USB Plug Sliding Sleeve Locking for Secure Port Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy information processing devices often lack the means to securely retain auxiliary devices connected via USB plugs, leading to unintentional disengagement and increased risk of theft.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a USB plug with a sliding sleeve locking mechanism that self-secures to a USB port, preventing unintentional or unauthorized disengagement, without requiring modifications to the USB port or information processing device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional USB plug arms are used to provide weak biasing force and frictional engagement, then the USB plug can be easily inserted and removed, but the engagement becomes loose and insecure over time leading to unintentional disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic locking mechanism where the sleeve can slide between locked and unlocked positions. The spring-loaded arms dynamically adjust to engage or disengage from the port's latch members based on the sleeve position, providing both easy operation when unlocked and secure retention when locked
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the engagement parameter from static frictional engagement to a locked state where the sleeve position physically blocks the spring arms from disengaging. This parameter change transforms the engagement security from dependent on friction to dependent on mechanical blocking
2Reliability
If third party securing devices are used to lock USB plugs, then unintentional disengagement is prevented, but the devices become large blocking adjacent ports and are expensive to install
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking mechanism directly into the USB plug structure by integrating the sleeve and spring arms with the plug body. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate third-party securing devices, reducing overall device complexity and size while maintaining security functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal locking mechanism that works with standard USB ports without requiring modifications to the port or host device. The sleeve and spring arm design is compatible with existing USB port architectures, providing broad applicability across different devices
3Ease of operation
If USB plugs rely on weak biasing force and frictional engagement, then easy insertion and removal is achieved, but the plugs are prone to theft and unauthorized removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic state system where the USB plug can transition between unlocked (easily removable) and locked (secure) states. The sleeve position controls whether the spring arms can engage or are blocked, allowing users to choose between ease of operation and security based on needs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by having the sleeve in a default locked position that prevents disengagement. To remove the plug, the user must first slide the sleeve to unlock it, thereby preemptively countering unauthorized removal attempts before they can occur
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
This solution effectively prevents unintentional disengagement and theft of auxiliary devices, while maintaining ease of use and compatibility with standard USB ports, thus eliminating the need for costly modifications or replacement of devices.
Implementation Method 1
Traditional USB plugs include arms configured to elastically bend and engage latch member of USB ports. The arms provide a weak biasing force and frictional engagement to hold the USB plug in the port
Data Source
AI summary
A removable electronic module including electronic circuitry and a universal serial bus (USB) plug. The USB plug has an inner body and an outer sleeve movably coupled to the inner body. The outer sleeve is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the inner body. The inner body includes electrical contacts and one or more protrusions. The outer sleeve has one or more spring latch members configured to engage with a USB port in an installed state with a USB port. The protrusions are configured to, when the outer sleeve is in the first position, prevent removal of the USB plug from the USB port by preventing the spring latch members from disengaging from the USB port. When the outer sleeve is in the second position the spring latch members are free to disengage and the USB plug may be removed from the USB port.