(12) United States Patent
`Hinkle et al.
`
`US006869.316B2
`(10) Patent No.:
`US 6,869,316 B2
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Mar. 22, 2005
`
`(54) THREE CONTACT BARREL POWER
`CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY
`
`e
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`-
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`2- - - 2
`
`àIllSlê €l al. ...............
`
`5,681,186 A * 10/1997 Wright ....................... 439/675
`5,683,265 A 11/1997 Allen et al. ....
`... 439/394
`5,807,131 A 9/1998 Allen et al. .......
`... 439/394
`(75) Inventors: Mark M. Hinkle, Austin, TX (US); . fl. :: º § et * - - - - -
`--- tº:
`ºwner H. Muenzer, Austin, TX
`6,318,903 B1
`11/2001 Andrews et al. .............. 385/77
`(
`)
`6,507,998 B1 * 1/2003 Lyford et al. ................. 29/843
`(73) Assignee: Dell Products L.P., Round Rock, TX
`6,676,451 B2
`1/2004 Suzuki et al. ............... 439/668
`(US)
`* cited by examiner
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`Primary Examiner—Michael C. Zarroli
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Baker Botts L.L.P.
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`::
`
`-
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 10/185,106
`-
`(22) Filed:
`Jun. 27, 2002
`(65)
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2004/0002266 A1 Jan. 1, 2004
`H01R 33/20
`(51) Int. Cl."
`(52) U.S. Cl. .......................... 439/675; 439/63; 439/578
`(58) Field of Search .......................... 439/675, 63, 394,
`439/578, 625–626, 660; 38.5/76–77
`e
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`(56)
`
`A three contact barrel power connector assembly is pro
`vided. The power connector assembly includes both a con
`nector plug and a connector jack. The connector plug
`includes an inner body and an outer body transmitting
`electrical current. The connector plug further includes a
`center body that transmits a data signal or a low power
`current. The connector jack includes a housing ground, a
`housing body, outer contacts that couple with the outer body,
`inner contacts that couple with the inner body, and a center
`contact that couples with the center body. The power con
`nector assembly further includes insulators operable to pre
`vent unwanted electrical contact between the connector plu
`and the connector jack. The connector plug is º: º
`couple with the connector jack independent of the orienta
`tion of the connector plug with respect to the connector jack,
`†. º : ?º º: §. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - º,i º
`provide high levels of power, and effectively transmit data
`5,082,345 A
`1/1992 Cammons et al. ............ ... signals in addition to power
`5,085,594. A
`2/1992 Kaelin ........................ 439/427
`5,147,221 A * 9/1992 Cull et al. .................. 439/585
`17 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets
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`Willis Exhibit 1006 - 1
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`U.S. Patent
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`Mar. 22, 2005
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`Sheet 1 of 4
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`US 6,869,316 B2
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`FIG 2
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`Willis Exhibit 1006 - 2
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`U.S. Patent
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`Mar. 22, 2005
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`Sheet 2 of 4
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`US 6,869,316 B2
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`FIG. 3D
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`Willis Exhibit 1006 - 3
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`U.S. Patent
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`Mar. 22, 2005
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`Sheet 3 of 4
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`US 6,869,316 B2
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`Willis Exhibit 1006 - 4
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`U.S. Patent
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`Mar. 22, 2005
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`Sheet 4 of 4
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`US 6,869,316 B2
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`FZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ ?
`102
`EL, s – ºf
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`FIG. 9B
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`FIG. 9A
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`FIC, 1 OA
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`Willis Exhibit 1006 - 5
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`1
`THREE CONTACT BARREL POWER
`CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY
`
`US 6,869,316 B2
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`2
`Another limitation with current power connectors is the
`inability to safely transmit high levels of power to the
`information handling system. As processor speeds and
`memory requirements continue to increase, portable devices
`require more power to efficiently function and therefore
`have higher power requirements. In order to transmit higher
`power levels, current power connectors require increasing
`the wire diameter of the power cord to dissipate the heat
`generated by the higher power levels as well as increasing
`the overmold on the plug which acts as a heatsink to prevent
`the melting of the power cord and the power connector. This
`results in thicker, bulkier, more expensive, and less portable
`power connectors and power cords which increases the cost
`and creates a portability problem where a smaller size allows
`for optimal portability.
