PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11811174-B2
Application Number: US-202117232712-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Low-profile axisymmetric power connectors

Abstract:
Power connectors that are easy to connect, have a low profile, and can convey one or more data signals. One example can provide a power connector that is easy to connect by providing an axisymmetric connector receptacle and connector insert. Magnets can be used to help guide a connection between a connector insert and a connector receptacle. Canted springs can be used to provide a tactile response to the insertion of the connector insert into the connector receptacle and to help to secure the connector insert in place when mated with the connector insert. Keying or self-aligning features can be included on either or both the connector insert and the connector receptacle to help guide mating.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A power connector system comprising:
 a connector receptacle comprising:
 a protrusion supporting a connect-detect contact in the center of the protrusion; 
 a first power contact on the protrusion; and 
 a second power contact around the protrusion, the second power contact separate from the protrusion by a first recess; and 
 
 a connector insert comprising:
 a connect-detect contact; and 
 a cylinder around the connect-detect contact, the cylinder separated from the connect-detect contact by a second recess, where an inside of the cylinder supports a first power supply contact and the cylinder further supports a second power supply contact around the connect detect contact, 
 
 wherein the connector receptacle comprises keying features formed as tabs on an inside surface of a third recess in the protrusion, and the connector insert comprises a cam around the connect-detect contact, the cam comprising keying features formed as side notches. 
 
     
     
       2. The power connector system of  claim 1  wherein the connector receptacle and the connector insert mate in a connection direction, and the tabs of the connector receptacle fit in the side notches of the connector insert. 
     
     
       3. The power connector system of  claim 2  wherein the protrusion of the connector receptacle fits in the second recess of the connector insert and the cylinder of the connector insert fits in the first recess of the connector receptacle. 
     
     
       4. The power connector system of  claim 3  wherein the connector receptacle further comprises a magnet and the connector insert comprises a ferro-magnetic ring around the cylinder. 
     
     
       5. The power connector system of  claim 4  wherein the first power contact of the connector receptacle is a power supply contact and the second power contact of the connector receptacle is a ground contact. 
     
     
       6. The power connector system of  claim 5  wherein the connect-detect contact in the connector insert is a spring-biased contact, and the connect-detect contact and the cam of the connector insert fit in the third recess in the protrusion of the connector receptacle. 
     
     
       7. The power connector system of  claim 6  wherein an inside surface of the first recess of the connector receptacle comprises a circumferential groove, the connector receptacle further comprising a canted coil spring in the circumferential groove. 
     
     
       8. The power connector system of  claim 7  further comprising a C-clip located within the canted coil spring. 
     
     
       9. The power connector system of  claim 1  wherein the cam has a curved front surface to guide the tabs of the connector receptacle into the side notches when the connector insert is connected to the connector receptacle. 
     
     
       10. A connector receptacle comprising:
 an annular ground ring defining a first recess; 
 an annular housing in the first recess, the annular housing around a second recess; 
 a plurality of contacts radially positioned on an outside surface of the annular housing and in the first recess; 
 a connect-detect contact located in the second recess; and 
 a lead frame, wherein each of the plurality of contacts terminates in the lead frame. 
 
     
     
       11. The connector receptacle of  claim 10  wherein a corresponding connector insert can be inserted into the connector receptacle in a connection direction and the lead frame is arranged to route signals from the plurality of contacts in directions orthogonal to the connection direction. 
     
     
       12. The connector receptacle of  claim 11  further comprising a first magnet and a second magnet, each magnet on opposite sides of the first recess. 
     
     
       13. The connector receptacle of  claim 12  wherein the annular housing further comprises keying features extending into the second recess. 
     
     
       14. The connector receptacle of  claim 13  further comprising:
 a trim ring; and 
 a canted coil spring, 
 wherein the trim ring is adjacent to the annular ground ring such that a dovetailed groove is formed between the trim ring and the annular ground ring, and wherein the canted coil spring is located in the dovetailed groove. 
 
     
     
       15. The connector receptacle of  claim 14  further comprising a C-clip located within the canted coil spring. 
     
     
       16. A connector insert comprising:
 an annular plug tip having an inside surface; 
 an annular housing adjacent to the inside surface of the annular plug tip and defining a recess, the annular housing comprising a plurality of openings; 
 a plurality of contacts radially positioned to have contacting surfaces on an inside surface of the annular housing and in the recess, each contacting surface at a corresponding one of the plurality of openings; and 
 a connect-detect contact in the recess, 
 a cam around the connect-detect contact, the cam comprising keying features formed as side notches. 
 
     
     
       17. The connector insert of  claim 16  further comprising a lead frame, wherein each of the plurality of contacts terminates in the lead frame. 
     
     
       18. The connector insert of  claim 17  further comprising an interposer supporting the lead frame. 
     
     
       19. The connector insert of  claim 18  further comprising a ferro-magnetic ring to be attracted to a magnet in a corresponding connector receptacle. 
     
