USB Type-C Guide Pin Structure for Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems face challenges with power transfer efficiency and connector port strength in small form factors, where limited power delivery and mechanical weakness are issues due to the small size of connectors, and existing solutions like Type C USB connectors do not adequately address these problems.
Innovation Solution
The integration of guide pins and guide connectors external to the connector port, with a controller coordinating power transfer, allows for pre-negotiated power settings to adapt to load changes and enhance power transfer efficiency, and the use of a connector port in a cavity with an intermediary board and spring clips increases robustness and replaceability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single physical connector is used to provide both data and power interface, then device complexity is reduced, but power transfer capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system is segmented into two separate physical connectors: a first connector dedicated to data transfer and a second connector dedicated to power transfer. This segmentation allows each connector to be optimized for its specific function, enabling the power connector to provide higher power transfer capability while the data connector maintains streamlined complexity.
2Length of moving object
If the housing thickness is reduced to achieve smaller form factor, then mobility is improved, but mechanical strength around connector locations is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
A connector reinforcement structure acts as an intermediary element between the housing and the connectors. This reinforcement structure is positioned at the location where the second connector penetrates the housing and provides additional mechanical support, distributing stresses and preventing structural weakness while maintaining the thin housing design.
3Ease of operation
If guide pins are added external to the connector port, then alignment ease is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide pin structure on the cable connector is designed to match and interface with corresponding guide features on the housing. This copying approach ensures precise alignment without requiring complex alignment mechanisms, as the guide pins simply need to fit into their corresponding recesses or slots.
Data Source
AI summary
A USB Type C connector port adapts to support docking solutions with enhanced power transfer features, including increased power transfer levels supported through a guide pin and connector interface, rapid power transfer configuration changes by applying pre-negotiated power settings, external battery charge and discharge at an information handling system with improved efficiency accomplished by transitioning voltage between native and boosted levels responsive to information handling system load, and robust connector port coupling in a cavity of a connector shell.