`Another limitation with current power connectors is the
`inability to effectively transmit a data signal in addition to
`power. In addition to power from the wall outlet and AC
`adapter, portable devices may also be need to receive data
`information from the AC adapter regarding the operation
`and type of the AC adapter. The power connector may also
`need to receive data information from other attached com
`ponents to optimize the functionality of the portable device.
`SUMMARY
`Therefore, a need has arisen for a power connector
`assembly that allows for the orientationless mating of a
`connector plug with a connector jack.
`A further need has arisen for a power connector assembly
`that allows for the transmission of high power levels.
`A further need has arisen for a power connector assembly
`that allows for the transmission of a data signal in addition
`to the transmission of power.
`In accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure,
`a power connector assembly including a connector plug
`assembly and a connector jack assembly is described which
`substantially eliminates or reduces disadvantages and prob
`lems associated with previous power connectors. The power
`connector assembly allows for the orientationless mating of
`a connector plug with a connector jack and the transmission
`of both high power levels and a data signal.
`In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure,
`an orientationless connector plug assembly is provided. The
`connector plug assembly preferably includes an outer body,
`an inner body, a center body, and one or more insulators. The
`outer body is of a cylindrical shape and transmits an elec
`trical current. The inner body is also of cylindrical shape,
`transmits an electrical current, and is coaxially secured in
`alignment with the outer body. The center body is disposed
`coaxially within the outer and inner bodies and transmits a
`data signal and may alternatively transmit a low power
`current. The insulators are disposed coaxially with the outer,
`inner, and center bodies and prevent electrical contact
`between the outer body, inner body, and center body. The
`connector plug operably couples with a connector jack
`independent of the orientation of the connector plug with
`respect to the orientation of the connector jack.
`In one embodiment, the connector plug assembly includes
`an outer barrel, an inner barrel, and a center pin. The outer
`and inner barrels transmit the electrical current for DC
`power while the center pin transmits a data signal. An
`insulating barrel prevents the transmission of electrical
`current between the outer barrel and the inner barrel while
`an insulating tip prevents the transmission of electrical
`current and data between the connector plug assembly and
`the connector jack assembly except for at a plurality of
`contacts on the connector jack assembly.
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`TECHNICAL FIELD
`This disclosure relates in general to the field of power and
`data transmission, and more particularly to a three contact
`barrel power connector assembly.
`BACKGROUND
`As the value and use of information continues to increase,
`individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process
`and store information. One option available to users is
`information handling systems. An information handling
`system generally processes, compiles, stores, and/or com
`15
`municates information or data for business, personal, or
`other purposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of
`the value of the information. Because technology and infor
`mation handling needs and requirements vary between dif
`ferent users or applications, information handling systems
`may also vary regarding what information is handled, how
`the information is handled, how much information is
`processed, stored, or communicated, and how quickly and
`efficiently the information may be processed, stored, or
`communicated. The variations in information handling sys
`tems allow for information handling systems to be general or
`configured for a specific user or specific use such as financial
`transaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data
`storage, or global communications. In addition, information
`handling systems may include a variety of hardware and
`software components that may be configured to process,
`store, and communicate information and may include one or
`more computer systems, data storage systems, and network
`ing systems.
`The transmission of power and data to an information
`handling system is important especially with respect to
`portable devices such as laptop computers and personal
`digital assistants (PDA) that are designed to operate on both
`battery power and power supplied by a wall outlet. As
`portable devices have become more advanced and able to
`perform more functions, the portable devices require more
`power to operate. Because batteries only last for a finite time
`before requiring a new charge, many portable devices may
`also be able to plug into a wall outlet and run on AC power.
