USB Connector Housing Thumb Pad Ramp Ergonomic Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional USB connector plug housings are difficult for users with impaired manual dexterity to grip and maneuver, especially during plugging in and unplugging operations due to their standard flattened, rectangular form.
Innovation Solution
A housing design with a thumb pad and finger pad, featuring a thumb push element in the form of a ramp that extends from the thumb pad, providing a comfortable grip and assisting in the plugging process by allowing a secure pinch grip and facilitating easier insertion and removal of the USB connector plug.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional flattened rectangular housing form is used, then the housing structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the housing is difficult for users with impaired manual dexterity to grip and maneuver during plugging in and unplugging operations
Solution Approach 1:
The housing features localized ergonomic modifications including a thumb pad with ramp on one surface and a finger pad on the opposing surface, while maintaining a conventional flattened rectangular overall form. This allows the housing to provide enhanced grip features only where needed without completely redesigning the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The thumb pad incorporates a curved ramp surface that conforms to the natural shape of a user's thumb, and the finger pad features a curved profile that mirrors the shape of a user's finger. These curved surfaces enhance comfort and grip security without requiring a complete spherical redesign of the housing.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional flattened rectangular housing form is used, then the housing maintains a standard shape that mirrors the metal plug, but the housing requires excessive manual effort for users with arthritis or other health impairments to manipulate
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp on the thumb pad and the curved profile of the finger pad are designed to conform to the natural contours of user fingers, distributing applied force more effectively and reducing the effort required to grip and maneuver the housing during plugging and unplugging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing features asymmetric pad configurations with the thumb pad and ramp on one surface and the finger pad on the opposing surface, creating an ergonomic grip geometry that leverages natural finger positioning and reduces the mechanical effort needed to operate the connector.
3Ease of operation
If ergonomic features such as thumb pad and finger pad are added to the housing, then the ease of gripping is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The thumb pad, finger pad, and housing body are combined into a single integrated molded component. This merging of features into one piece eliminates the need for separate assembly steps for these ergonomic features, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity despite the added ergonomic functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The ergonomic features are implemented through modifications to the molding parameters and tooling design rather than through complex multi-step manufacturing processes. The ramp angle, pad curvature, and surface profiles are controlled as molding parameters, allowing ergonomic features to be produced in a single molding operation.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
Provided is a housing for a USB connector plug comprising a body for partly surrounding the USB connector plug, the body defining a forward aperture from which a plug head of the USB connector plug extends and a rearward aperture from which a cable of the USB connector plug extends. The body has an outer form, which defines on a first surface thereof, a thumb pad and on a second opposing surface, a finger pad. The outer form of the body is provided with a thumb push element that stands proud from a forward part of the thumb pad. The housing may also be configured as an over-housing for a conventional USB connector plug.