RJ45 Connector Pin Definition Switching Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connector devices occupy significant space in electronic devices due to the need for multiple connectors to achieve different data processing functions, violating the design concept of being light, thin, short, and small.

Innovation Solution

An RJ45 connector device with a switch structure that includes a base, conversion circuit board, switch circuit board, information processing circuit board, and output circuit board, where a conversion chip and information processing chip convert input information into relay and output information, allowing for switching of pin definitions on a single connector device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connectors or connector devices are used to achieve different data processing functions, then the functional versatility is improved, but the space and volume occupied increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidspace occupied
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single RJ45 connector device that can perform multiple data processing functions by dynamically switching pin definitions. The connector includes a switch structure that changes the electrical connection relationships among pins, enabling the same physical connector to serve different functional purposes (e.g., Ethernet, serial communication, console access) without requiring multiple separate connectors, thus achieving multi-functionality while reducing space occupation

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a dynamic switching mechanism within the connector device that allows the pin definitions to be changed during operation. The switch structure can alter the electrical connections among pins based on operational requirements, transforming a static connector into a dynamic multi-functional device. This dynamic capability enables the connector to adapt different data processing functions on-demand using the same physical interface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connectors or connector devices are used to achieve different data processing functions, then the functional versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidconnector quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple connector functions into a single RJ45 connector device by integrating a switch structure that can reconfigure pin connections. Instead of using separate physical connectors for different functions (serial console, Ethernet, debugging), the invention merges these functions into one connector with dynamically switchable pin definitions, thereby reducing the number of components and simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining functional versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2194616B1RJ45 connector device having key structure for changing pin definitions
Publication Date: 2016.11.30 MOXA INC
  • EP2194616B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2194616B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2194616B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An RJ45 connector device having a key structure for changing pin definitions is provided. The RJ45 connector device includes a conversion processor (21), a key (41), an information processor (51), and output pins (61). When the key (41) is pressed to trigger a conversion signal, the conversion processor (21) first converts a part of input information into relay information. Then, according to the conversion signal, the information processor (51) converts the input information and the relay information into output information through designated processing and then output the output information through the output pins (61), so as to solve the problem that various connector devices occupy a lot of the available space of an electronic device when being used, thereby saving the available space of the electronic device and enabling a single connector device to achieve technical effects of a multi-functional connector device in terms of switching pin definitions.