Secure Connector Arrangement for Video Game Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Video game system designers face challenges in creating reliable, rugged, and secure connectors that prevent unauthorized or incompatible device connections, which can lead to consumer dissatisfaction and potential safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A unique electromechanical connector arrangement with a male plug and female socket design featuring retractable locking nibs, staged electrical contacting, and a wrist strap tether, ensuring proper orientation, secure locking, and strain resistance, while discouraging non-compatible device connections through unique shape and dimension configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a standard connector design is used, then ease of manufacture and compatibility are improved, but security against unauthorized connections and prevention of incompatible device connections deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs asymmetric mechanical features including a non-symmetric housing shape, offset electrical contacts, and a keyed locking mechanism that only accepts mating connectors with corresponding asymmetric features. This prevents incompatible or unauthorized connectors from being physically connected while maintaining ease of manufacture through standard molding and machining processes.
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is added to prevent accidental disconnection, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is integrated into the connector housing as a unified structure rather than a separate component. The locking nibs are formed as integral features of the housing, and the electrical contacts are embedded within the locking structure, combining multiple functions (connection, locking, and electrical contact) into a single compact assembly that does not significantly increase overall complexity.
3Ease of operation
If electrical contacts are exposed for easy connection, then ease of operation is improved, but safety deteriorates due to potential short-circuits and unauthorized connections
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contacts are nested within recesses in the connector housing, surrounded by insulating material and protected by the locking mechanism. The contacts are only accessible when the connector is properly mated with its counterpart, at which point the locking mechanism engages to secure the connection. This nested arrangement prevents accidental contact with exposed conductors while maintaining ease of operation through a simple insertion motion.
Data Source
AI summary
Compatible mechanical and/or electrical connections to video game system accessories provide unique shape, design and dimensions that discourage or prevent non-compatible devices from being connected, connector configurations that allow connection only in a proper orientation to ensure electrical compatibility and eliminate the possibility of short-circuits, quick release locking arrangement firmly mechanically holds mating connectors together despite extensive movement of the game player's arms and hands, staged electrical contacting sequence provides proper signal application sequence, and wrist strap to tether handheld remote controller to hand is attached to a locking connector that mates with a connector of the remote controller.