Triple Mating Configurations of Electrical Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical connectors are not compatible with both standard USB, USB 3.0, and SATA connectors, limiting their versatility during upgrading and usage transitions.
Innovation Solution
A triple combo type electrical connector design featuring an insulative housing with a metallic shell, a terminal module, and embedded contacts for SATA, standard USB 2.0, and USB 3.0 compatibility, allowing the same mating port to accommodate different connectors through strategically arranged contact types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a connector is designed to support multiple connector types (USB 2.0, USB 3.0, SATA), then compatibility and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into three distinct contact groups: first contact group for SATA connector, second contact group for USB 2.0 connector, and third contact group for USB 3.0 connector. Each contact group is independently arranged on the mating tongue, allowing the single connector body to provide differentiated functions for different connector types without requiring a complex switching mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector housing and mating tongue are designed as universal structures that can accommodate multiple connector types (SATA, USB 2.0, USB 3.0) simultaneously. The insulative housing with metallic shell and the mating tongue with multiple contact groups create a universal interface that accepts different plug connectors, enabling one connector to perform multiple functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional contact groups are added to support USB 3.0 in addition to USB 2.0 and SATA, then functionality is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contacts are segmented into three distinct groups positioned at different locations on the mating tongue. The first contact group (seven contacts) is arranged for SATA, the second contact group (four contacts) for USB 2.0, and the third contact group (five contacts) for USB 3.0. This segmentation allows each contact group to be manufactured and positioned independently, simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the increased number of contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
Different contact groups are positioned at different locations and orientations on the mating tongue to match the specific requirements of each connector type. The first contact group is arranged in a SATA pattern, the second in a USB 2.0 pattern, and the third in a USB 3.0 pattern, allowing each local area of the connector to have the specific quality needed for its intended connection type.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes: an insulative housing defining a front mating cavity; a mating tongue extending into the front mating cavity and defining thereon first and second mating faces opposite to each other, said mating tongue dividing said mating cavity into a first mating space confronting the first mating face for mating with a first complementary connector, and a second mating space confronting the second mating face for mutually exclusively mating with second and third complementary connector; a plurality of first type contacts disposed on the first mating face for connecting with the first complementary connector, a plurality of second type contacts disposed on the second mating face for connecting with the second complementary connector, and a plurality of third type contacts located between the first type contacts and the second type contacts with front ends of the third type contacts exposed to the second mating space.