     
       20. The connector insert of  claim 16  wherein the cam has a curved front surface to guide alignment features of a connector receptacle into the side notches of the cam when the connector insert is connected to the connector receptacle.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/083,850, filed Sep. 25, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The number of types of electronic devices that are commercially available has increased tremendously the past few years and the rate of introduction of new devices shows no signs of abating. Devices such as tablet computers, laptop computers, all-in-one computers, desktop computers, cell phones, storage devices, wearable-computing devices, portable media players, navigation systems, monitors, adapters, and others, have become ubiquitous. 
     These electronic devices can receive power through power cords that are connected to power converters—colloquially referred to as bricks—that are in turn connected to wall sockets or outlets. These power cords can have a connector insert that can be inserted into a connector receptacle in the electronic device. These connector receptacles are often located in a rear surface or rear panel of the electronic device. For example, these power cords can have a connector insert that is inserted into connector receptacle in a direction that is orthogonal to a rear of the electronic device. This configuration can make it difficult for the connector insert to be inserted by a user positioned at a front side of the electronic device. It can therefore be desirable to provide a connector insert and connector receptacle that can be easily mated. 
     Many of these electronic devices have become slimmer over time. To save space and improve the appearance of these electronic devices, manufactures are continuing to provide even slimmer or thinner devices. But the size, particularly the depth of a connector receptacle, can limit a device&#39;s thickness. Accordingly, it can be desirable to provide connector receptacles having a low-profile. 
     For some of these electronic devices, it can be desirable to make other connections to convey data signals. Accordingly, it can be desirable to combine these data signals with a power connector system. 
     Thus, what is needed are power connector systems that are easy to connect, have a low profile, and can convey one or more data signals. 
     SUMMARY 
     Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention can provide power connector systems that are easy to connect, have a low profile, and can convey one or more data signals. 
     An illustrative embodiment of the present invention can provide a power connector system that is easy to connect by providing an axisymmetric connector receptacle and connector insert. Magnets can be used to help guide a connection between a connector insert and a connector receptacle. Canted springs can be used to provide a tactile response to the insertion of the connector insert into the connector receptacle, to help to secure the connector insert in place when mated with the connector insert, and to provide an electrical path for a supply voltage, ground, or other bias voltage or signal. Self-aligning features can be included on either or both the connector insert and the connector receptacle to help guide mating. 
     Another illustrative embodiment of the present invention can provide a power connector having a low profile. A connector receptacle can include a protrusion supporting a connect-detect contact in the center of the protrusion and a first power contact on the protrusion and around the connect-detect contact. The connector receptacle can further include a second power contact around the protrusion. The second power contact can be separated from the protrusion by a first recess in the connector receptacle. The first power contact can be used to convey a power supply, while the second power contact can be used to convey ground. The power contacts can terminate in flanges that route power, ground, and a connect detect signal in a plane that is orthogonal to a connection direction of mating between the connector receptacle and a corresponding connector insert. Magnets can be placed around the first power contact, the second power contact, and the connect-detect contact to help reduce the depth or profile of the connector receptacle. 
     Another illustrative embodiment of the present invention can provide a power connector system that is capable of conveying one or more signals. A connector receptacle can include a central housing supporting contacts on an outer surface. The housing can be separated from an annular ground contact by a recess. The connector insert can include a tip formed to fit in the recess in the connector receptacle. Contacts on an inside surface of a housing in the connector insert tip can mate with contacts in the connector receptacle. 
     Another illustrative embodiment of the present invention can provide a power connector system where a connector insert and a connector receptacle both include a connect-detect contact. Power can be disconnected from the connector insert until the connect-detect contacts are mated. This can help to reduce arcing between power contacts that can otherwise occur during mating of the connector insert and the connector receptacle. 
     In these and other embodiments of the present invention, flanges, shields, and other conductive portions of a power connector can be formed by stamping, forging, metal-injection molding, deep drawing, machining, micro-machining, screw-machining, 3-D printing, clinching, or other manufacturing process. The conductive portions can be formed of stainless steel, steel, copper, copper-titanium, phosphor-bronze, or other material or combination of materials. They can be plated or coated with nickel, gold, or other material. The nonconductive portions, such as housings and other structures, can be formed using insert molding, injection molding, or other molding, 3-D printing, machining, or other manufacturing process. The nonconductive portions can be formed of silicon or silicone, rubber, hard rubber, plastic, nylon, liquid-crystal polymers (LCPs), ceramics, or other nonconductive material or combination of materials. 
     Embodiments of the present invention can provide power connectors including connector receptacles that can be located in various types of devices, such as such tablet computers, laptop computers, desktop computers, all-in-one computers, cell phones, storage devices, wearable-computing devices, portable media players, navigation systems, monitors, adapters, and other devices, as well as corresponding connector inserts. 
     Various embodiments of the present invention can incorporate one or more of these and the other features described herein. A better understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention can be gained by reference to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    illustrates an electronic system that can be improved by the incorporation of an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  3    is an exploded view of the connector receptacle of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a portion of the connector receptacle of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  5    illustrates another portion of the connector receptacle of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a rear view of the connector receptacle of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a connector insert according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  8    illustrates a portion of the connector insert of  FIG.  7   ; 
         FIG.  9    illustrates details of a plug tip for the connector insert of  FIG.  7   ; 
         FIG.  10    illustrates a cross-section view of a power connector system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS.  11 A through  11 C  illustrate a connection sequence for the power connector system of  FIG.  10   ; 
