Universal fit USB connector
First Claim
1. A universal serial bus (USB) connector comprising a plug and a receptacle for use between a peripheral device and either a hub or a CPU, said connector utilizing an orientation sensor to sense the orientation of the plug with respect to the receptacle, said plug capable of being mechanically connected bidirectionally to the receptacle, said receptacle containing a contact holder having two rows of contacts, and the plug containing contact pins to engage one row of contacts in one of the contacts in one of the bidirectional orientations of the plug and the receptacle, and to engage the second row of contacts in the other bidirectional orientation.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Peripheral devices are connected to the receptacle of a central processing unit (CPU) or to a hub using an “A” type universal serial bus (USB) connector plug and receptacle that ensures a positive connection regardless of the relative orientation of the two components. This is achieved mechanically, electronically, or through a combination of both. In one embodiment, the receptacle includes a bidirectional backplane that permits electrical contacts within the receptacle to slide or move in a direction that is perpendicular to the linear direction of the connector and its connecting cables. Another option is to use an orientation sensor such as a pressure transducer which serves to detect the orientation of the plug with respect to the receptacle. Another feature is the use of a multi-layer printed circuit board to cross or reverse the pins in the plug, such as D+ to D− and Power to Ground.
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Citations
15 Claims
- 1. A universal serial bus (USB) connector comprising a plug and a receptacle for use between a peripheral device and either a hub or a CPU, said connector utilizing an orientation sensor to sense the orientation of the plug with respect to the receptacle, said plug capable of being mechanically connected bidirectionally to the receptacle, said receptacle containing a contact holder having two rows of contacts, and the plug containing contact pins to engage one row of contacts in one of the contacts in one of the bidirectional orientations of the plug and the receptacle, and to engage the second row of contacts in the other bidirectional orientation.
- 3. A universal serial bus connector for use between a peripheral device and either a hub or a CPU, said connector comprising a plug and a receptacle, said plug capable of being mechanically connected bidirectionally to the receptacle, said receptacle containing a contact holder having two rows of contacts, and the plug containing contact pins to engage one row of contacts in one of the bidirectional orientations of the plug and the receptacle, and to engage the second row of contacts in the other bidirectional orientation wherein the contact holder is mounted within a receptacle housing to move in a direction that is orthogonal with respect to the direction of insertion of the plug into the receptacle, said receptacle housing including channels, in which the contact holder moves in said orthogonal direction, the connector further including bias means for maintaining the contact holder in a first position to receive the plug oriented in the first direction and to permit the contact holder to move to a second position to receive the plug oriented in the so direction.
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7. A computer system including a central processing unit (CPU) and at least one peripheral device connected to the CPU by an ‘
- A’
type universal serial bus (USB) connector comprising a connector plug and a receptacle, wherein the connector includes an arrangement for bidirectional connection between the plug and the receptacle, and the USB connection utilizes an orientation sensor to detect the bidirectional orientation of the plug with respect to the receptacle. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10)
- A’
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11. A method for using an “
- A”
type USB connector plug to engage a peripheral device with a receptacle of a host that is either a hub or a CPU, comprising;(a) providing a contact holder having two rows of contacts within the receptacle; (b) providing contact pins within the plug to engage one row of contacts in one orientation and to engage the second row of contacts in a second orientation; (c) providing a bidirectional connector between the plug and the receptacle; (d) engaging the plug with the receptacle; (e) matching signals through the connector in accordance with established protocol for the USB connector regardless of orientation; and (f) positioning the contact holder in a first location to engage one row of contacts, and moving the contact holder in a direction that is orthogonal to the direction of engagement to engage the second row of contacts. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13)
- A”
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14. A method for using an “
- A”
type USB connector plug to engage a peripheral device into a receptacle of a host that is either a hub or a CPU, comprising;(a) using a bidirectional connector between the plug and the receptacle; (b) engaging the plug with the receptacle; (c) using an orientation sensor to sense the orientation of the plug with respect to the receptacle, and (d) matching signals through the connector in accordance with established protocol for the USB connector regardless of orientation. - View Dependent Claims (15)
- A”
Specification