Thinned Connector Structure with Dynamic Linking Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connector structures for electronic devices, such as RJ45 connectors, often require larger sizes and additional operational steps due to fixed designs or rotating covers, which limit miniaturization and complicate easy connection processes.
Innovation Solution
A thinned connector structure comprising a housing, circuit board, moving element, and linking element, where the moving element is pushed by the connector to create a connecting channel, allowing for reduced thickness when not in use and easy connection without compromising dimensional standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed shaped connector structure is directly deployed on the housing, then the connector can be easily connected, but the size and thickness of the housing are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The connector structure employs a movable linking element that can shift between a first position (when connector is not connected) and a second position (when connector is connected). This dynamic positioning allows the connector structure to reduce its thickness to 0.5-1.5cm when not in use, while expanding to accommodate the connector when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of connection and thickness reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector structure is divided into separate functional components: a housing, a circuit board with connecting jack, a moving element, and a linking element. This segmentation allows the linking element to independently move and adjust the position of the connecting jack, enabling thickness reduction while maintaining connection functionality when needed.
2Reliability
If a rotating cover is added to the connector structure, then the connector can be protected when not in use, but the size increases and an extra operational step is required
Solution Approach 1:
The linking element serves multiple functions: it positions the connecting jack when the connector is not connected (reducing thickness), and it facilitates connector insertion by moving to a second position. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate protective cover, reducing structural complexity while maintaining protection and connection capabilities.
3Volume of moving object
If the connector structure is thinned, then the housing size is reduced, but the dimensional requirements for connector connection may not be met
Solution Approach 1:
The connector structure maintains dimensional accuracy by dynamically adjusting the linking element position. When a connector needs to be connected, the linking element moves to its second position, ensuring the connecting jack is properly positioned to meet dimensional requirements. When not in use, it moves to the first position, reducing overall thickness. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between thickness reduction and dimensional precision.
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 connector structure effectively reduces thickness before use while ensuring easy connection and secure attachment of the connector, providing flexibility in device design without compromising regulatory dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
The second slide cooperates with the first slide. When the moving element moves along the second direction with respect to the first housing, the first slide is for moving the second slide such that the linking element is moved along the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
In a connector structure, a moving element is pushed by a connector to move horizontally with respect to a first housing, while a linking element is moved accordingly by the moving element vertically with respect to the first housing. With such structural relation, the connector structure may be substantially reduced in its thickness before connection with the connector, saving room for the thickness of an electronic device where the connector structure is disposed. As the connector is inserted to the connector structure, the sinked linking element provides necessary structural support for withholding the connector, securing the contact between the connector and a connecting jack of the connector structure, and preventing the connector from detaching from the connector structure.