         FIG.  12    illustrates a power supply component according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  13    illustrates a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  14    illustrates an improved arrangement for securing a canted spring according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  15    illustrates an improved canted spring according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  16    illustrates a cross-section view of the connector receptacle of  FIG.  13   ; 
         FIG.  17    is an exploded view of the connector receptacle of  FIG.  13   ; 
         FIG.  18 A  illustrates a connector insert according to an embodiment of the present invention,  FIG.  18 B  illustrates another view of a connector insert according to an embodiment of the present invention, and  FIG.  18 C  illustrates a cam having keying features according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  19    illustrates a cross-section view of the connector insert of  FIG.  18 A ; 
         FIG.  20    is an exploded view of the connector insert of  FIG.  18 A ; 
         FIG.  21    illustrates a partial mating of a connector insert and a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  22    illustrates a magnetic structure that can be used in a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  23    illustrates a trim ring for a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  24    illustrates a magnetic field for a power connector system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  25    illustrates another connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  26    is an exploded view of the connector receptacle of  FIG.  25   ; 
         FIG.  27    illustrates a portion of the connector receptacle of  FIG.  25   ; 
         FIG.  28    illustrates a portion of the connector receptacle of  FIG.  25   ; 
         FIG.  29 A  illustrates a connector insert according to an embodiment of the present invention,  FIG.  29 B  illustrates another view of a connector insert according to an embodiment of the present invention, and  FIG.  29 C  illustrates a cam having keying features according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  30    illustrates a rear view of a portion of the connector insert of  FIG.  29 A ; 
         FIG.  31    illustrates a rear view of another portion of the connector insert of  FIG.  29 A ; 
         FIG.  32    is an exploded view of the connector insert of  FIG.  29 A ; 
         FIG.  33    illustrates a power connector system according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG.  34 A  through  FIG.  34 E  illustrate a mating sequence for a power connector system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG.  1    illustrates an electronic system that can be improved by the incorporation of an embodiment of the present invention. This figure, as with the other included figures, is shown for illustrative purposes and does not limit either the possible embodiments of the present invention or the claims. 
     This example illustrates an electronic device  120  having a screen  122 . Electronic device  120  can be powered through power cord  130 , which can include a plug  132  at a first end. Plug  132  can be configured to plug into a wall socket or outlet. Power cord  130  can be attached to a power converter or brick (not shown.) The power converter can be connected to a cable having a connector insert  700  (shown in  FIG.  7   ) that can plug into a connector receptacle  200  (shown in  FIG.  2   ) located on a rear side or other portion of electronic device  120 . Electronic device  120  can be a monitor, desktop computer, all-in-one computer, or other electronic device. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, other devices, such as tablet computers, laptop computers, cell phones, storage devices, wearable-computing devices, portable media players, navigation systems, adapters, and other devices, can be powered using connector receptacle  200 . 
       FIG.  2    illustrates a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Connector receptacle  200  can include ground ring  210  surrounding protrusion  220 . Ground ring  210  can be used to convey a ground, though in these and other embodiments of the present invention, ground ring  210  can convey a power supply or other voltage. Trim ring  380  can secure ground ring  210  in place. Ground ring  210  can be separated from protrusion  220  by recess  230 . Protrusion  220  can support a connect-detect contact  240  and power supply contact  250 . Power supply contact  250  can be used to convey a power supply voltage, though in these and other embodiments of the present invention, power supply contact  250  can convey a ground or other voltage. Connect-detect contact  240  and power supply contact  250  can be separated by insulator  520  (shown in  FIG.  5   .) Connect-detect contact  240  can connect to flange  440  (shown in  FIG.  4   ), which can terminate in tab  242 . Power supply contact  250  can connect to flange  450  (shown in  FIG.  4   ), which can terminate in tab  252 . Ground ring  210  can connect to flange  410  (shown in  FIG.  4   ), which can terminate in tab  212 . Flange  410 , flange  440 , and flange  450  can be supported by housing  270 . For example, housing  270  can be insert molded around portions of flange  410 , flange  440 , and flange  450 . Connector receptacle  200  can be shielded by front shield  260 . Canted spring  280  can be located in groove  282  in ground ring  210 . The arrangement of flange  410 , flange  440 , and flange  450  extending laterally to tab  212 , tab  242 , and tab  252  can provide connector receptacle  200  with a shallow depth such that connector receptacle  200  can allow electronic device  120  to have a reduced thickness. 
       FIG.  3    is an exploded view of the connector receptacle of  FIG.  2   . Connector receptacle  200  can include ground ring  210  surrounding protrusion  220 . Canted spring  280  can be located in groove  282  of ground ring  210 . Trim ring  380  can attach to ground ring  210  and front shield  260  to hold ground ring  210  in place. Magnet  310  and magnet  320  can be placed laterally on sides of ground ring  210 . Backplate  330  can be attached to or otherwise located adjacent to back surfaces of magnets  310  and  320 . Housing  270  can support backplate  330 , magnet  310 , and magnet  320 , as well as ground ring  210 . Shield  360  can cover a backside of housing  270  and can be attached to front shield  260  by laser or spot-welding or other technique. 
       FIG.  4    illustrates a portion of the connector receptacle of  FIG.  2   . Ground ring  210  (shown in  FIG.  2   ) can physically and electrically connect to location  412  of flange  410 , which can terminate in tab  212 . Connect-detect contact  240  (shown in  FIG.  2   ) can physically and electrically connect to flange  440  at location  442 . Flange  440  can terminate in tab  242 . Power supply contact  250  (shown in  FIG.  2   ) can physically and electrically connect to location  452  of flange  450 , which can terminate in tab  252 . Tab  212 , tab  242 , and tab  252  can be inserted into and soldered to openings in a printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate (not shown.) While tab  212 , tab  242 , and tab  252  are shown as through-hole contacting portions, some or all of tab  212 , tab  242 , and tab  252  can be surface-mount contacting portions. Flange  410 , flange  440 , and flange  450  can be supported on a backside of housing  270 , housing  270  can be formed around portions of flange  410 , flange  440 , and flange  450 , for example by insert molding or other technique, or other arrangements can be made. 