`But since portable devices primarily operate on battery
`45
`power (DC power), an AC adapter is required when pow
`ering a portable device from a wall outlet to convert the AC
`power to DC power. Generally, a portable device includes an
`electrical cable or power cord where one end of the electrical
`cable plugs into the AC adapter and the other end of the
`electrical cable has a plug that plugs into a jack on the
`portable device where the jack and plug together are a power
`connector for the transmission of power.
`One limitation with current power connectors is that the
`plug must be orientated in a specific way in order for the
`plug to mate with the jack. For example, the plug may have
`an asymmetrical shape and only mate with the jack when the
`plug is oriented in a specific manner and will not mate with
`the jack when the plug is not oriented in that manner. This
`cause problems for a user when the user is attempting to
`insert the plug into the jack when the user does not have a
`clear line of sight to the jack or when the user cannot easily
`reach the jack. The user must try to guess as to the correct
`orientation of the plug and rotate the plug until the plug is
`in the correct orientation as the jack, which can be a
`bothersome task if the user cannot see the jack or has to
`strain to reach the jack.
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`Willis Exhibit 1006 - 6
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`3
`In another aspect of the present disclosure, an orienta
`tionless connector jack assembly is provided. The connector
`jack assembly preferably includes a connector housing that
`provides grounding for the connector jack assembly. Dis
`posed within the connector housing is a connector body
`providing insulation, having a shape operable for mating
`with the connector plug assembly, and includes a mating
`aperture and plurality of contact apertures. The connector
`plug assembly further includes at least one outer contact to
`receive and transmit electrical current, at least one inner
`contact to receive and transmit electrical current, and a
`center contact operable to receive and transmit a data signal
`or alternatively a low power current. The outer, inner, and
`center contacts are each disposed in a contact aperture and
`extend out into the mating aperture. The connector jack
`assembly receives the connector plug assembly independent
`of the orientation of the connector plug.
`In one embodiment, the connector jack includes four
`outer contact, four inner contacts, and a center contact. The
`four outer contacts couple with the outer body of the
`connector plug, the four inner contacts couple with the inner
`body of the connector plug, and the center contact couples
`with the center body of the connector plug. The coupling of
`the outer, inner, and center bodies of the connector plug with
`the outer, inner, and center contacts of the connector jack
`allows for the transmission of electrical current and a data
`signal.
`In another aspect of the present disclosure, an information
`handling system having a barrel connector plug and a
`connector jack is provided. The barrel connector plug trans
`mits both a data signal and an electrical current and includes
`an outer body, an inner body, and a center body. The
`connector jack includes a connector housing and a plurality
`of contacts and is operable to mate with the barrel connector
`plug independent of the orientation of the barrel connector
`plug. The connector jack further receives and transmits an
`electrical current and data signal from the barrel connector
`plug.
`The present disclosure provides a number of important
`technical advantages. One important technical advantage is
`directionless mating of the connector plug with the connec
`tor jack. Because of the barrel or cylindrical shape of the
`connector plug and the location of the contacts within the
`connector jack, the connector plug does not have to be
`oriented in a particular manner in order to mate with the
`connector jack. A user can insert the connector plug into the
`connector jack without having to properly orientate the
`connector plug. Despite the orientation of the connector
`plug, the connector plug will be able to properly mate with
`the connector jack. Orientationless mating allows for a
`simplified operation of inserting the connector plug into the
`connector jack when the user does not have a clear line of
`sight to the connector jack or when the connector jack is
`difficult to reach.
`Another important technical advantage of the present
`disclosure is the ability of the power connector assembly to
`handle a higher power level from the wall outlet and AC
`adapter. The outer, inner, and center bodies on the connector
`plug assembly and the outer, inner, and center contacts of the
`connector jack allow for the electrical current and power to
`be distributed across more than one contact point thereby
`allowing for the higher power levels of the power connector
`assembly. Using the outer, inner, and center bodies to
`transmit electrical current allows for more power to safely
`pass through the power connector assembly in comparison
`to previous power connectors where a single pin was respon
`sible for the transmission of power and electrical current.
