Rotatable Connector Plug Contact Member for OMTP AHJ Pinning Order

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional headset connectors require separate models for different pinning orders (OMTP and AHJ), leading to manufacturing inefficiencies and user inconvenience, as they cannot function correctly when plugged into the wrong standard, and existing solutions like manual or electronic switches are bulky or complex.

Innovation Solution

A connector plug design with a removable and rotatable contact member that can be configured for either OMTP or AHJ pinning order by adjusting the internal contact parts, allowing the same accessory to work with both standards without the need for double stocks or complex switching mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate headset models are produced for different pinning orders (OMTP and AHJ), then compatibility with specific standards is ensured, but manufacturing complexity and inventory requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector plug is designed with a rotatable contact member that can be positioned in multiple orientations (first position for OMTP pinning order, second position for AHJ pinning order), allowing a single universal connector design to serve multiple pinning standards without requiring separate models for each standard

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

Solution Approach 2:

The contact member is made rotatable relative to the connector housing, enabling dynamic reconfiguration of the pinning order. This rotational mechanism allows the connector to adapt between different pinning standards by rotating the contact member to the appropriate position, rather than requiring fixed separate designs for each standard

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual or electronic switches are added to change pinning order, then adaptability to different standards is achieved, but device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into separate functional components: a stationary housing member and a rotatable contact member. This segmentation allows the contact member to be independently rotated to different positions, enabling pinning order change without requiring complex switching mechanisms or additional control electronics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rotatable contact member can be manually repositioned by the user to switch between pinning orders without requiring external control systems, electronic switches, or complex mechanical mechanisms. The design enables self-service adaptation through simple rotational movement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If a single connector design is used for both pinning orders, then manufacturing efficiency improves, but compatibility with specific standards deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidcompatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector housing member is designed as a universal component that can accommodate both OMTP and AHJ pinning orders through the rotatable contact member. This universal housing design allows single-model manufacturing while maintaining compatibility with both standards through the adjustable contact member

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

Data Source

PatentEP2605343B1Method and apparatus for connector plug changeable pinning order
Publication Date: 2018.11.07 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP2605343B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2605343B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2605343B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a connector plug housing member and a connector plug contact member. The connector plug housing member includes a first contact pin and a second contact pin. The connector plug contact member includes a first contact section and a second contact section. The connector plug contact member is configured to be positioned in the connector plug housing member in a first position. The connector plug contact member is configured to be positioned in the connector plug housing member in a second position. The first position corresponds to a first pinning order. The second position corresponds to a second pinning order.