       FIG.  5    illustrates another portion of the connector receptacle of  FIG.  2   . Protrusion  220  can be formed by power supply contact  250 , insulator  520 , and connect-detect contact  240 . Protrusion  220  can be fit into ground ring  210  and electrically insulated from ground ring  210  by insulator  510 . Insulator  510  can further insulate connect-detect contact  240  from power supply contact  250 . 
       FIG.  6    illustrates a rear view of the connector receptacle of  FIG.  2   . Connector receptacle  200  can include flanges for routing power and signals. In this example, flange  410  can be used to route ground to tab  212 . Flange  440  can be used to route a connect-detect signal to tab  242 . Power supply flange  450  can route a power supply to tab  252 . 
       FIG.  7    illustrates a connector insert according to an embodiment of the present invention. Connector insert  700  can include ground contact  710  encircling power supply contact  750 . Ground contact  710  can convey a ground, through in these and other embodiments of the present invention, ground contact  710  can convey a power supply voltage or other voltage. Power supply contact  750  can convey a power supply voltage, through in these and other embodiments of the present invention, power supply contact  750  can convey a ground or other voltage. Ground contact  710  can be isolated from power supply contact  750  by insulator  790 . Canted spring  780  can be located in groove  782  in power supply contact  750 . Power supply contact  750  can define recess  730 . Connect-detect contact  740  can be located in recess  730 . In this configuration, connector insert  700  can include a cylinder around connect-detect contact  740 , where an outside of the cylinder includes ground contact  710  and an inside of the cylinder includes power supply contact  750 . 
       FIG.  8    illustrates a portion of the connector insert of  FIG.  7   . Plug tip  830  can include groove  782 . Canted spring  780  can be located in groove  782 . Connect-detect contact  740  can be insulated by insulator  820 . Ring  810  can be located around plug tip  830 . 
       FIG.  9    illustrates details of a plug tip for the connector insert of  FIG.  7   . Plug tip  830  can include ground contact  710  and power supply contact  750  separated by insulator  790 . 
       FIG.  10    illustrates a cross-section of a power connector system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, connector receptacle  200  can be positioned near connector insert  700 . Protrusion  220  of connector receptacle  200  can fit in recess  730  in connector insert  700  when connector insert  700  is mated with connector receptacle  200 . Connect-detect contact  240  in connector receptacle  200  can physically and electrically connect to connect-detect contact  740  in connector insert  700 . Power supply contact  250  on protrusion  220  can physically and electrically connect to power supply contact  750  on connector insert  700 . Ground contact  710  on connector insert  700  can fit in recess  230  in connector receptacle  200 . Ground contact  710  on connector insert  700  can physically and electrically connect to ground ring  210  and trim ring  380  in connector receptacle  200 . 
     Canted spring  280  can fit in groove  282  in ground ring  210  of connector receptacle  200 . Canted spring  280  can engage contour  718  and contour  719  on ground contact  710  of connector insert  700 . Specifically, contour  718  can have a larger diameter than contour  719 . Canted spring  780  can fit in groove  782  in power supply contact  750  of connector insert  700 . Canted spring  780  can engage protrusion  220  in connector receptacle  200 . Canted spring  780  can be used as a current path for power between power supply contact  750  and power supply contact  250 , while canted spring  280  can be used as a current path for ground between ground ring  210  and ground contact  710 . Canted spring  780  and canted spring  280  can further provide a tactile response to a user when the user inserts and extracts connector insert  700  into and from connector receptacle  200 . 
       FIGS.  11 A through  11 C  illustrate a connection sequence for the power connector system of  FIG.  10   . In  FIG.  11 A , canted spring  280  can begin to engage ground contact  710  thereby forming a ground path through ground ring  210  and canted spring  280  of connector receptacle  200  and ground contact  710  of connector insert  700 . Similarly, canted spring  780  can begin to engage power supply contact  250  in connector receptacle  200  thereby forming a current path through power supply contact  750  and canted spring  780  in connector insert  700  and power supply contact  250  in connector receptacle  200 . In  FIG.  11 B , connect-detect contact  240  in connector receptacle  200  can begin to engage connect-detect contact  740  in connector insert  700 . Previous to this engagement, power might not be applied to power supply contact  750  in connector insert  700 . Once connect-detect contact  240  engages connect-detect contact  740 , power can be applied to power supply contact  750 . This can ensure that arcing is reduced or does not occur between power supply contact  750  and power supply contact  250  as connector insert  700  is mated with connector receptacle  200 . Either or both connect-detect contact  240  and connect-detect contact  740  can be a spring-biased contact. For example, connect-detect contact  740  can be a spring-biased contact. In this case, in  FIG.  11 C , connect-detect contact  740  can be compressed as connector insert  700  is fully inserted into connector receptacle  200 . 
     Also, in  FIG.  11 B , canted spring  280  can begin to engage contour  718  of ground contact  710 . This can widen or increase a diameter of ground contact  710 . In  FIG.  11 C , connector insert  700  can be mated with connector receptacle  200 . At this time, canted spring  280  can be seated in contour  719 . Since contour  719  can be narrower than contour  718 , this can allow canted spring  280  to reverse direction thereby helping to secure connector insert  700  in place in connector receptacle  200 . 
     More specifically, these and other embodiments of the present invention can utilize canted spring  280  and canted spring  780  (also referred to as a canted coil spring.) Canted spring  280  (and canted spring  780 ) can have the following properties: First, when canted spring  280  is relaxed or in a groove geometry that allows the cant-direction to flip into one of two stable directions, canted spring  280  might only provide a nominal resistance to an insertion and extraction; and second, when canted spring  280  is in a constrained groove and compressed radially, canted spring  280  can enter a state where canted spring  280  provides a nominal resistance to an insertion (more specifically, a nominal resistance to movement in the same direction) and a large resistance to an extraction (more specifically, a large resistance to movement in the opposing direction). As such, when connector insert  700  is inserted into connector receptacle  200 , canted spring  280  can be positioned in a constrained groove and can provide minimal insertion resistance. Once connector insert  700  is in place in connector receptacle  200 , so long as canted spring  280  remains in the constrained groove, canted spring  280  can provide a large resistance to an extraction of connector insert  700 . This can help to avoid an inadvertent extraction of connector insert  700  from connector receptacle  200 . In order to release connector insert  700 , the groove geometry can be altered, thereby allowing the cant-direction to flip on extraction reducing the resistance to the extraction of connector insert  700 . 
