USB Gripping Connector Structure for Secure Pull-Out Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectors lack secure locking mechanisms, leading to unintentional detachment and signal loss, especially in long cables used in critical settings, which can cause damage and disruptions.
Innovation Solution
Designing USB male connectors with raised crowns or trapezoidal hooks that increase the pull-out force through friction without locking, ensuring compatibility with existing female connectors and preventing damage from unintentional pulls, while maintaining Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) shielding by partitioning the PCB into high and low frequency sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If USB connectors use no locking mechanism, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to unintentional detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a dynamic gripping mechanism where elastic elements (springs) continuously apply gripping force to maintain connection stability. The gripping force is automatically adjusted based on insertion depth and external forces, providing reliable connection without requiring manual locking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector features self-gripping capability through elastic elements that automatically engage with the mating connector upon insertion. The gripping force is generated and maintained without user intervention, and the connector self-releases when the mating connector is removed, eliminating the need for manual locking or unlocking operations.
2Reliability
If USB connectors use locking mechanisms, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector uses dynamic elastic elements (springs) that provide gripping force through their inherent elasticity. This dynamic mechanism replaces complex mechanical locking structures with simple elastic deformation, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable connection through continuous gripping force.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector achieves reliable connection by optimizing parameters of simple elastic elements rather than complex locking mechanisms. The gripping force, elasticity modulus, and dimensional parameters of the spring elements are carefully selected to provide sufficient holding strength without requiring additional locking components.
3Reliability
If USB connectors increase pull-out force, then reliability is improved, but harmful factors increase due to potential device damage
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic gripping mechanism provides a dynamic balance between gripping force and release ease. The spring force continuously adapts to maintain optimal connection strength during normal use, but automatically reduces to zero when the mating connector is removed, eliminating excessive force that could damage devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector self-regulates the gripping force through the natural elasticity of the spring elements. The force is sufficient to prevent unintentional detachment during normal operation but automatically releases when the mating connector is removed, preventing damage from excessive holding force while maintaining connection reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a secure and reliable USB connection that prevents unintentional detachment, maintains EMI shielding, and is fully backwards compatible, ensuring the USB connectors do not cause damage to devices during user detachment.
Implementation Method 1
Designing USB male connectors with raised crowns or trapezoidal hooks that increase the pull-out force through friction
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are embodiments for Universal Serial Bus (USB) male gripping connectors for USB A, USB B, and USB-C connectors. Each embodiment provides 3 to 4 times the pull-out force to keep the connectors mated to the female connector. Each embodiment is backwards compatible with existing female connectors. Embodiments connectors also include partition walls on the connector plug body's inner PCB to divide the PCB into high frequency and low frequency sections or chambers, thus allowing LED lights to protrude out for visualization while maintaining a superb near airtight EMI shielding in the high frequency section or chamber of the connector.