Staggered USB 2.0 and 3.0 Plug Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current USB connectors either adhere to USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 specifications but not both simultaneously, limiting their ability to meet the varying data transmission needs of modern digital equipment.
Innovation Solution
A plug connector design that combines two subassemblies, one with four contact pins compliant with USB 2.0 and another with five contact pins compliant with USB 3.0 specifications, staggered within a shared casing to accommodate both standards simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a connector adheres to USB 2.0 specification with four contact pins, then compatibility with current devices is maintained, but data transfer rate is limited to 480 Mbps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate subassemblies into a single connector: a first subassembly with four contact pins compliant with USB 2.0 specification, and a second subassembly with five contact pins compliant with USB 3.0 specification. This merging allows the connector to support both USB 2.0 (480 Mbps) and USB 3.0 (4.8 Gbps) data transfer rates simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between speed and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed with multi-functionality to comply with both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 specifications. By incorporating contact pins from both standards in a single connector body, it can interface with devices requiring either USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 connectivity, making it universally compatible while providing access to higher data transfer rates when needed.
2Speed
If a connector adheres to USB 3.0 specification with five contact pins, then data transfer rate reaches 4.8 Gbps, but compatibility with USB 2.0 devices is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 contact pin configurations into a single connector. The second subassembly provides five contact pins for USB 3.0 high-speed data transfer (4.8 Gbps), while the first subassembly provides four contact pins for USB 2.0 compatibility (480 Mbps). This combination eliminates the trade-off between speed and compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector achieves universality by supporting both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 standards simultaneously. Devices can utilize the five contact pins for USB 3.0 high-speed operation when available, or fall back to four contact pins for USB 2.0 compatibility, ensuring broad adaptability across different device types and generations.
3Reliability
If separate USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 connectors are used, then each connector optimizes for its specific standard, but device complexity increases and multiple interfaces are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates what would traditionally be two separate connectors (one for USB 2.0, one for USB 3.0) into a single integrated connector. This merging reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate interface sockets while maintaining the reliability and performance characteristics of both USB standards through the combined contact pin configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A plug connector in accordance with the present invention comprises a first subassembly, a second subassembly and a casing. The first subassembly comprises a mounting frame and four first contact pins. The first contact pins comply with a USB 2.0 specification and are insert-molded in the mounting frame to form the first subassembly. The second subassembly is connected to the first subassembly and comprises a mounting frame and five second contact pins. The second contact pins comply with a USB 3.0 specification, are mounted in the mounting frame to form the second subassembly and are staggered with the first contact pins after the first subassembly and second subassembly are connected. The casing covers the first subassembly and the second subassembly.