`
`4
`Therefore, the power connector assembly is able to retain a
`size more suitable for portable functionality.
`Another important technical advantage of the present
`disclosure is the ability to transmit a data signal in addition
`to an electrical current for power. The center body of the
`connector plug transmits a data signal having information
`regarding the type and operation of the AC adapter. The
`portable device uses the data signal to insure that a proper
`type of AC adapter is connected to the portable device and
`to insure that the AC adapter is functioning correctly.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`A more complete understanding of the present embodi
`ments and advantages thereof may be acquired by referring
`to the following description taken in conjunction with the
`accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers
`indicate like features, and wherein:
`FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an information
`handling system;
`FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a power connector
`assembly;
`FIG. 3A depicts an isometric view of one embodiment of
`the connector plug assembly;
`FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of one embodiment of the
`connector plug assembly;
`FIG. 3C depicts a front view of one embodiment of the
`connector plug assembly;
`FIG. 3D illustrates a sectional view of one embodiment of
`the connector plug assembly;
`FIG. 4A depicts an isometric view of one embodiment of
`the connector jack assembly;
`FIG. 4B illustrates a front view of one embodiment of the
`connector jack assembly;
`FIG. 4C depicts a sectional view of one embodiment of
`the connector jack assembly;
`FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic representation of printed
`circuit board pin connector layout;
`FIG. 6 depicts an exploded sectional view of one embodi
`ment of the power connector assembly;
`FIG. 7A is a schematic representation of an alternate
`embodiment of the connector plug assembly;
`FIG. 7B depicts a sectional view of the connector plug
`assembly of FIG. 7A,
`FIG. 8 illustrates a sectional view of an alternate embodi
`ment of the connector jack assembly;
`FIG. 9A represents a schematic view of an alternate
`embodiment of the connector plug assembly;
`FIG. 9B illustrates a sectional view of the connector plug
`assembly of FIG. 9A;
`FIG. 10A is a schematic representation of an alternate
`embodiment of the connector jack assembly; and
`FIG. 10B is a sectional view of the connector jack
`assembly of FIG. 10A.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`Preferred embodiments and their advantages are best
`understood by reference to FIGS. 1 through 10, wherein like
`numbers are used to indicate like and corresponding parts.
`Previous power connector assemblies have been designed
`so that a connector plug may only mate with a connector
`jack in a particular orientation. In addition, previous power
`connector assemblies have not been able to safely provide
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`US 6,869,316 B2
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`and transmit the necessary power required by today’s power
`hungry computing and portable devices without increasing
`the electrical cord size or increasing the size of the power
`connector assembly. Furthermore, previous power connec
`tors have not been able to effectively transmit a data signal
`in addition to the electrical current or power. The present
`disclosure allows for a power connector assembly including
`a connector plug and a connector jack operable to transmit
`higher levels of power as well as a data signal and where the
`connector plug mates with the connector jack independent of
`the orientation of the connector plug.
`For purposes of this disclosure, an information handling
`system may include any instrumentality or aggregate of
`instrumentalities operable to compute, classify, process,
`transmit, receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display,
`manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any
`form of information, intelligence, or data for business,
`scientific, control, or other purposes. For example, an infor
`mation handling system may be a personal computer, a
`network storage device, or any other suitable device and
`may vary in size, shape, performance, functionality, and
`price. The information handling system may include random
`access memory (RAM), one or more processing resources
`such as a central processing unit (CPU) or hardware or
`software control logic, ROM, and/or other types of nonvola
`tile memory. Additional components of the information
`handling system may include one or more disk drives, one
`or more network ports for communicating with external
`devices as well as various input and output (I/O) devices,
`such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a video display. The
`information handling system may also include one or more
`buses operable to transmit communications between the
`various hardware components.
`FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of information han
`dling system 10 including computer 12 and power assembly
`14. Power assembly 14 includes AC adapter 16, connector
`jack 18, power cord 20, and electrical cable 22. Power
`assembly 14 may also be referred to as an information
`handling system.
`In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, computer 12 may be
`any type of portable device such as a laptop or PDA that
`operates on battery power (DC power) but can also be
`plugged into electrical outlet 24 via AC adapter 16 to
`operator on power supplied by electrical outlet 24. Power
`assembly 14 couples with electrical outlet 24 and computer
`12 to provide power to computer 12 via electrical plug 26
`plugging into electrical outlet 24. This allows electrical
`current or power to flow from electrical outlet 24 through
`power cord 20 to AC adapter 16. AC adapter 16 receives the
`AC power signal from electrical outlet 24 and converts it
`into a DC power signal that can be used by computer 12. The
`DC power signal travels from AC adapter 16 along electrical
`cable 22 to connector plug 18 through connector jack 28
`(shown in FIG. 2) to computer 12.
`In addition to converting AC power to DC power, AC
`55
`adapter 16 provides identification information regarding AC
`adapter 16. AC adapter 16 may be a high power level AC
`adapter, a low power level AC adapter, a travel-sized AC
`adapter, or any other appropriate type of AC adapter. Each
`different type of AC adapter has a unique ID specific to the
`60
`type of adapter. For example, all high power level AC
`adapters have a specific ID while all travel-sized AC adapt
`ers have a different ID. AC adapter 16 transmit a data signal
`containing the identification information via electrical cable
`22 through connector plug 18 and connector jack 28 to
`65
`computer 12 so that computer 12 will know what type of AC
`adapter computer 12 is connected to. So in addition to a DC
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`power signal, electrical cable 22 transmits a data signal to
`computer 12 via connector plug 18 and connector jack 28.
`The coupling or mating of connector plug 18 with connector
`jack 28 results in power connector assembly 30 which may
`also be referred to as an information handling system.
`FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D represent different views of
`one embodiment of connector plug 18 with overmold 25
`removed to further show various aspects of connector plug
`18. FIG. 3A depicts an isometric view of connector plug 18
`(shown with insulating tip 38 removed), FIG. 3B illustrates
`a side view of connector plug 18, FIG. 3C depicts a front
`view of connector plug 18 (shown with insulating tip 38
`removed), and FIG. 3D illustrates a sectional view of
`connector plug 18 taken along line 3D.
`Connector plug 18 is used as part of power assembly 14
`and power connector assembly 30 to provide DC power and
`a data signal to computer 12. Connector plug 18 is a barrel
`style DC power and data connector that couples with con
`nector jack 28. Connector plug 18 includes three compo
`ments allowing for three separate connections—an inner
`body and an outer body for power transmission and a center
`body for data transmission. The outer body, outer barrel 32,
`transmits a DC IN– electrical current. The inner body, inner
`barrel 34, transmits a DC IN+ electrical current. Outer barrel
`32 and inner barrel 34 are composed of a base metal alloy
`such as brass or other suitable materials and have a contact
`surface plating of nickel or other suitable materials. The
`center body, center pin 36, transmits a data signal. Centerpin
`36 is composed of a base metal alloy such as nickel and has
`a contact surface plating of gold. In this embodiment, center
`pin 36 transmits a data signal that is an identification signal
`from AC adapter 16 to computer 12 which is used by
`computer 12 to identify the type of AC adapter 16 in power
`assembly 14. In alternate embodiments, center pin 36 may
`also transmit other data signals such as a television signal or
`a low power current allowing for a dual voltage supply for
`connector plug 18.
`Connector plug 18 further includes two insulators—
`insulating tip 38 and insulating barrel 42. Insulating tip 38
`is disposed proximate first end 40 of connector plug 18.
