USB Connector Asymmetry and Segmented Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional USB electrical connectors suffer from improper orientation leading to damage of elastic terminals, inadequate shielding causing electromagnetic interference, and crosstalk issues due to cracks in the iron shell, which limits their performance and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The design features a USB connector assembly with point-symmetrical upper-row and lower-row terminals arranged upside down, allowing flexible orientation and contact, along with a grounding sheet and clamping structures to enhance shielding and structural strength, preventing terminal wear and improving signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional USB electrical connectors are used with elastic transmission terminals, then the connector can be easily plugged and unplugged, but the elastic terminals may be damaged or broken when connected in improper orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by making the connector body asymmetric in shape, allowing it to be inserted only in the correct orientation. This prevents improper connection that would damage elastic terminals while maintaining easy plug-and-play operation. The asymmetric design ensures that users can only insert the connector properly, eliminating the risk of terminal damage from incorrect orientation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If cracks are provided in the iron shell for firm connection, then the connector achieves stable structural connection, but the shielding effect is adversely influenced causing electromagnetic interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the iron shell into multiple parts: the main shell body and separate clamping structures. The clamping structures provide the necessary cracks for firm connection and stability, while the main shell body remains intact to maintain shielding effectiveness. This segmentation allows the connector to achieve both stable connection and electromagnetic interference protection simultaneously.
3Strength
If the iron shell surface is provided with cracks for firm connection, then mechanical connection is strengthened, but the shielding effect deteriorates inducing crosstalk between terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The iron shell is segmented into the main shell body and separate clamping structures. The clamping structures contain the necessary cracks for mechanical connection strength, while the main shell body remains continuous to provide effective shielding and prevent crosstalk between terminals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a grounding sheet as an intermediary element that compensates for the shielding effect compromised by cracks in the clamping structures. The grounding sheet restores the electromagnetic shielding capability while allowing the cracked clamping structures to provide firm mechanical connection.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector assembly includes an electrical receptacle connector and an electrical plug connector. The electrical receptacle connector includes a first insulation housing, upper-row plate terminals, and lower-row plate terminals. The first insulation housing includes a first base portion and a tongue portion extending from one side of the base portion. The upper-row plate terminals and the lower-row plate terminals are at an upper surface and a lower surface of the tongue portion, respectively. The electrical plug connector includes a second insulation housing, upper-row elastic terminals, and lower-row elastic terminals. The second insulation housing includes a second base portion, an upper member, a lower member, and a mating room between the upper member and the lower member for receiving the tongue portion. The upper-row elastic terminals and the lower-row elastic terminals are respectively above and below the mating room.