USB Type-C Guide Pin Structure for Power and Strength
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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, which also make alignment and usage cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
The integration of guide pins and connectors external to the main connector port, with a controller managing power transfer through pre-negotiated settings to adapt power direction and voltage based on load, enhancing power transfer efficiency and robustness, and allowing for easy replacement of the connector port by installing it in a connector shell with intermediary boards and spring clips.
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 interfaces: a first connector for data communication and a second connector for power transfer. This segmentation allows each connector to be optimized for its specific function, enabling high-power transfer through the second connector while maintaining data communication through the first connector, thereby resolving the limitation of single-connector dual-function designs.
2Volume of moving object
If connector footprint is reduced to achieve smaller form factor, then device size is reduced, but mechanical strength and alignment ease deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Guide connectors are introduced as intermediary elements that extend beyond the main connector footprint. These guide connectors provide mechanical guidance and alignment during insertion, and serve as structural reinforcement points. The guide connectors include guide pins that extend into guide holes in the housing, creating a robust mechanical interface that enhances connector strength and alignment ease without increasing the overall device form factor.
3Ease of operation
If guide pins are integrated into connector for alignment assistance, then ease of operation is improved, but connector port strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment and structural functions are segmented into separate components: guide pins integrated into the connector for alignment assistance, and guide connectors mounted to the housing for structural strength. The guide pins extend laterally to provide alignment guidance during insertion, while the guide connectors serve as reinforced mounting points on the housing. This segmentation allows the connector to have protruding guide pins for ease of alignment without compromising the structural integrity of the connector port.
4Adaptability or versatility
If power transfer protocol negotiation is performed at connection, then adaptability is improved, but connection time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
Power transfer capability is determined and configured in advance through preliminary detection of the presence and configuration of the second connector. The system performs preliminary actions to establish power transfer parameters before actual power transfer begins, allowing for rapid power delivery without extensive real-time negotiation protocols. This preliminary configuration enables the system to adapt to different power capabilities while minimizing connection establishment time.
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.