`Insulating tip 38 is composed of a dielectric material such as
`Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) or any other appropriate
`insulating material. Insulating tip 38 insulates first end 40 of
`connector plug 18 from connector jack 28 and prevents any
`electrical current run-off when connector plug 18 is coupled
`with connector jack 28. Connector plug 18 also includes
`insulating barrel 42. Insulating barrel 42 is disposed between
`outer barrel 32 and inner barrel 34. Insulating barrel 42
`isolates outer barrel 32 from inner barrel 34 and prevents the
`electrical current transmitted in outer barrel 32 from coming
`into contact with the electrical current transmitted in inner
`barrel 34.
`Connector plug 18 further includes overmold 25 which
`protects outer barrel 32, inner barrel 34, and center pin 36
`from damage and protects a user from an electrical shock
`when inserting and removing connector plug 18 from con
`nector jack 28. Overmold is disposed over second end 44 of
`connector plug 18. Overmold 25 is composed of an insu
`lating material such as a dielectric material which includes
`Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or any other appropriate insulat
`ing material. Overmold 25 allows for a place for a user to
`grab and grip connector plug 18 to facilitate the insertion and
`removal of connector plug 18 into and out of connector jack
`28.
`In particular, overmold 25 provides protection where
`electrical cable 22 couples with outer barrel 32, inner barrel
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`Willis Exhibit 1006 - 8
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`US 6,869,316 B2
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`34, and center pin 36 at second end 44 of connector plug 18.
`Electrical cable 22 is composed of at least three separate
`wires—two wires for power transmission and one wire for
`data transmission. The wires of electrical cable 22 couple
`with connector plug 18 at solder points 46a, 46b, and 46c.
`Solder point 46a is where outer barrel 32 couples with the
`DC IN– wire of electrical cable 22, solder point 46b is where
`inner barrel 34 couples with the DC IN+ wire of electrical
`cable 22, and solder point 46c is where center pin 36 couples
`with the data signal wire of electrical cable 22. The three
`wires of electrical cable 22 are soldered to connector plug 18
`at solder points 46a, 46b, and 46c. When overmold 25 is in
`place over second end 44, a user of information handling
`system 10 will not be able to see solder points 46 and solder
`points 46 will be protected from damage by overmold 25.
`The embodiment of connector plug 18 shown in FIGS.
`3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D with insulating barrel 42 disposed
`between outer barrel 32 and inner barrel 34 and center pin
`36 allows for connector plug 18 to have the largest contact
`surface in a minimized amount of space. The inner barrel
`and outer barrel design allows for contact surfaces on both
`inside surface 48 and outside surface 50 of connector plug
`18 instead of just on outside surface 50. In addition, the inner
`barrel and outer barrel design allows for multiple contact
`points with connector jack 28 because both inner barrel 34
`and outer barrel 32 have the entire circular surface of inner
`surface 48 and outer surface 50 to conduct electrical current
`and couple with the contacts in connector jack 28.
`Furthermore, connector plug 18 has the advantage of
`being inexpensive and not difficult to manufacture because
`connector plug 18 requires no soldering to manufacture and
`connect outer barrel 32, inner barrel 34, and center pin 36.
`Outer barrel 32, inner barrel 34, and center pin 36 are
`machined and then press fit together with insulating barrel
`42, insulating tip 38, and overmold 25. The only soldering
`required is the soldering of the three wires of electrical cable
`22 to soldering points 46 of second end 44 of connector plug
`18. Once electrical cable 22 is soldered to soldering points
`46, overmold 25 fits over second end 44 and soldering points
`46 as described above.
`FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C represent different views of one
`embodiment of connector jack 28 operable to couple with
`connector plug 18. FIG. 4A depicts an isometric view of
`connector jack 28, FIG. 4B illustrates a front view of
`connector jack 28, and FIG. 4C depicts a sectional view of
`connector jack 28 taken along line 4C.
`Connector jack 28 is a receptacle for connector plug 18
`and operably couples with connector plug 18 to provide DC
`power and data signals to computer 12. Connector jack 28
`50
`includes three components for three separate connections—
`outer contacts 52 and inner contacts 54 for power transmis
`sion and center contact 56 for data signal transmission.