     Again, as connector insert  700  is inserted into connector receptacle  200  in  FIG.  11 B , canted spring  280  can begin to encounter contour  718 , which can be a widening in a diameter of ground contact  710 . Since canted spring  280  is in the relaxed state and not compressed radially in a constrained groove, only a nominal insertion force is needed to insert connector insert  700  into connector receptacle  200 . As canted spring  280  engages widened contour  718 , canted spring  280  can be stretched over the larger diameter of contour  718 . In  FIG.  11 C , once canted spring  280  reaches narrowed contour  719  of ground contact  710 , connector insert  700  is fully inserted into connector receptacle  200 . At this position, canted spring  280  can enter a constrained groove and can provide a significant resistance to an extraction of connector insert  2200 . Connector insert  700  can be extracted from connector receptacle  200  by exerting sufficient force on connector insert  700 . After contour  719  passes through canted spring  280 , canted spring  280  can relax to the narrower diameter of ground contact  710 . This can allow the cant-direction of canted spring  280  to flip upon extraction and cause canted spring  280  to provide only a nominal resistance to the further extraction of connector insert  700  from connector receptacle  200 . Once connector insert  700  has been fully extracted from connector receptacle  200 , canted spring  280  can be in a relaxed state and can provide a nominal resistance to the next insertion of connector insert  700 . Canted spring  780  can operate in a similar manner in these and other embodiments of the present invention. 
     In these and other embodiments of the present invention, connector insert  700  can mate with connector receptacle  200  in an axisymmetric manner. This can simplify the forming of a connection between connector insert  700  and connector receptacle  200  since connector insert  700  can be inserted into connector receptacle  200  in any rotational angle. 
     Again, it can be desirable to pass signals as well as power through a power connector. An example is shown in the following figure. 
       FIG.  12    illustrates a power supply component according to an embodiment of the present invention. Power brick  1210  can accept AC power at connector receptacle  1230 . Power brick  1210  can further include connector receptacle  1240 . Connector receptacle  1240  can be an Ethernet, lightning, USB C, or other type of connector receptacle. Power from connector receptacle  1230  and signals from connector receptacle  1240  can be provided over cable  1250  to connector insert  1800 . Connector insert  1800  can be arranged to mate with connector receptacle  1300 , shown in the following figure. 
       FIG.  13    illustrates a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Connector receptacle  1300  can be used as connector receptacle  200  in  FIG.  1    or as a connector receptacle in these and other embodiments of the present invention. Connector receptacle  1300  can include trim ring  1710  that can be attached to ground ring  1310  and front shield  1360 , thereby securing ground ring  1310  in place. Ground ring  1310  can define first recess  1320 . Housing  1340  can be located in first recess  1320  and can define second recess  1330 . Contacts  1350  can be supported by housing  1340 . Contacts  1350  can convey signals, one or more power supplies, ground, or other currents or voltages of interest. Keying features  1342  can be located on housing  1340 . Ground ring  1310  can convey a ground, though in these and other embodiments of the present invention, ground ring  1310  can convey a power supply voltage or other voltage. 
     Canted spring  1380  can be located in groove  1382  in ground ring  1310 . But in some circumstances, a canted spring, such as canted spring  1380  can inadvertently become dislodged from groove  1382 . Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention can provide features to improve the retention of canted spring  1380  in groove  1382 . Examples are shown in the following figures. 
       FIG.  14    illustrates an improved arrangement for securing a canted spring according to an embodiment of the present invention. Canted spring  1380  can be located in groove  1382 . Groove  1382  can include a dovetailed front edge  1410 . Dovetailed front edge  1410  can form a narrowing in groove  1382  that can help to retain canted spring  1380  in place. In this example, groove  1382  can be formed by edges of trim ring  1710  and ground ring  1310 . 
       FIG.  15    illustrates an improved canted spring according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, canted spring  1380  can include C-clip  1386 . C-clip  1368  can be surrounded by windings of canted spring  1380 . C-clip  1386  can act to stiffen canted spring  1380  thereby improving its ability to be retained in groove  1382 , for example, as shown in  FIG.  14   . 
       FIG.  16    illustrates a cutaway side view of the connector receptacle of  FIG.  13   . Connector receptacle  1300  can include trim ring  1710  and ground ring  1310  forming groove  1382  for canted spring  1380 . Contacts  1350  can be soldered, welded, or otherwise attached to contact bodies (not shown) that can terminate in through-hole contacting portions  1354  on a backside of connector receptacle  1300 . Connect-detect contact  1344  can be soldered, welded, or otherwise attached to connect detect contact body  1352 . 
       FIG.  17    is an exploded view of the connector receptacle of  FIG.  13   . Trim ring  1710  can be used to secure ground ring  1310  to front shield  1360 . Canted spring  1380  can fit in groove  1382  between ground ring  1310  and trim ring  1710 . Ground ring  1310  can define first recess  1320 . Housing  1340  can be located in first recess  1320  and can define second recess  1330 . Connect-detect contact  1344  can be located in second recess  1330  and can be soldered, welded, or otherwise attached to connect detect contact body  1352 . Contacts  1350  can be supported by housing  1340 . Magnet  1730  and magnet  1740  can be supported by backplate  1750  and can be laterally positioned on sides of ground ring  1310 . Magnet  1730 , magnet  1740 , and backplate  1750  can be supported by housing  1870 . Contact bodies (not shown) can connect to contacts  1350 . Tape  1720  can secure shield  1790  to housing  1870 . Housing  1870  can be molded around the contact bodies, for example using insert molding or other technique. 
       FIG.  18 A  illustrates a connector insert according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, connector insert  1800  can include ground contact  1810  around housing  1840 . Housing  1840  can support contacts  1850 . Contacts  1850  can convey signals, one or more power supplies, grounds, or other currents or voltages of interest. Housing  1840  can define recess  1820 . Connect-detect contact  1860  can be located in recess  1820 . Ground contact  1810  can convey a ground, through in these and other embodiments of the present invention, ground contact  1810  can convey a power supply voltage or other voltage. 
       FIG.  18 B  illustrates another view of a connector insert according to an embodiment of the present invention. As before, connector insert  1800  can include ground contact  1810  around housing  1840 . Housing  1840  can support contacts  1850 . Contacts  1850  can convey signals, one or more power supplies, grounds, or other currents or voltages of interest. Housing  1840  can define recess  1820 . Connect-detect contact  1860  can be located in recess  1820 . Cam  1890  can be located around connect-detect contact  1860 . 
