USB Plug Shield Frame Absorbs Force to Protect Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
USB 3.0 sockets are prone to damage due to elastic fatigue and excessive pressure, leading to malfunction and inconvenience, especially for users who must return devices for maintenance, and the manufacturing process is costly due to the delicate structure and bending of the USB plug.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector plug features resilient contact terminals supported by a metallic shield frame, which absorbs excessive force and reduces the risk of damage, allowing users to easily replace damaged parts and simplifying maintenance, while also reducing manufacturing costs through a casted electrically conductive section that eliminates the need for repeated bending processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If resilient electrically conductive terminals are used in USB socket, then electrical connection stability is improved, but the terminals are susceptible to elastic fatigue and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a resilient buffer structure between the USB plug and socket that absorbs excessive pressure and impact forces before they reach the electrically conductive terminals. This cushioning mechanism prevents elastic fatigue and damage to the terminals while maintaining stable electrical connection during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a resilient buffer as an intermediary element between the rigid USB plug and socket components. This buffer mediates the mechanical interaction, providing necessary compliance and protection to the fragile electrically conductive terminals while enabling reliable electrical connection.
2Volume of moving object
If USB socket structure is made delicate and compact, then device size is reduced, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the USB socket into modular components including a separate resilient buffer, housing, and terminal assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using appropriate processes, then assembled together, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the compact design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a resilient buffer with flexible structural characteristics that provides the necessary compliance in a thin, compact form. This flexible element achieves the required protection and functionality without adding significant volume or manufacturing complexity.
3Reliability
If resilient contact terminals are damaged, then USB device malfunction occurs, but repair requires professional assistance and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the USB plug with separable components including the resilient buffer and housing that can be easily removed and replaced by users. This modular design enables simple maintenance without requiring professional assistance, as damaged parts can be individually accessed and swapped out.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a resilient buffer designed as a replaceable, cost-effective component that can be easily replaced by users when damaged. This approach treats the buffer as a consumable part that protects more expensive components, enabling simple user-level maintenance.
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
The solution enhances the durability of USB sockets by protecting resilient contact terminals from damage, allowing users to replace them without professional assistance, and decreases manufacturing costs by simplifying the production process, thus improving user convenience and reducing repair delays.
Implementation Method 1
the resilient electrically conductive terminals in the USB socket are pressed back by the engaging terminals of the USB plug, and elastically abut against the engaging terminals
Implementation Method 2
the electrically conductive housing has a metallic shield frame, which absorbs excessive pressure
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector plug having resilient contact terminals electrically connects to an electrical connector socket with a casing and two groups of engaging terminals mounted on or in the casing. The electrical connector plug has an electrically conductive housing. A coupling device extends in a longitudinal direction and has a base portion. Two groups of resilient contact terminals are mounted in the coupling device axially symmetrically arranged with each other in the longitudinal direction, each of which has a flat section and an upwardly protruding contact section. A metallic shield frame is electrically connected to and secured to the electrically conductive housing, having a frame section, a front section, and two lateral protective sections. An electrically conductive section extends from the frame section towards the front section for electrical connection to the casing of the electrical connector socket.