Rotating Protective Door for Retractable USB Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flash drives with retractable USB plugs often require longer connectors to accommodate protective doors, which deviates from USB specifications, and users commonly lose caps with positive attachment mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A door mechanism that rotates and retracts into the device as the connector is extended, maintaining the connector's full length for insertion and protecting it from dust when retracted, without extending beyond USB specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective door is provided over the connector opening to protect from dust and contaminants, then the connector is protected from dust and debris, but the door interferes with the operation of the connector when extended
Solution Approach 1:
The door is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically change position between closed (protective) and open (non-interfering) states. The door rotates about a pivot point and can be positioned in multiple locations along the connector's path, enabling it to provide protection when needed and clear of the way during connector extension and retraction operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The door is designed to nest within or alongside the connector assembly when in the open position. The door can be positioned adjacent to the connector body or partially retracted into the housing, ensuring it does not protrude into the space required for connector insertion and removal operations.
2Device complexity
If the door is merely swung out of the way as the connector is extended, then the door mechanism is simple, but the plug must be made longer than required by USB specifications to accommodate the door
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the door only in the linear dimension along the connector's path, the door is given rotational freedom about a pivot point, adding an angular dimension to its movement. This allows the door to clear the connector's insertion path by rotating to an adjacent position rather than requiring the connector to be longer to pass over a fixed door structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The door's position is made dynamic and adjustable along the connector's path rather than fixed at a single location. The door can rotate to various positions including partially extended positions where it clears the connector opening without requiring the full USB-specified connector length to be accommodated.
3Length of moving object
If the door is withdrawn into the device as the connector is extended, then the connector length meets USB specifications, but the door mechanism becomes more complex with multiple moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The door's rotational movement is combined with the connector's extension and retraction movements. The door is positioned and oriented so that its rotation about the pivot point naturally coordinates with the connector's linear motion, allowing the door to be withdrawn or positioned clear of the way as the connector extends without requiring separate actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The door mechanism uses the connector's own extension and retraction motion to automatically position the door in the appropriate location. As the connector is extended, the door rotates or moves to clear the opening; as the connector is retracted, the door returns to its protective closed position, eliminating the need for additional actuators or complex control systems.
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
Ensures the USB connector meets specifications while providing protection from dust and debris, enhancing usability and reducing cap loss issues.
Implementation Method 1
A door mechanism causes the door to be moved out of the way as the connector is extended from the device, such as by rotation about a pivot, and is then moved back into position over the opening in response to the connector being withdrawn back into the device, such as by a resilient force acting to rotate the door back into a closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A hand held electronic device, such as a flash memory drive, includes a mechanism for extending and withdrawing a connector, such as a USB plug, that is adapted for engaging a mating connector of a host device. A positive latch holds the connector with respect to an outer shell when in the extended and withdrawn positions. Movement of a separate housing portion unlatches the connector and outer shell, and also provides movement of the connector. A protective door closes over a connector opening when the connector is withdrawn into the device, and the door is withdrawn into the device when the connector is extended, thereby not interfering with the extended connector.