     When connector insert  1800  is mated with a corresponding connector receptacle, such as connector receptacle  1300  (shown in  FIG.  13   ), corresponding contacts  1850  in connector insert  1800  can align with corresponding contacts  1350  (shown in  FIG.  13   ) in connector receptacle  1300 . That is, a contact  1850  to convey a power supply can rotationally align and mate with a corresponding contact  1350  to convey the power supply. Similarly, a contact  1850  to convey a first signal can rotationally align and mate with a corresponding contact  1350  to convey the first signal. But it can be difficult to rotationally align a connector insert with a corresponding connector receptacle in such a way that all contacts are properly aligned. This can be particularly true when an insertion of connector insert  1800  into connector receptacle  1300  is made on a backside of electronic device  120  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) and out of view of a user making the insertion. 
     Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention can provide self-aligning features for connector insert  1800  and connector receptacle  1300  that can facilitate the insertion of connector insert  1800  into connector receptacle  1300 . For example, side notches  1891  on cam  1890  of connector insert  1800  can engage keying features  1342  (shown in  FIG.  13   ) of connector receptacle  1300 . Cam  1890  can include curved front surface  1894 . During insertion, when curved front surface  1894  of cam  1890  engages keying features  1342 , connector insert  1800  can naturally begin to rotate in a user&#39;s hand. As the insertion continues, keying features  1342  can begin to engage a side  1892  on each of side notches  1891  of cam  1890 . As insertion is complete, keying features  1342  can bottom out and reach or approach bottom  1893  of side notches  1891 . 
     In this way, connector insert  1800  can mate with connector receptacle  1300  in either of two orientations rotationally separated by 180 degrees. As a result, each contact  1850  in connector insert  1800  can mate with one of two contacts  1350  in connector receptacle  1300 , where the two contacts  1350  are opposing contacts rotationally spaced by 180 degrees. Also, each contact  1350  in connector receptacle  1300  can mate with one of two contacts  1850  in connector insert  1800 , where the two contacts  1850  are opposing contacts rotationally spaced by 180 degrees. 
     Accordingly, signals and power supplies for contacts  1350  can be arranged in a rotationally symmetrical manner. For example, two power supply contacts  1850  in connector insert  1800  can be positioned 180 degrees apart. Each of the power supply contacts  1850  can be positioned at a first angle relative to a corresponding side notch  1891 . Similarly, two power supply contacts  1350  in connector receptacle  1300  can be positioned 180 degrees apart. Each of the power supply contacts  1350  can be positioned at a negative of the first angle (or 180 degrees less the first angle) relative to a corresponding keying feature  1342 . This can ensure that each of the two power supply contacts  1350  are aligned and mated with a corresponding one of two power supply contacts  1850  when keying features  1342  are aligned with side notches  1891 . This can ensure that proper connections are formed between contacts  1850  and contacts  1350  when connector insert  1800  is mated with connector receptacle  1300 . 
     Similarly, two signal contacts  1850  in connector insert  1800  can be positioned 180 degrees apart. Each of the two signal contacts  1850  can be positioned at a second angle relative to a corresponding side notch  1891 . Similarly, two signal contacts  1350  in connector receptacle  1300  can be positioned 180 degrees apart. Each of the signal contacts  1350  can be positioned at a negative of the second angle (or 180 degrees less the second angle) relative to a corresponding keying feature  1342 . This can ensure that each of the two signal contacts  1350  are aligned and mated with a corresponding one of two signal contacts  1850  when keying features  1342  are aligned with side notches  1891 . 
     The two signal contacts  1850  in connector insert  1800  can convey the same signal, they can convey signals that are interchangeable by their nature, or that can be made interchangeable by the addition of circuitry such as multiplexers. For example, the two signal contacts  1850  can convey corresponding sides of two differential pair signals, where the two differential pairs are interchangeable. The two signal contacts can convey two different signals, where the two different signals can be identified and routed as needed through switching circuits after insertion of connector insert  1800  into connector receptacle  1300 . 
       FIG.  18 C  illustrates a cam having keying features according to an embodiment of the present invention. Cam  1890  can include passage  1899  in shaft  1897  for connect-detect contact  1860  (shown in  FIG.  18 B .) Cam  1890  can further include keying features formed as curved front surface  1894  and side notches  1891 . Side notches  1891  can each include sides  1892  and bottom  1893 . As connector insert  1800  is mated with connector receptacle  1300  (shown in  FIG.  13   ), keying features  1342  (shown in  FIG.  13   ) can engage cam  1890 . For example, keying features  1342  can engage curved front surface  1894 . Further insertion by a user can tend to rotate connector insert  1800  such that keying features  1342  engage sides  1892  of side notches  1891 . Further rotation and insertion of connector insert  1800  can move keying features  1342  along sides  1892 . Further insertion can be relatively straight or non-rotational and can align keying features  1342  in side notches  1891  such that keying features  1342  reach or approach bottoms  1893  of side notches  1891 . During some insertions, keying features  1342  can avoid curved front surface  1894  and engage sides  1892  of side notches  1891 . After some initial rotation, further insertion can be relatively straight or non-rotational and keying features  1342  can reach or approach bottoms  1893  of side notches  1891 . During some insertions, keying features  1342  and side notches can be aligned such that after a non-rotational insertion, keying features  1342  can reach or approach bottoms  1893  of side notches  1891 . 
       FIG.  19    illustrates a cutaway side view of the connector insert of  FIG.  18 A . Connector insert  1800  can include ground contact  1810  around housing  1840 . Contacts  1850  can be supported by housing  1840 . Ground contact  1810  and housing  1840  can define recess  1820 . Connect-detect contact  1860  can be located in recess  1820 . Contacts  1850  can be soldered to contact bodies  1852  at ends  1853 . Ends  1853  can be exposed in openings  1932  of interposer  1930 . Contact bodies  1852  can terminate at end  1854 , which can be soldered to surface-mount contact  1920 . Surface-mount contacts  1920  can be soldered to pads  1912  on board  1910 . Board  1910  can further include pads  1914 . Conduits and a cable (not shown) can be soldered to pads  1914 . Shield  1940  can provide shielding for signals on surface-mount contacts  1920 . Shield  1940  can be formed of ferro-magnetic material that can be attracted to magnet  1730  and magnet  1740  in connector receptacle  1300  (shown in  FIG.  21   .) Board  1910  can further support various electronic circuits and components. Ground ring  1950  can further shield board  1910 . 
     In this configuration, contacts  1850  can extend in a connection direction into connector insert  1800 . They can then be connected to contact bodies  1852 , which can be supported by interposer  1930 . That is, interposer  1930  can be insert molded around contact bodies  1852 . Board  1910  can be connected to interposer  1930  through surface-mount contacts  1920 . This arrangement can provide a connector insert having a low profile. That is, this arrangement can provide connector insert  1800  with a short distance from contact bodies  1852  to pads  1914  on board  1910 . 
