Slim USB Connector With Insulated Reinforcement Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional USB connectors are bulky and lack durability, making them unsuitable for slim portable devices, and they can cause device damage due to electrical impulses when inserted incorrectly.
Innovation Solution
A USB connector design that replaces the metal exterior shield with a reinforcement unit and an insulating unit, featuring an insertion unit, terminal unit, connection member, and rotation unit, which enhances durability and prevents electrical connections when inserted incorrectly by using a metal reinforcement unit and insulating material on exposed surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal exterior shield is used to protect the USB connector, then durability and protection against electrical impulses are improved, but the overall size and thickness of the connector increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional metal exterior shield from the USB connector design. Instead, it uses a reinforcement unit with insulating material to provide protection, thereby eliminating the bulky metal shielding while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure consisting of a reinforcement unit made of insulating material (such as plastic or resin) that combines mechanical strength with electrical insulation properties, replacing the single-material metal shield approach.
2Length of moving object
If the USB connector is made smaller to improve portability, then the thickness is reduced, but durability and protection capabilities deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement unit is constructed from insulating materials that provide both structural strength and electrical insulation, enabling a compact connector design that maintains durability without requiring thick metal shielding.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into functional units: an insertion unit for connection, a terminal unit for electrical contacts, and a reinforcement unit for protection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the reinforcement unit providing necessary strength in a compact form.
3Strength
If a traditional metal exterior shield is used, then protection is provided, but the connector becomes bulkier and less suitable for slim portable devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the metal exterior shield component entirely, replacing it with a more space-efficient reinforcement unit that provides equivalent or superior protection in a smaller volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement unit uses insulating materials with high strength-to-volume ratios, providing adequate mechanical and electrical protection while occupying significantly less space than traditional metal shields.
Data Source
AI summary
A universal serial bus (USB) connector, includes an insertion unit insertable into a USB port; a terminal unit disposed on a portion of a first side of the insertion unit; a connection member to electrically connect the terminal unit and an internal circuit of a terminal body of the USB connector; a reinforcement unit disposed on a second side of the insertion unit to protect the insertion unit; and an insulating unit formed on an exposed surface of the reinforcement unit.