Sliding Connector Module Protecting Resilient Contacts

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Solution Overview

Problem

USB 3.0 connectors are prone to damage from fatigue and physical collisions due to exposed resilient metal pieces, and they can also be damaged by electrical conduction with other charged components, posing a challenge in the memory connector industry for effective protection.

Innovation Solution

A connector module with a sliding mechanism that hides conductive resilient components inside a housing when not in use, allowing them to be exposed only for electrical contact when needed, thereby preventing damage from collisions and electrical conduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the resilient metal pieces are exposed outside for electrical connection, then the electrical connectivity is ensured, but the resilient metal pieces are easily damaged due to fatigue and physical collision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectivityVSAvoiddurability of resilient metal pieces

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a sliding component that can move between extended and retracted positions, allowing the resilient metal pieces to be dynamically exposed or protected. When extended, the resilient metal pieces are exposed for electrical connection; when retracted, they are protected inside the housing, thus resolving the contradiction between ensuring electrical connectivity and preventing damage from physical collision and fatigue

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connector module is segmented into distinct functional zones: a protected interior chamber housing the resilient metal pieces, a sliding component that controls exposure, and an exterior connection interface. This segmentation allows the resilient metal pieces to be isolated from harmful external factors while maintaining functional access when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the resilient metal pieces are exposed outside, then electrical connection is enabled, but they can be damaged by electrical conduction with other charged components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection capabilityVSAvoidelectrical conduction damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding component provides preliminary protection by retracting the resilient metal pieces inside the housing before potential electrical hazards occur. The housing acts as a protective barrier that prevents harmful electrical conduction with other charged components, while still allowing functional electrical connection when the sliding component is in the extended position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If a sliding mechanism is added to protect the resilient components, then protection from damage is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of resilient componentsVSAvoidsliding mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding component serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the resilient metal pieces from physical collision and electrical conduction damage, controls their exposure for electrical connection, and provides structural support. By merging these functions into a single component, the patent minimizes the increase in device complexity while achieving comprehensive protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The sliding mechanism effectively protects the resilient components from damage and prevents electrical conduction, enabling the connector module to switch between USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 standards based on the component's position, ensuring reliable data transfer while maintaining component integrity.

Implementation Method 1

the conductive resilient component is resiliently deformed to electrically contact the second set of metal contacts as being pressed by a second set of terminals of a receptacle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8267704B2Connector module capable of protecting conductive resilient components thereof

Publication Date: 2012.09.18 TRANSCEND INFORMATION

AI summary

A connector module is disclosed in the present invention. The connector module includes a housing defining an interior chamber, and a substrate installed inside the interior chamber of the housing. A first set of metal contacts and a second set of metal contacts are disposed on the substrate. The connector module further includes a sliding component slidably relative to a side of the substrate, and at least one conductive resilient component installed on the sliding component. The conductive resilient component is hidden inside the housing when the sliding component slides into the interior chamber of the housing, and the conductive resilient component is exposed outside the housing to electrically contact the second set of metal contacts when the sliding component slides out of the interior chamber of the housing.