`Outer contacts 52 are operable to receive and transmit a DC
`IN– electrical current. Inner contacts 54 are operable to
`55
`transmit and receive a DC IN+ electrical current. Center
`contact 56 receives and transmits a data signal. In this
`embodiment, center contact 56 receives and transmits a data
`signal that is an identification signal from AC adapter 16 to
`computer 12 which is used by computer 12 to identify the
`type of AC adapter 16 in power assembly 14. In alternate
`embodiments, center contact 56 may also receive and trans
`mit other data signals such as a television signal or a low
`power current allowing for a dual voltage supply on the
`connector jack 28.
`The embodiment of connector jack 28 shown in FIG. 4
`includes four inner contacts 54 and four outer contacts 52.
`
`8
`Inner contacts 54 couple with inner barrel 34 of connector
`plug 18 and outer contacts 52 couple with outer barrel 32 of
`connector plug 18. The coupling of outer contacts 52 with
`outer barrel 32 and inner contacts 54 with inner barrel 34
`allows for a completed circuit and the transmission of DC
`power through power connector assembly 30. Having mul
`tiple contacts within connector jack 28 allows less current to
`go across each inner contact 54 and each outer contact 52
`since the electrical current is broken up across four contacts
`for each electrical current signal. Each inner contact 54 and
`each outer contact 52 exhibits an inherent contact resistance
`and therefore contact resistance in connector jack 28
`decreases because the four outer contacts 52 and the four
`inner contacts 54 essentially act as resistors in parallel.
`Connector jack 28 further includes center contact 56 that
`couples with center pin 36 of connector plug 18 and allows
`for the transmission of a data signal from AC adapter 16 to
`computer 12. Outer contacts 52, inner contacts 54, and
`center contact 56 are composed of a base metal alloy such
`as a copper alloy or any other appropriate base metal alloy
`and include a surface plating or coating of silver or any other
`appropriate plating metal. In the embodiment shown in FIG.
`4, connector jack 28 includes four outer contacts 52 and four
`inner contacts 54 but in alternate embodiments connector
`jack 28 may include more than four or less than four inner
`contacts 54 and outer contacts 56.
`Connector jack 28 also includes connector housing 58 and
`connector body 60. Connector housing 58 is composed of a
`conducting material such as steel and has a tin plating finish.
`In addition to providing a housing body for connector jack
`28, connector housing 58 also provides grounding for con
`nector jack 28 from external electrical sources. For example,
`connector housing 58 provides a ground for connector jack
`28 against any static electricity that may build up in com
`puter 12 and therefore prevent an overload due to static
`electricity.
`Connector body 60 is disposed within connector housing
`58 and provides the coupling apparatus for connector plug
`18 and connector jack 28. Connector body 60 is composed
`of an insulating material such as a dielectric material includ
`ing Polyphenylene Sulphide (PPS). Disposed in connector
`body 60 is mating aperture 62 which allows for the coupling
`of connector plug 18 with connector jack 28. Connector
`body 60 further includes inner cylindrical body 64 disposed
`within mating aperture 62 and inner cylindrical body 64
`includes center aperture 66 which receives and mates with
`center pin 36 of connector plug 18.
`Connector body 60 of connector jack 28 also includes a
`plurality of contact apertures 68 disposed therethrough and
`thereout connector body 60. Outer contacts 52, inner con
`tacts 54, and center contact 56 are each disposed and extend
`through contact apertures 68 so that the contacts 52, 54, and
`56 may come into contact with inner outer barrel 32, inner
`barrel 34, and center pin 36 when connector plug 18 mates
`with connector jack 28. For example, center contact 56 is
`disposed through contact aperture 68a allowing for center
`contact 56 to press through the insulating material of con
`nector body 60 and make contact with center pin 36 when
`connector plug 18 is mated with connector jack 28.
`Connector jack 28 couples with printed circuit board
`(PCB) 70 which typically may be the motherboard of
`computer 12 or a daughtercard that has a cable assembly to
`the motherboard or other powered devic