USB-C Ground Spring Profile for Lower Retention Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing USB-C connectors experience resistance during insertion and removal due to interaction between ground springs and retention ramps, necessitating large and cumbersome magnets for additional retention, compromising design feasibility.
Innovation Solution
Modified ground springs with U-shaped profiles and narrower retention ramps reduce the retention force between the ground springs and receptacle tabs, allowing for the use of magnets to enhance user experience without compromising compatibility with standard USB-C devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard ground springs with conventional profiles are used, then reliable electrical ground connection is achieved, but large retention force is generated during insertion and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The ground spring is designed with different profiles at different locations: the body portion maintains conventional structure for reliable electrical connection, while the distal end features a U-shaped profile with ridges that reduce retention force. This local differentiation allows the spring to provide strong electrical contact while minimizing insertion/removal resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground spring is segmented into functional zones: a body portion for electrical conduction and a distal end portion with U-shaped profile for reduced mechanical retention. The U-shaped profile includes first and second ridges that create gaps allowing the retention ramp to pass through, separating the electrical function from the mechanical retention function.
2Ease of operation
If magnets are added to provide additional retention, then user experience is enhanced, but device complexity and design feasibility are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the retention function from the ground spring by modifying its profile to reduce retention force. This extraction eliminates the need for additional magnets or complex retention mechanisms, simplifying the overall design while still providing enhanced user experience through controlled retention characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The modified ground spring structure itself provides the retention control function through its U-shaped distal end profile. The ridges and gaps in the U-shaped profile enable the retention ramp to pass through, creating a self-regulating retention mechanism that enhances user experience without requiring external magnetic components.
3Stability of the object's composition
If retention force is increased to hold plug in place, then connection stability is improved, but insertion and removal become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The ground spring incorporates dynamic characteristics through its U-shaped distal end profile that allows controlled deformation. During insertion, the ridges guide the retention ramp through gaps, allowing the spring to dynamically adjust and reduce retention force. Once connected, the spring maintains stable electrical contact while providing manageable retention for easy removal.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
In an example, a data connector plug (100) includes a connector plug shell (102) sized and shaped for insertion into a complementary data connector receptacle (106) of an electronic device (104). A ground spring (110) is disposed within the connector plug shell (102). The ground spring (110) has a U-shaped profile (402) at a distal end of the ground spring (110), wherein the U-shaped profile (402) includes a first ridge (404A) and a second ridge (404B), and wherein a reference line (406) passing between the first ridge (404A) and the second ridge (404B) is parallel to an insertion direction of the data connector plug (100) into the data connector receptacle (106).