Movable USB Interface With Guide Rail And Elastic Limit Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The direct plug-in type USB interface in data terminals often experiences loose connections over time, leading to the USB cap becoming missing, which affects reliability and usability.
Innovation Solution
A connection structure incorporating a USB interface with a guide rail element, an elastic element, and a limit element, featuring a protrusion that can be switched between positions using the limit element, ensuring secure engagement and disengagement of the USB cap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a direct plug-in type USB interface is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to the USB cap becoming loose and missing over time
Solution Approach 1:
The USB interface is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to switch between a first position (exposed for connection) and a second position (retracted for protection). The elastic element provides dynamic movement capability, enabling the interface to adapt between accessibility and protection states, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The limit element pre-establishes two specific positions for the USB interface, and the elastic element pre-provides the necessary elastic force. When the USB interface is pushed, it automatically snaps to the predetermined positions without requiring additional components or complex mechanisms, thus improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation.
2Reliability
If the USB interface is made movable to prevent cap loss, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The USB interface structure is segmented into independent functional elements: the movable USB interface itself, the guide rail element for constrained movement, the elastic element for providing force, and the limit element for position control. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply, achieving reliable protection without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rail element acts as an intermediary between the USB interface and the housing, guiding the movement direction and constraining the interface to move only along the intended path. This intermediary component simplifies the overall design by eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages or control systems.
3Reliability
If the USB interface is protected by retraction, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional steps required
Solution Approach 1:
The USB interface structure is designed to be self-operating. When the interface is pushed, the elastic element automatically provides the restoring force to move it back to the exposed position. When pulled or inserted, it automatically snaps to the retracted position. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate actuators, buttons, or complex control systems, maintaining ease of operation while improving 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
This design enhances the reliability and usability of the USB interface by preventing loose connections and cap loss, facilitating easy attachment and detachment.
Implementation Method 1
the elasticity supply element is connected between the guide rail element and the support frame, and is configured to supply elasticity for vertical movement of the support frame relative to the guide rail element
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a data terminal with a connection structure of a universal serial bus (USB) interface. The structure includes: a USB interface, a guide rail element, an elastic element, and a limit element; a protrusion is disposed on at least one side of the USB interface; the guide rail element includes two vertical faces disposed opposite each other; the USB interface is located in an accommodating space formed by the two vertical faces; a guide rail is disposed on each vertical face in a hollow manner; the protrusion on the USB interface extends out of the accommodating space from the guide rail; and in the two vertical faces, a connection terminal is disposed on an outer side of at least a first vertical face.