface types, ensuring that only the correct orientation establishes proper electrical connections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive portion acts as an intermediary element between the first and second connectors, providing the necessary electrical connection while allowing mechanical independence. This intermediary structure simplifies the insertion and removal operation by decoupling the mechanical connection from the electrical connection complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3706257B1Interface adapter device and mobile terminal
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 VIVO MOBILE COMM CO LTD
  • EP3706257B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3706257B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an interface adapter device and a mobile terminal. The interface adapter device comprises a male connector and a third contact and a fourth contact provided on the male connector, wherein the male connector comprises a first end provided with a first interface and a second end provided with a second interface, the first and second ends are two opposite ends of the male connector, the third contact is electrically coupled to the second interface, the fourth contact is electrically coupled to the first interface, and the first and second ends of the male connector are insertable into the female connector; the third contact is in contact with the first contact when the male connector is inserted into the female connector through the first end, and the fourth contact is in contact with the second contact when the male connector is inserted into the female connector through the second end.