Single-Row Receptacle Terminal Configuration for USB Type-C
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical receptacle connectors for USB Type-C connectors are limited in design, allowing plug connectors to be inserted only in specific orientations, which restricts flexibility and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A single-row receptacle terminal configuration with upper and lower rows arranged in 2-fold rotational symmetry, enabling plug connectors to be inserted in either upside-up or upside-down directions, utilizing an insulating housing, shield shell, and specific terminal arrangements to maintain signal transfer functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If double-row receptacle terminals are used with 2-fold rotational symmetry arrangement, then the connector can receive plug connectors in either upside-up or upside-down directions, but the device complexity increases due to the symmetric arrangement of upper and lower row terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using a single-row receptacle terminal arrangement instead of the conventional double-row symmetric arrangement. The single row is positioned at a specific angle (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the longitudinal axis of the insulating housing, allowing the connector to accept plug connectors in both upside-up and upside-down orientations without requiring symmetric upper and lower row terminals. This reduces structural complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Device complexity
If single-row receptacle terminals are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to maintain consistent signal transfer in both insertion directions may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces angular orientation as a new dimension for terminal arrangement. Instead of using a single横向 (horizontal) row perpendicular to the insertion direction, the receptacle terminals are arranged in a single row that is angled (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the longitudinal axis of the insulating housing. This angular arrangement ensures that regardless of whether the plug connector is inserted upside-up or upside-down, the contact portions of the receptacle terminals align properly with the plug terminals, maintaining consistent signal transfer specifications in both directions.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical receptacle connector includes an insulating housing, receptacle terminals, and a shield shell covering the insulating housing. The receptacle terminals, arranged in a row and disposed on the insulating housing, sequentially include a first ground terminal, a first power terminal, two first differential signal terminals, a second power terminal, and a second ground terminal. The electrical receptacle connector is capable of receiving an electrical plug connector to be inserted therein in either upside-up or upside-down directions. The electrical plug connector includes upper-row plug terminals and lower-row plug terminals arranged in 2-fold rotational symmetry. Therefore, the electrical receptacle connector using the single-row receptacle terminals and the electrical plug connector using the corresponding double-row plug terminals compose a new type of USB Type-C connectors.