       FIG.  20    is an exploded view of the connector insert of  FIG.  18 A . Connector insert  1800  can include housing  1840  forming recess  1820 . Contacts  1850  can be supported by housing  1840 . Housing  1840  can be located in ground contact  1810 . Ground ring  1950  and shield  1940  can provide shielding for signals conveyed by connector insert  1800 . Shield  1940  can be formed of ferro-magnetic material that can be attracted to magnet  1730  and magnet  1740  in connector receptacle  1300  (shown in  FIG.  21   .) The signals can be conveyed by contacts  1850 , contact bodies  1852 , and surface-mount contacts  1920 . Connect-detect contact  1860  can connect to contact portions  1861 , and can be located in recess  1820  of connector insert  1800 . Contact bodies  1852  can be supported by interposer  1930 , which can be formed of one portion or two portions, as shown. For example, one or more portions of interposer  1930  can be molded around contact bodies  1852 . 
       FIG.  21    illustrates a partial mating of a connector insert and a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, connector insert  1800  is being mated with connector receptacle  1300 . Magnets and magnetically conductive structures in connector insert  1800  and connector receptacle  1300  can guide an insertion of connector insert  1800  into connector receptacle  1300 . These magnets and magnetically conductive structures can help to pull connector insert  1800  into connector receptacle  1300  and can help connector insert  1800  to rotationally align to connector receptacle  1300 . 
     For example, connector receptacle  1300  can include a magnet  1730 , magnet  1740 , and backplate  1750 . Flux from magnet  1730  and magnet  1740  can be guided by trim ring  1710 . Trim ring  1710  can be formed of a ferromagnetic material. This flux can be guided to attract ferromagnetic ground ring  1950  in connector insert  1800 . This attraction can help pull connector insert  1800  into connector receptacle  1300 . Trim ring  1710  can include magnetic alignment features to direct magnetic field lines between magnet  1730  and shield  1940 , as well as between magnet  1740  and shield  1940 . These magnetic alignment features can help guide connector insert  1800  into connector receptacle  1300 . This can help to align keying features, such as side notches  1891 , on cam  1890  (both shown in  FIG.  18 C ) in connector insert  1800  with keying features  1342  in connector receptacle  1300 . Ground contact  1810  of connector insert  1800  and ground ring  1310  of connector receptacle  1300  can be formed of a non-ferromagnetic material. This can further help to channel flux from trim ring  1710  of connector receptacle  1300  to ground ring  1950  and shield  1940  of connector insert  1800 . 
     During mating, ground contact  1810 , housing  1840 , and contacts  1850  of connector insert  1800  can fit in first recess  1320  in connector receptacle  1300 . Connect-detect contact  1860  can fit in second recess  1330  of connector receptacle  1300 . Contacts  1350  and housing  1340  of connector receptacle  1300  can fit in recess  1820  in connector insert  1800 . Once mated, contacts  1850  on housing  1840  of connector insert  1800  can mate with contacts  1350  on housing  1340  of connector receptacle  1300  to form paths for signals, as well as one or more power supplies, grounds, or other voltages. Connect-detect contact  1860  can physically and electrically connect to connect-detect contact  1344  in connector receptacle  1300 . 
     Either or both connect-detect contact  1860  and connect-detect contact  1344  can be a spring-biased contact. For example, connect-detect contact  1344  can be a spring-biased contact. In this case, connect-detect contact  1344  can be compressed as connector insert  1800  if fully inserted into connector receptacle  1300 . This configuration can allow power, signals, or both to be withheld from contacts  1850  in connector insert  1800  (and contacts  1350  in connector receptacle  1300 ) until a connection between connector insert  1800  and connector receptacle  1300  is detected by the formation of an electrical path through connect-detect contact  1344  and connect-detect contact  1860 . This can help to reduce or eliminate arcing between signal, power supply, or ground contacts included in contacts  1350  in connector receptacle  1300  and contacts  1850  in connector insert  1800 . 
     Either or both connector insert  1800  and connector receptacle  1300  can include one or more magnets. These magnets can have field lines in various orientations in order to improve the attraction of connector insert  1800  to connector receptacle  1300 . An example is shown in the following figure. 
       FIG.  22    illustrates a magnetic structure that can be used in a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Magnet  1730  and magnet  1740  can have field lines  2210  and field lines  2220 , respectively. These field lines can be angled to further guide flux from magnet  1730  and magnet  1740  to connector insert  1800 . Magnet  1730  and magnet  1740  can be attached to or otherwise adjacent to backplate  1750 . 
     Again, trim ring  1710  in connector receptacle  1300  (both shown in  FIG.  13   ) and ground ring  1950  in connector insert  1800  (both shown in  FIG.  18 A ) can include various features to help further direct field lines. For example, trim ring  1710  can include cavities or cutouts  2310  (shown in  FIG.  23   .) An example is shown in the following figures. 
       FIG.  23    illustrates a trim ring for a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Cavities or cutouts  2310  in trim ring  1710  can provide magnetic alignment features to help to guide field lines to improve the mating of connector insert  1800  to connector receptacle  1300  (both shown in  FIG.  21   .) That is, the field lines can be directed such that they can attract connector insert  1800  to connector receptacle  1300 . The field lines can also help to laterally align connector insert  1800  with connector receptacle  1300 . This can position keying features, such as side notches  1891 , on cam  1890  (both shown in  FIG.  18 C ) of connector insert  1800  for mating with keying features  1342  (shown in  FIG.  21   ) of connector receptacle  1300 . The proper alignment of side notches  1891  on cam  1890  of connector insert  1800  to keying features  1342  of connector receptacles  1300  can help to ensure that the correct contacts  1850  (shown in  FIG.  21   ) in connector insert  1800  align to the correct contacts  1350  (shown in  FIG.  21   ) in connector receptacle  1300 . 
       FIG.  24    illustrates a magnetic field for a power connector system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Cavities or cutouts  2310  on trim ring  1710  (shown in  FIG.  23   ) can be positioned near locations  2430 . This can help to increase a magnetic field  2400  near locations  2430  while decreasing a magnetic field in region  2420  and region  2440 . This can help to align connector insert  1800  to connector receptacle  1300  (shown in  FIG.  21   .) 
       FIG.  25    illustrates another connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Connector receptacle  2500  can be used as connector receptacle  200  in  FIG.  1    or as a connector receptacle in these and other embodiments of the present invention. Connector receptacle  2500  can include trim ring  2570  and ground contact  2510  surrounding housing  2540 . Housing  2540  can support contacts  2550 . Contacts  2550  can convey signals, one or more power supplies, ground, or other currents or voltages of interest. Trim ring  2570  and ground contact  2510  can define first recess  2520 . Housing  2540  can surround second recess  2530 . Connect-detect contact  2590  can be located in second recess  2530 . Keying features  2542  can be located in second recess  2530  on housing  2540 . Ground contact  2510  can be attached to front shield  2560  and trim ring  2570 . Canted spring  2580  can be located in first recess  2520 . Ground contact  2510  can convey a ground, through in these and other embodiments of the present invention, ground contact  2510  can convey a power supply voltage or other voltage. 
