USB Connector Detecting Pin Merging for Type Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing USB 3.0 PD receptacle's complex arrangement of insertion detect pins and PD detect pins is not effectively addressed, leading to issues with detecting USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 plugs and thin cards, as only USB 3.0 PD plugs can conduct PD detect pins, limiting power transmission.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design featuring a metallic shell with a rear base and front mating tongue, incorporating first and second detecting pins that protrude into the mating cavity, allowing for two-step detection of plug insertion and type identification without additional space, enabling reliable power transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If insertion detect pins and PD detect pins are arranged separately as in USB 3.0 PD specification, then detection accuracy for different plug types is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the insertion detection function and PD type detection function into a single detecting pin structure. The detecting pin has a first detecting portion that contacts the shell for insertion detection and a second detecting portion that contacts the tongue for PD type detection, eliminating the need for separate pin pairs and reducing structural complexity while maintaining dual detection capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The single detecting pin performs multiple functions: it detects both insertion status (through contact with the shell) and PD plug type (through contact with the tongue), making one component serve multiple detection purposes that previously required separate pin arrangements
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple detecting pins are added to detect different plug types, then detection capability is improved, but the insertion port space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple detection functions are merged into a single detecting pin by providing different detecting portions at different locations along the pin. The first detecting portion detects insertion status while the second detecting portion detects PD type, allowing comprehensive detection without adding multiple separate pins that would consume insertion port space
Solution Approach 2:
The detecting pin extends in multiple directions or has portions located at different positions (first detecting portion contacting shell, second detecting portion contacting tongue), utilizing spatial dimensionality to achieve multiple detection functions from a single pin structure
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing formed with a rear base and a front mating tongue, a metallic shell covering the insulative housing thereby defining a mating cavity, contacts, and a first and a second detecting pin. The mating tongue defines a first and a second face and two lateral sides between the first and second faces. The contacts include contacting portions located on the first face. Each of the first and the second detecting pins forwardly protrude and has a contacting portion located in the mating cavity. The contacting portion of the first detecting pin is located behind that of the second detecting pin in the insertion direction. The contacting portion of the first detecting pin is located along and space from one of the lateral sides, the contacting portion of the second detecting pin is located in the second face of the mating tongue.