Sliding USB Connector Housing with Elastic Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The USB cap on wireless USB Modems is prone to being lost during network connection as users need to pull it off, leading to potential loss and inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a USB connector featuring an intermediate housing that moves relative to an outer housing, utilizing an elastic apparatus and a pendulum spring chute system to switch between received and released states, eliminating the need for a USB cap by allowing the USB connector to be pushed in and out through a through hole, ensuring secure retention and easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a USB cap is used to protect the USB connector, then the USB connector is protected from damage, but the USB cap may easily get lost when users need to pull it off for network connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the USB cap function with the housing structure by creating an integrated protective cover that is part of the housing itself rather than a separate removable component. The housing includes a protective cover that covers the USB connector opening, eliminating the need for a separate USB cap that can be lost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the protective function from the removable USB cap and integrates it directly into the housing structure. The protective cover is built into the housing and remains attached, providing continuous protection without requiring a separate cap component.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the USB connector is fixed on the housing, then the USB connector is stable and secure, but the user needs to remove the USB cap to connect, which complicates the operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a sliding mechanism that allows the intermediate housing (containing the USB connector) to move dynamically between a received state (protected) and a released state (accessible). The elastic apparatus enables the housing to slide automatically, providing both stability when protected and ease of access when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic apparatus automatically returns the intermediate housing to the received state after the USB connector is accessed. The system self-regulates by using elastic force to maintain the protective position and automatically restore it after use, reducing manual intervention.
3Ease of operation
If the USB connector is exposed for easy access, then the connection operation is simple, but the USB connector is vulnerable to damage and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding mechanism dynamically adjusts the exposure of the USB connector based on operational needs. When the intermediate housing is in the received state, the USB connector is protected; when slid to the released state, it becomes accessible. This dynamic transition resolves the contradiction between protection and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate housing acts as an intermediary between the USB connector and the external environment. It provides a protective barrier when in the received state and can be slid to expose the USB connector when needed, mediating between the need for protection and the need for accessibility.
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
This design prevents the USB cap from being lost, simplifies the connection process, and reduces the risk of misplacement, enhancing user convenience and device durability.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic apparatus disposed in a moving direction of the intermediate housing
Implementation Method 2
The pendulum spring chute is heart-shaped or half-heart-shaped, wherein the USB connector is capable of switching between a received state and a released state
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device with a USB connector is provided, which is designed for solving a problem in the prior art that a USB cap on an electronic device may easily get lost. The electronic device with the USB connector includes an outer housing, an intermediate housing located inside the outer housing and moveable relative to the outer housing, and a circuit board located inside the intermediate housing. The USB connector is disposed on the intermediate housing, and electrically connected to the circuit board. A USB connector through hole is configured on the outer housing at a position corresponding to the USB connector. The electronic device further includes an elastic apparatus disposed in a moving direction of the intermediate housing, and an intermediate housing movement positioning apparatus. The technology is applicable to electronic devices with a USB connector such as a wireless USB Modem or a USB flash drive.