Multi-Electrode Snap Button Connector for Wearable Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional snap button connectors for wearable devices require multiple connections for each wire, hindering miniaturization due to each connector functioning as a single electrode, leading to bulkier designs.
Innovation Solution
A snap button connector design featuring a male and female connector portion with multiple insulated electrodes and positioning keys, allowing for simultaneous electrical connection of multiple wires through a single fitting mechanism, with elastic contact and through-holes for secure alignment and disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional snap button connector with single electrode is used for each wire connection, then electrical connection is established, but the device size increases and miniaturization fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple electrode functions into a single snap button connector structure. The male connector includes multiple first electrodes (19) arranged circumferentially on the convex portion, and the female connector includes multiple second electrodes (29) arranged circumferentially on the concave portion wall. When connected, these electrodes establish multiple electrical connections simultaneously through a single fitting action, eliminating the need for multiple separate connectors and enabling device miniaturization.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap button connector is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple wire connections through a single component. The male connector body (12) integrates multiple first electrodes (19) that can connect to multiple second electrodes (29) in the female connector, allowing one connector to perform the function of multiple connectors. This universal design reduces the overall number of components needed in the wearable device.
2Reliability
If multiple snap button connectors are used for multiple wires, then each wire connection is established, but the connector quantity increases and miniaturization is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electrode functions are merged into a single snap button connector structure. The male connector includes multiple first electrodes (19) arranged circumferentially on the convex portion, and the female connector includes multiple second electrodes (29) arranged circumferentially on the concave portion wall. When connected, these electrodes establish multiple electrical connections simultaneously through a single fitting action, eliminating the need for multiple separate connectors.
3Ease of operation
If a single electrode connector is used, then connection is simple, but multiple wires cannot be connected simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electrode functions are merged into a single snap button connector structure. The male connector includes multiple first electrodes (19) arranged circumferentially on the convex portion, and the female connector includes multiple second electrodes (29) arranged circumferentially on the concave portion wall. When connected, these electrodes establish multiple electrical connections simultaneously through a single fitting action.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector electrodes are segmented into multiple independent conductive elements arranged circumferentially. The first electrodes (19) on the male connector and second electrodes (29) on the female connector are insulated from each other and can be independently connected to different wires, allowing multi-wire connections while maintaining the simplicity of a single snap button fitting operation.
4Manufacturing precision
If positioning keys are added for alignment, then electrode alignment precision improves, but connector structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Positioning keys (17) protrude from the male connector body at specific asymmetric positions, while corresponding positioning recesses (27) are formed in the female connector body. This asymmetric key-and-recess arrangement ensures precise angular and radial alignment between the circumferentially arranged first electrodes (19) and second electrodes (29) during connection, guaranteeing that corresponding electrodes align correctly without requiring complex alignment mechanisms.
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
Enables miniaturization of wearable devices by allowing multiple wires to be connected through a single snap button connector, maintaining electrical integrity and ease of disconnection, while maintaining insulation and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
the projecting portion of the concave portion is in elastic contact with the convex portion while being located between the root portion and the overhanging portion of the convex portion
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A~6
Figure 7A~9
AI summary
A snap button connector has a male connector portion (11) and a female connector portion (21) , the male connector portion including a male connector body with a convex portion, a plurality of first electrodes and one or more positioning keys, the female connector portion including a female connector body with a concave portion, a plurality of second electrodes, and one or more keys to be positioned, and when the male connector portion is fitted with the female connector portion, the convex portion and the positioning keys are fitted with the concave portion and the keys to be positioned, respectively, whereby the plurality of first electrodes are aligned with and electrically connected to the plurality of second electrodes.