Multi-Contact Pad for Cable-Free USB Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing USB connection methods require physical cables and multiple ports, leading to inconvenience and 'cable clutter', and wireless USB technology faces reliability and range issues.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connection arrangement with conductive contacts at the corners of squares, rotated 45 degrees, and a conductive center, integrated with circuitry to facilitate universal serial bus connections, allowing devices to establish power and signal connections without cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical cables and multiple USB ports are used for device connections, then reliable electrical connections for power and data transfer are achieved, but device complexity and cable clutter increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple USB connection functions (power transfer, data transfer, grounding) into a single contact pad interface. The contact pad integrates multiple conductive contacts that simultaneously handle power, data, and ground connections, eliminating the need for separate cables and multiple ports while maintaining reliable electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact pad is designed as a universal interface that can simultaneously support multiple USB connection types (USB-A, USB-B, Mini-A, Mini-B) through a single standardized pad structure. This multi-functional design allows different device types to connect through the same interface, reducing the variety of cables and ports needed.
2Ease of operation
If wireless USB technology is implemented, then cable clutter is reduced and convenience is improved, but reliability and range issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The contact pad acts as an intermediary between wireless communication and physical electrical connections. Devices can establish wireless communication protocols through the contact pad interface, combining the convenience of wireless data transfer with the reliability of physical contact for power and stable connection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different USB cables are purchased and kept available for different device types, then compatibility with various USB ports is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to selection complexity and physical handling
Solution Approach 1:
The contact pad provides a universal connection interface that accommodates multiple USB port types (USB-A, USB-B, Mini-A, Mini-B) through a single standardized design. This eliminates the need for users to purchase and manage multiple different cables, as the contact pad can interface with various USB device types through its integrated contact arrangement.
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
Enables convenient, cable-free electrical connections for USB devices, reducing clutter and improving connectivity reliability by determining correct contact points for power and signal transmission.
Implementation Method 1
Power, ground, and data are then transferred between the two devices
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for making an electrical connection in a system requiring four electrical connections, including an electrical connection pad having an array of four types of electrically conductive contacts, all conductive contacts of a given type being electrically connected to all other conductive contacts of the same type; and an arrangement for providing electrical connections to conductive contacts on the pads, the arrangement having electrically conductive pins for making contact with the conductive contacts, wherein the types of electrically conductive contacts include two contacts for power and two separate contacts for signals. The pins may be arranged at corners of a first square and a second square, with the first square being rotated by forty-five degrees with respect to the second square, and a pin located at a common center of both squares. A method of operation of the apparatus, and various applications and configurations for its use.