USB Type-C Connector with Dual-Directional Fastening for Industrial Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Universal standard connectors, such as USB Type-C, are not adequately designed for industrial applications, leading to instability and potential disengagement under external forces, causing data and communication interruptions.
Innovation Solution
A male plug and female receptacle connector design with enhanced plugging stability, featuring plug elastic pieces and fastening structures that provide horizontal and vertical holding forces, maintaining compatibility with universal standards like USB Type-C.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a universal standard connector (USB Type-C) is used, then compatibility with common standards is improved, but holding force and plugging stability deteriorate under external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the universal USB Type-C connector design with an additional fastening mechanism. The connector maintains standard compatibility while integrating a latch structure that engages with a locking component, merging two functional systems into a unified connection solution that provides both universality and enhanced holding force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic fastening system where the latch can transition between locked and unlocked states. The spring-loaded latch provides automatic engagement upon insertion and can be deliberately released, creating a dynamic connection that adapts to operational requirements while maintaining standard connector interfaces.
2Ease of operation
If a universal standard connector is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability under industrial conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is pre-configured to automatically engage with the locking component upon connector insertion. This preliminary action ensures that the connection is secured before any external forces are applied, preventing accidental disengagement while maintaining the simplicity of a plug-and-play interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded latch provides self-service by automatically engaging and disengaging the locking mechanism without requiring additional user actions beyond insertion and removal. The system serves itself by using the insertion motion to trigger the locking action, thereby maintaining ease of operation while enhancing reliability.
3Device complexity
If a standard USB Type-C connector is used, then device complexity is reduced, but plugging stability under external forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into distinct functional components: the standard USB Type-C interface portion and the separate fastening mechanism with latch and locking component. This segmentation allows the connector to maintain standard interface simplicity while adding stability through a modular locking system that can be independently optimized.
Data Source
AI summary
A male plug and a female receptacle and a docking structure thereof include a male plug and a female receptacle docked with each other. When the male plug and the female receptacle docked with each other, the male plug is fitted with the female receptacle using a horizontal holding force provided by a first fastening structure, and is fitted with the female receptacle using a vertical holding force provided by a second fastening structure, hence further reinforcing plugging stability between the male plug and the female receptacle by the horizontal and vertical holding forces.