Bidirectional USB Plug-Socket Structure for Slim Reversible Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current USB electrical connectors have unidirectional connections, making them inconvenient for use and limiting their application in slim and light electronic devices, as they require specific orientation for proper insertion and cannot achieve bidirectional functionality without increasing size or complexity.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional electrical connector system comprising a plug and socket design with vertically movable terminal extensions and symmetrical spaces in the connection slot, allowing for easy insertion and connection in either direction while maintaining a low profile, and featuring two contact interface substrates with a fitting space that fits within the standard USB socket dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If unidirectional connection design is used, then insertion reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing the connection slot with unequal space distribution (first space larger than second space) and the plug with corresponding asymmetric contact interface substrate positioning. This asymmetric design enables the connection to reliably distinguish between correct and incorrect insertion directions, providing bidirectional functionality while maintaining insertion reliability through the inherent directional guidance of the asymmetric structure.
2Ease of operation
If bidirectional connection is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection slot into two distinct spaces (first space and second space) with different dimensions, and correspondingly segments the plug's contact interface substrate to interface with these segmented spaces. This segmentation allows the single connector to support bidirectional connections by providing distinct reception zones for each insertion direction, achieving bidirectional functionality without requiring multiple separate connectors or complex switching mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If bidirectional connection is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but connector size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the contact interface substrate within the connection slot structure, where the substrate with its two contact interfaces is received within the slot's two segmented spaces. This nested arrangement allows bidirectional connection functionality to be achieved within the confines of a single connector housing, avoiding the need for larger dual-connector configurations and maintaining a compact form factor suitable for slim and light electronic devices.
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, bidirectional electrical connections that are slim and light, compatible with standard USB specifications, and supports doubled transmission speeds without increasing the size of the connectors.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the first terminals 14 has a vertically elastically movable contact 141 projecting beyond the bottom side of the tongue 121
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a bidirectional electrical connection plug, which can be inserted and connected to a bidirectional electrical connection socket. A connection slot of the bidirectional electrical connection socket is provided with a tongue. Two symmetrical spaces are formed on the two connection surfaces of the tongue in the connection slot. The bidirectional electrical connection plug comprises an insulating base, a metal housing and a fitting portion. The fitting portion has two contact interface substrates. Heights of the two contact interface substrates are smaller than a fitting interface substrate of a standard electrical connection plug with a minimum height specification specified by USB Association, and larger than a small space of a connection slot of a standard electrical connection socket with the minimum height specification specified by USB Association. The heights of the two contact interface substrates can be tightly fit with the two spaces.