RF-Coupled USB Connector for Moisture-Resistant High-Speed Links

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Solution Overview

Problem

USB cable connections face limitations in durability, moisture resistance, and data performance due to traditional pin and socket solutions.

Innovation Solution

A near-field, radio frequency (RF)-coupled signaling interface is introduced for USB-based connectors, utilizing RF-coupled plugs and receptacles with self-aligning mechanisms and magnetic retention, enabling wireless data signaling and power delivery, and supporting higher data rates than conventional USB technologies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional pin and socket USB connections are used, then compatibility with existing USB devices is maintained, but durability and moisture resistance are poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedurability and moisture resistanceVSAvoidcompatibility with existing USB devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical pin-and-socket contact system with a radio frequency (RF) coupling system. Instead of physical electrical contacts that are prone to wear and moisture ingress, the invention uses RF signals transmitted through closely-spaced conductors arranged in a differential pair configuration, eliminating the mechanical insertion and contact problems while maintaining data transmission functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces RF coupling as an intermediary mechanism between the transmitter and receiver. The RF signals act as mediators that transfer data information without requiring direct physical contact between pins and sockets. The closely-spaced conductors serve as the intermediary transmission medium, enabling data communication while providing protection against moisture and wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If traditional USB cable connections are used, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but data performance and durability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer speedVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes key parameters of the transmission system by transitioning from low-frequency electrical signals through contact pins to high-frequency RF signals through closely-spaced conductors. This parameter change enables higher data transfer speeds by utilizing the broader bandwidth available at RF frequencies, while the differential pair configuration maintains signal integrity despite the increased complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent moves the data transmission from the traditional electrical contact domain to the electromagnetic RF domain. By spacing the conductors closely together in a differential pair arrangement, the system creates a controlled impedance transmission line that operates in the RF domain, enabling higher performance while managing manufacturing complexity through standardized RF design practices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If exposed pin and socket data connections are used, then device complexity is low, but moisture resistance and durability are poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture resistanceVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a protective enclosure that houses the closely-spaced conductors, effectively creating a sealed structure that protects the transmission elements from moisture and environmental contaminants. The conductors are arranged in a compact differential pair configuration within this protective housing, eliminating exposed contacts while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be integrated into existing USB form factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

This solution enhances durability and moisture resistance by eliminating exposed pin and socket connections, while achieving data rates beyond USB4 Gen4, with compatibility to existing USB protocols.

Implementation Method 1

A first RF circuit to transmit and receive first data signals of a first RF channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNear-field radio frequency coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

at least one of a magnetic member or a mechanical member to maintain the first surface of the connector and the second surface of the device in contact

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic alignment: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS12627958B2Radio frequency communication via plug and receptacle arrangement

Publication Date: 2026.05.12 INTEL CORP

AI summary

In one embodiment, a method includes: detecting, in a computing device, attachment of a surface connector to the computing device and discovering one or more operational characteristics of the surface connector via a wired configuration channel; configuring the connector to communicate with the computing device via at least one wireless channel based on the one or more operational characteristics; and communicating data with the surface connector via the at least one wireless channel. Other embodiments are described and claimed.