Patent · US Active

Contact-support mechanism for increased retention force

US8951071B2 · kind B2 · utility

11Cited by
8References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 7, 2013
Grant dateFeb 10, 2015
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 10, 2033

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T29/49208
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

Circuits, methods, and apparatus that may provide audio jacks capable of providing a sufficient retention force to avoid some inadvertent extractions of an audio plug. Examples may also provide audio jacks that may be readily assembled. Other examples may provide other types of connectors. These audio jacks or other connectors may provide contact structures having one or more contacts, each having a contact support to increase contact retention force. Different materials may be used to form the contacts and the contact supports. In this way, contacts may be formed using a highly conductive material, while the contact supports may be formed of a material having good spring characteristics. While such a contact may not be able to provide an adequate retention force on its own, the use of a contact support may sufficiently increase the retention force to prevent accidental extractions of an audio plug or other connector.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.