Abstract:
A dual orientation plug connector comprising a body; a connector tab extending away from the body, the tab is covered by a rectangular-tube shaped conductive frame having first and second opposing sides, and third and fourth opposing sides both orthogonal to first and second sides. The first and second side respectively including a first and second openings facing each other; a first plurality of external contacts carried by a substrate in a first contact region formed in the first opening of the frame; and a second plurality of external contacts carried by a substrate in a second contact region formed in the second opening of the frame, wherein each contact in the second plurality of contacts is positioned directly opposite a contact in the first plurality of contacts. Dielectric material separates each of the first and second plurality of contacts from adjacent contacts and from the frame.
Abstract:
A dual orientation connector having a connector tab with first and second major opposing sides and a plurality of electrical contacts carried by the connector tab. The plurality of contacts includes a first set of external contacts formed at the first major side and a second set of external contacts formed at the second major side. Each individual contact in the first plurality of contacts is electrically connected within the tab or body to a corresponding contact in the second plurality of contacts. In some embodiments contacts in the first and second pluralities of contacts that are directly opposite each other are coupled together. In some other embodiments, contacts in the first and second pluralities of contacts that are in a cater cornered relationship with each other are coupled together. The first plurality of contacts are symmetrically spaced with the second plurality of contacts and the connector tab is shaped to have 180 degree symmetry so that it can be inserted and operatively coupled to a corresponding receptacle connector in either of two insertion orientations.
Abstract:
Devices and methods for assembling co-planar electrical contacts (20) in a connector (100) are provided herein. In one aspect, an exemplary method of assembly comprises depositing solder in a connector plug enclosure (10), positioning electrical contacts on the solder deposits (22), advancing the hotbar (30) toward the enclosure contacting each of the electrical contacts so as to planarizc a top surface of each of the electrical contacts with the enclosure and melting the solder with the heated hotbar to solder the electrical contacts to the enclosure. In one aspect, an exemplary hotbar device includes a magnet (33) for releasably coupling the electrical contacts to the hotbar. In another aspect, the hotbar includes metallic portions for heating the electrical contacts and insulated ceramic portions (35) for contacting the enclosure. In another aspect, an electrically conductive hotbar includes side portions that extend away from the bottom heating surface (31) facilitating more uniform current flow through the hotbar.
Abstract:
Disclosed are plug connector assemblies having external contacts formed on only one surface of a connector body of the assembly. In some embodiments, the connector body includes a plastic tip integrally formed within a ground ring that is otherwise made from metal. Additionally, in some embodiments, the plug connector has a base portion with feet on opposing sides of the plug that each includes a hole that can be used to attach the plug connector to an encasing or other structure of a base electronic device it is incorporated into. In some embodiments, the plug connector extends upwardly away from the base at a predetermined angle such that the contacts are located on the side of the plug connector that forms an acute angle with the base.
Abstract:
Disclosed are plug connector assemblies having external contacts formed on only one surface of a connector body of the assembly. In some embodiments, the connector body includes a plastic tip integrally formed within a ground ring that is otherwise made from metal. Additionally, in some embodiments, the plug connector has a base portion with feet on opposing sides of the plug that each includes a hole that can be used to attach the plug connector to an encasing or other structure of a base electronic device it is incorporated into. In some embodiments, the plug connector extends upwardly away from the base at a predetermined angle such that the contacts are located on the side of the plug connector that forms an acute angle with the base.
Abstract:
Disclosed are plug connector assemblies having external contacts formed on only one surface of a connector body of the assembly. In some embodiments, the connector body includes a plastic tip integrally formed within a ground ring that is otherwise made from metal. Additionally, in some embodiments, the plug connector has a base portion with feet on opposing sides of the plug that each includes a hole that can be used to attach the plug connector to an encasing or other structure of a base electronic device it is incorporated into. In some embodiments, the plug connector extends upwardly away from the base at a predetermined angle such that the contacts are located on the side of the plug connector that forms an acute angle with the base.
Abstract:
Devices and methods for assembling co-planar electrical contacts (20) in a connector (100) are provided herein. In one aspect, an exemplary method of assembly comprises depositing solder in a connector plug enclosure (10), positioning electrical contacts on the solder deposits (22), advancing the hotbar (30) toward the enclosure contacting each of the electrical contacts so as to planarizc a top surface of each of the electrical contacts with the enclosure and melting the solder with the heated hotbar to solder the electrical contacts to the enclosure. In one aspect, an exemplary hotbar device includes a magnet (33) for releasably coupling the electrical contacts to the hotbar. In another aspect, the hotbar includes metallic portions for heating the electrical contacts and insulated ceramic portions (35) for contacting the enclosure. In another aspect, an electrically conductive hotbar includes side portions that extend away from the bottom heating surface (31) facilitating more uniform current flow through the hotbar.
Abstract:
Contact structures that are readily manufactured, where contacts in the contact structures provide a sufficient normal force while consuming a minimal amount of surface area, depth, and volume in an electronic device.
Abstract:
An electronic device comprising a device enclosure having an exterior surface; a contact area positioned at the exterior surface and having first and second ends, the contact area having a plurality of contacts arranged between the first and second ends and substantially flush with the exterior surface; and an alignment feature within the enclosure comprising first and second magnets positioned on opposing sides of the contact area, the first magnet positioned adjacent to the first end of the contact area and the second magnet positioned adjacent to the second end of the contact area.
Abstract:
A dual orientation connector having a connector tab with first and second major opposing sides and a plurality of electrical contacts carried by the connector tab. The plurality of contacts includes a first set of external contacts formed at the first major side and a second set of external contacts formed at the second major side. Each individual contact in the first plurality of contacts is electrically connected within the tab or body to a corresponding contact in the second plurality of contacts. In some embodiments contacts in the first and second pluralities of contacts that are directly opposite each other are coupled together. In some other embodiments, contacts in the first and second pluralities of contacts that are in a cater cornered relationship with each other are coupled together. The first plurality of contacts are symmetrically spaced with the second plurality of contacts and the connector tab is shaped to have 180 degree symmetry so that it can be inserted and operatively coupled to a corresponding receptacle connector in either of two insertion orientations.