USB Connector Shutter Assembly for Dust-Resistant Flush Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
USB Type-C electrical connectors are vulnerable to physical and chemical attacks, and existing protection mechanisms are bulky, expensive, or require modifications to the electrical plug, making them unsuitable for integration into building infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A compact protection device with movable shutters that translate perpendicular to the insertion direction, allowing seamless integration into electrical appliances, preventing dust accumulation and physical/chemical attacks without requiring modifications to the plug.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a shutter protection device is integrated into a USB electrical connector, then protection against dust and physical attacks is improved, but the device becomes bulkier and more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The protection device is divided into two independent shutters (first shutter and second shutter) that can move separately. Each shutter is controlled by its own return member, allowing the protection function to be distributed across multiple simple components rather than a single complex mechanism, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable protection.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the shutter move parallel to the insertion direction (as in conventional solutions), the shutters move perpendicular to the insertion direction. This inverted movement direction allows the shutters to be positioned closer to the outer surface and eliminates the need for the connector to be set at a distance, reducing the bulkiness of the device.
2Reliability
If flaps are turned downwards to protect the electrical connector, then protection is improved, but the electrical connector must be positioned at a certain distance from the outer surface
Solution Approach 1:
The shutters are arranged to move perpendicular to the insertion direction rather than parallel to it. This inverted orientation allows the shutters to effectively block access to the electrical connector while being positioned immediately adjacent to the outer surface, eliminating the need for the connector to be recessed at a distance.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of moving the protective elements along the insertion axis (one dimension), the shutters move perpendicular to the insertion direction (changing to a different dimension). This dimensional change allows the protection mechanism to be more space-efficient and position the connector closer to the outer surface.
3Reliability
If a controlled mechanism is used to move the shutter, then protection control is improved, but the device becomes too bulky and expensive for USB connector integration
Solution Approach 1:
The return members are configured to automatically return the shutters to their initial positions without requiring external control mechanisms. The shutters open automatically when a plug is inserted and close automatically when the plug is removed, eliminating the need for motors, sensors, or complex control systems, thereby reducing bulkiness and cost while maintaining reliable protection control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex controlled mechanical systems with simple mechanical return members that use elastic deformation and magnetic forces. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive and bulky control mechanisms while maintaining the protective function, making the device suitable for integration into USB connectors.
4Ease of operation
If magnets are used on the cable and flaps for automatic opening, then ease of operation is improved, but modifications to the electrical plug are required
Solution Approach 1:
The shutters are designed to open automatically through their own mechanical design without requiring any modifications to the electrical plug. The return members' configuration allows the shutters to respond to the physical presence of a plug and return to their initial position automatically, maintaining compatibility with standard plugs while providing ease of operation.
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 provides effective protection against dust and malicious acts while occupying minimal space, enhancing the durability and safety of USB Type-C connectors in building infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
said at least one return member being configured to authorize the automatic return of said shutter from the second position to the first position
Implementation Method 2
said at least one shutter comprises at least one support zone capable and intended to receive an electrical connector of at least one plug and being arranged to transmit a support force in the second direction called insertion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Electrical connector protection device, assembly comprising a cover and said protection device and electrical apparatus comprising said protection device. The invention relates to a protection device for an electrical connector of an electrical apparatus, preferably a USB electrical connector, comprising: - at least one shutter (3, 4) arranged to be movable relative to said electrical connector disposed in a second direction (D2) between at least a first position (P01) called the shutter position, in which said at least one shutter (3, 4) is arranged to cover said electrical connector, and a second position called the insertion position, in which said at least one shutter (3, 4) is arranged to release access to said at least one electrical connector, - a return element mechanically connected to said shutter (3, 4) being configured to allow the automatic return of said shutter (3,4) from the second position to the first position (P01), - said at least one shutter (3, 4) is arranged to be movable relative to said electrical connector at least according to a first rectilinear translational movement in a first direction and in a first plane between the first position (P01) and the second position, protective device characterized in that: - said at least one shutter (3, 4) comprises at least one support zone (7, 8) suitable and intended to receive an electrical connector (9) of a plug (10) and being arranged to transmit a support force in the second direction (D2) said insertion direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, so as to cause the passage from the first position (P01) to the second position at least according to the first rectilinear translational movement.