Stacking Connector Multi-Port Arrangement and Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stacking connectors do not efficiently accommodate USB 3.1 Type-C connectors due to compatibility issues with USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 ports, limiting their upgradeability and compatibility with mobile and tablet computers.
Innovation Solution
A stacking connector design featuring a RJ-45 port, a USB Type-A port, and a receiving room for a USB Type-C connector on a shared insulative housing, with a shielding member and shielding plate to minimize signal interference, and a metal shell for enhanced retention and grounding, allowing for separate manufacturing and assembly of USB 3.1 Type-C and stacking connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If USB 3.1 Type-C connector is integrated into stacking connector with USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 port, then compatibility with mobile and tablet computers is improved, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase due to integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connector system into separate components: a USB Type-C connector and a stacking connector with USB Type-A and RJ-45 ports. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using existing processes, avoiding the need for complex integrated manufacturing while still providing compatibility when the Type-C connector is stacked with the stacking connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where the USB Type-C connector is positioned below the stacking connector, with the stacking connector's receiving room accommodating the Type-C connector. This nesting configuration allows multiple connector types to coexist in a compact arrangement, providing versatility without requiring integration at the manufacturing level.
2Device complexity
If USB 3.1 Type-C connector is separately manufactured and then stacked with stacking connector, then manufacturing complexity and costs are reduced, but assembly precision and alignment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary alignment features during the manufacturing stage, such as positioning protrusions and recesses, guide pins, and predetermined spacing relationships between the stacking connector and USB Type-C connector. These pre-built alignment mechanisms ensure that when the components are stacked, they automatically align correctly, reducing the precision requirements during final assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an insulative housing as an intermediary component that houses both the USB Type-A port and the receiving room for the USB Type-C connector. This intermediary structure provides a stable reference frame that facilitates precise positioning and alignment between the stacked connectors, making the assembly process more forgiving of variations.
3Reliability
If shielding member and shielding plate are added to minimize signal interference, then signal quality is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the shielding function into existing structural components rather than adding separate shielding elements. The shielding member is combined with the insulative housing, and the shielding plate is integrated with the stacking connector body. This merging approach provides effective electromagnetic shielding while minimizing the increase in device complexity, as the shielding features are incorporated into components that already exist in the connector structure.
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 efficient arrangement and compatibility of multiple ports, reduces manufacturing complexity and costs, and effectively shields signal interference between USB Type-A and Type-C connectors, facilitating the use of USB 3.1 Type-C ports in mobile devices.
Implementation Method 1
a shielding member and shielding plate to minimize signal interference
Data Source
AI summary
A stacking connector including: a first port for receiving an RJ-45 plug along a front-to-back direction; a second port below the first port for receiving a USB Type-A plug, the second port and the first port being formed on a same insulative housing; and a receiving room formed below the second port for receiving an external USB Type-C connector, the receiving room has an opening running through a bottom surface of the insulative housing.