USB Connector Hinge Assembly for Torsional Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
USB device housings tend to be damaged easily due to excessive load when inserting or removing the USB plug, as the junction between the top and bottom covers is prone to damage.
Innovation Solution
A USB device design featuring a hinge assembly and a strengthened shell with integrally formed side, front, back, top, and bottom walls, along with a hinge and sleeve mechanism, which allows the USB connector to rotate and includes a protective plastic covering for the wire group, preventing damage during rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a traditional housing with separate top and bottom covers is used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but the junction between covers is prone to damage under excessive load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the top and bottom covers into a single integrated housing structure. The housing is formed as one piece with the USB connector embedded within it, eliminating the junction between separate covers. This integration prevents the junction damage issue while maintaining manufacturability through injection molding processes.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the USB connector is fixed rigidly to the housing, then the structure is stable, but the housing is prone to damage during insertion and removal due to excessive load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hinge assembly that allows the USB connector to rotate relative to the housing. This dynamic mechanism enables the connector to move independently during insertion and removal, reducing the transmission of excessive loads to the housing. The hinge provides rotational freedom while maintaining stable electrical connection.
3Strength
If a hinge assembly is added to allow rotation, then the device can withstand torsional forces, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is integrated into the housing structure rather than being a separate add-on component. The hinge portion is formed within the housing cavity, and the connector is rotatably connected through this integrated hinge mechanism. This merging approach provides torsional force resistance while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A USB device includes a main body, a PCB fixed in the main body and a USB connector connected to the main body. The USB connector includes a shell, a USB plug and a cover. The shell defines a receiving room, a first opening and a second opening and includes an integrally formed enclosure enclosing the receiving room and a first flange outwardly protruding from the enclosure. The USB plug electrically connects to a wire group and is inserted into the shell from the first opening. The cover shields the second opening and is fixed to the shell. The cover includes a second flange engaging with the first flange to cooperatively receive the wire group and connect to the main body.