Trigger Signal-Lighted Connector with Transparent Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors with light-emitting components waste energy as all light-emitting components are activated when any connected device is turned on, making it difficult for users to determine which specific device is in use.
Innovation Solution
A trigger signal-lighted connector with a transparent insulation layer and light-emitting components on the adapter circuit board, where one electrode pin is connected to the grounding terminal and the other to the trigger signal terminal, allowing the light-emitting component to be activated only when the connected device is turned on, enabling users to identify active devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a light-emitting component is added to the connector to indicate usage state, then the visibility of usage state is improved, but energy is wasted when all light-emitting components are activated simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connector into multiple independent signal transmission channels, each with its own light-emitting component. This segmentation allows individual lighting of specific connectors based on which signal wire is actively transmitting data, rather than illuminating all connectors simultaneously. The controller selectively activates only the light-emitting component corresponding to the active signal wire, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining clear visual indication of usage state.
2Loss of information
If multiple light-emitting components are added to indicate different signal wires, then the identification capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light-emitting component directly into the connector housing structure, integrating multiple functions (structural support, insulation, and visual indication) into a single unified component. The light-emitting component is embedded within the insulating layer of the connector, eliminating the need for separate indicator assemblies and reducing overall structural complexity despite the addition of multiple lighting elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the terminals, offers electrical insulation between signal wires, and incorporates light-emitting components for visual indication. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing device complexity while enhancing identification capability.
3Reliability
If all light-emitting components are activated when any device is turned on, then the indication of device connection is improved, but energy waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller monitors the electrical signals from connected devices and selectively activates light-emitting components based on which signal wire is actively transmitting data. This feedback-based selective activation ensures reliable indication of the actual usage state while avoiding unnecessary illumination of inactive connectors, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining indication reliability.
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 solution conserves energy by activating the light-emitting component only when necessary and allows users to easily determine which electronic device is currently in use by observing the lit connector.
Implementation Method 1
a light-emitting component is disposed on the adapter circuit board... the light-emitting component is lighted up to emit light outward from the connector
Data Source
AI summary
A trigger signal-lighted connector including a terminal housing in which multiple terminals are inlaid; an adapter circuit board having multiple lines of printed circuits, each printed circuit being connected between one of the terminals and one of multiple signal wires, one of the printed circuits being connected to a grounding terminal, while another of the printed circuits being connected to a trigger signal terminal; and an insulation layer wrapping the terminal housing, the adapter circuit board and the signal wires. The insulation layer is made of transparent material and at least one light-emitting component is disposed on the adapter circuit board. One of two electrode pins of the light-emitting component is connected to the printed circuit, which is connected to the grounding terminal, while the other of the electrode pins is connected to the printed circuit, which is connected to the trigger signal terminal.