Sheathless Connector Grounding Pin Backwards Insertion Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sheathless USB connectors risk electrical shorts and damage when inserted backwards into a host device due to the absence of a grounding path, leading to potential damage upon incorrect orientation.
Innovation Solution
A sheathless connector design featuring a grounding pin adjacent to one edge and signal pins adjacent to the other edge, both connected to a ground plane or circuit, ensuring proper grounding only when inserted correctly and avoiding signal terminals when inserted backwards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a grounding plate is used on the opposite side of the base to provide a grounding path, then grounding is achieved, but backwards insertion causes short circuit and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The connector uses asymmetric pin placement with signal pins on one side and a grounding pin on the opposite side, creating an asymmetric configuration that prevents backwards insertion. When inserted correctly, the grounding pin contacts the grounding terminal; when inserted backwards, the grounding pin cannot contact any terminal due to the asymmetric layout, thus preventing short circuits while maintaining the grounding function.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding function is segmented from the signal pins and placed on the opposite side of the base. This segmentation allows the grounding pin to operate independently and ensures that during backwards insertion, the grounding pin does not engage with power or signal terminals, thereby preventing short circuits while maintaining effective grounding during correct insertion.
2Volume of moving object
If the shroud is removed to create a sheathless connector, then profile is reduced, but protection against backwards insertion is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The sheathless connector employs asymmetric pin configuration where signal pins are positioned on one side and the grounding pin on the opposite side. This asymmetry inherently prevents backwards insertion without requiring a shroud, maintaining a low profile while ensuring that the grounding pin only contacts the grounding terminal during correct insertion and cannot contact other terminals during backwards insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding pin serves as an intermediary element that provides grounding functionality while simultaneously acting as a mechanical guide to prevent backwards insertion. During correct insertion, it establishes the grounding path; during backwards insertion, its position prevents engagement with other terminals, thus protecting the connector without requiring additional protective structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device is disclosed including a sheathless connector having a grounding pin which protects against electrical shorts and damage upon a backwards insertion of the connector to a host device. If the electrical connector is inserted backwards, the grounding pin mates with the signal ground terminal of the socket, and avoids contact with the remaining terminals. As a result, the damage otherwise occurring upon a backwards insertion of prior art devices is avoided.