USB Type-C Connector With Antenna Opening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Some electronic devices, particularly those with USB-type C connectors, lack the capability to connect antennas for receiving wireless communication data, limiting their functionality in performing designated functions that require antenna support.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device equipped with a USB type-C connector that includes a housing with an opening for a header-type external connector, featuring pins arranged on both surfaces for forward and reverse directions, allowing connection to an antenna for wireless communication data reception and enabling designated functions through a wireless communication circuit and designated function circuit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a USB type-C connector is used, then the electronic device can perform designated functions and connect with external devices, but it cannot support connection with an antenna for receiving wireless communication data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector functionalityVSAvoidantenna connection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The USB type-C connector is designed to perform multiple functions: it can connect with external devices for designated functions (charging, data transfer) and simultaneously support antenna connection for wireless communication data reception. The connector housing includes both a contact portion for external device connection and an opening for antenna insertion, enabling one connector structure to serve dual purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a separate antenna connector is added, then the electronic device can receive wireless communication data, but the device complexity and number of components increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless communication capabilityVSAvoidconnector structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna connection function is merged into the USB type-C connector structure. The connector housing integrates both the contact portion for external device connection and the opening for antenna insertion. This consolidation eliminates the need for a separate antenna connector, reducing component count and simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining both functionalities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If pins are arranged on both surfaces of the board, then the connector supports both forward and reverse direction connections, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection directionVSAvoidpin arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The pin arrangement on the board utilizes asymmetric positioning to accommodate both forward and reverse direction connections. The first pins and second pins are strategically positioned on opposite surfaces at specific locations that enable proper electrical contact regardless of insertion direction. This asymmetric design, combined with the symmetric opening in the connector housing, allows flexible connection while managing manufacturing precision requirements through careful pin placement rather than requiring perfect symmetry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP3462551B1Connector for connecting antenna and electronic device having the same
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3462551B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3462551B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3462551B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

An electronic device with an antenna-connectable connector is provided. The electronic device includes a wireless communication circuit configured to receive wireless communication data and a universal serial bus (USB) type-C connector including a housing forming an outer surface of the connector, an opening formed in at least a portion of the outer surface to allow a header-type external connector to be coupled to the connector in a forward direction or a reverse direction, and a board disposed inside the opening, the board having a first surface on which a plurality of first pins corresponding to the forward direction are arranged and a second surface on which a plurality of second pins corresponding to the reverse direction are arranged, wherein the plurality of first pins may include one or more first ground pins and one or more first signal pins, wherein the plurality of second pins include one or more second ground pins and one or more second signal pins, wherein the one or more first signal pins may include at least one first signal pin selectively connectable with the wireless communication circuit and a designated function circuit, and wherein the one or more second signal pins include at least one second signal pin corresponding to the reverse direction of the at least one first signal pin, the at least one second signal pin selectively connectable with the designated function circuit and the wireless communication circuit.