       FIG.  26    is an exploded view of the connector receptacle of  FIG.  25   . Connector receptacle  2500  can include ground contact  2510 . Ground contact  2510  can be attached to front shield  2560  and trim ring  2570 . Canted spring  2580  can be located in a groove formed between ground contact  2510  and trim ring  2570 . Housing  2540  can include keying features  2542  and can form second recess  2530 . Connect-detect contact  2590  can be located in second recess  2530 . Contacts  2550  can be supported by housing  2540  and can be available in first recess  2520 . Magnet  2650  and magnet  2660  can be laterally placed on sides of ground contact  2510 . Magnet  2650  and magnet  2660  can be supported by backplate  2670 . Housing  2680  can support magnet  2650 , magnet  2660 , backplate  2670 , and ground contact  2510 . Tape layer  2692  can attach shield  2690  to a backside of housing  2680 . 
       FIG.  27    illustrates a portion of the connector receptacle  FIG.  25   . Housing  2540  can include keying features  2542  and be supported in ground contact  2510 . 
       FIG.  28    illustrates a lead frame and housing for the connector receptacle of  FIG.  25   . In this example, lead frame  2682  can be supported by housing  2680 . For example, housing  2680  can be formed around portions of lead frame  2682  using injection molding or other technique. Contacts  2550  (shown in  FIG.  26   ) can be soldered to locations  2684  on lead frame  2682 . 
       FIG.  29 A  illustrates a connector insert according to an embodiment of the present invention. Connector insert  2900  can include ground contact  2910 . Ground contact  2910  can support housing  2940 . Housing  2940  can support contacts  2950 . Contacts  2950  can convey signals, one or more power supplies, grounds, or other currents or voltages of interest. Housing  2940  can define recess  2920 . Connect-detect contact  2960  can be located in recess  2920 . Cam  2990  can be positioned around connect-detect contact  2960 . Ground contact  2910  can convey a ground, through in these and other embodiments of the present invention, ground contact  2910  can convey a power supply voltage or other voltage. 
       FIG.  29 B  illustrates another view of a connector insert according to an embodiment of the present invention. As before, connector insert  2900  can include ground contact  2910  around housing  2940 . Housing  2940  can support contacts  2950 . Contacts  2950  can convey signals, one or more power supplies, grounds, or other currents or voltages of interest. Housing  2940  can define recess  2920 . Connect-detect contact  2960  can be located in recess  2920 . Cam  2990  can be located around connect-detect contact  2960 . 
     When connector insert  2900  is mated with a corresponding connector receptacle, such as connector receptacle  2500  (shown in  FIG.  25   ), corresponding contacts  2950  in connector insert  2900  can align with corresponding contacts  2550  (shown in  FIG.  25   ) in connector receptacle  2500 . That is, a contact  2950  to convey a power supply can rotationally align and mate with a corresponding contact  2550  to convey the power supply. Similarly, a contact  2950  to convey a first signal can rotationally align and mate with a corresponding contact  2550  to convey the first signal. But it can be difficult to rotationally align a connector insert with a corresponding connector receptacle in such a way that all contacts are properly aligned. This can be particularly true when an insertion of connector insert  2900  into connector receptacle  2500  is made on a backside of electronic device  120  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) and out of view of a user making the insertion. 
     Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention can provide self-aligning features for connector insert  2900  and connector receptacle  2500  that can facilitate the insertion of connector insert  2900  into connector receptacle  2500 . For example, side notches  2991  on cam  2990  of connector insert  2900  can engage keying features  2542  (shown in  FIG.  25   ) of connector receptacle  2500 . Cam  2990  can include curved front surface  2994 . During insertion, when curved front surface  2994  of cam  2990  engages keying features  2542 , connector insert  2900  can naturally begin to rotate in a user&#39;s hand. As the insertion continues, keying features  2542  can begin to engage a side  2992  on each of side notches  2991  of cam  2990 . As insertion is complete, keying features  2542  can bottom out and reach or approach bottom  2993  of side notches  2991 . 
     In this way, connector insert  2900  can mate with connector receptacle  2500  in either of two orientations rotationally separated by 180 degrees. As a result, each contact  2950  in connector insert  2900  can mate with one of two contacts  2550  in connector receptacle  2500 , where the two contacts  2550  are opposing contacts rotationally spaced by 180 degrees. Also, each contact  2550  in connector receptacle  2500  can mate with one of two contacts  2950  in connector insert  2900 , where the two contacts  2950  are opposing contacts rotationally spaced by 180 degrees. 
     Accordingly, signals and power supplies for contacts  2550  can be arranged in a rotationally symmetrical manner. For example, two power supply contacts  2950  in connector insert  2900  can be positioned 180 degrees apart. Each of the power supply contacts  2950  can be positioned at a first angle relative to a corresponding side notch  2991 . Similarly, two power supply contacts  2550  in connector receptacle  2500  can be positioned 180 degrees apart. Each of the power supply contacts  2550  can be positioned at a negative of the first angle (or 180 degrees less the first angle) relative to a corresponding keying feature  2542 . This can ensure that each of the two power supply contacts  2550  are aligned and mated with a corresponding one of two power supply contacts  2950  when keying features  2542  are aligned with side notches  2991 . This can ensure that proper connections are formed between contacts  2950  and contacts  2550  when connector insert  2900  is mated with connector receptacle  2500 . 
     Similarly, two signal contacts  2950  in connector insert  2900  can be positioned 180 degrees apart. Each of the two signal contacts  2950  can be positioned at a second angle relative to a corresponding side notch  2991 . Similarly, two signal contacts  2550  in connector receptacle  2500  can be positioned 180 degrees apart. Each of the signal contacts  2550  can be positioned at a negative of the second angle (or 180 degrees less the second angle) relative to a corresponding keying feature  2542 . This can ensure that each of the two signal contacts  2550  are aligned and mated with a corresponding one of two signal contacts  2950  when keying features  2542  are aligned with side notches  2991 . 
     The two signal contacts  2950  in connector insert  2900  can convey the same signal, they can convey signals that are interchangeable by their nature, or that can be made interchangeable by the addition of circuitry such as multiplexers. For example, the two signal contacts  2950  can convey corresponding sides of two differential pair signals, where the two differential pairs are interchangeable. The two signal contacts can convey two different signals, where the two different signals can be identified and routed as needed through switching circuits after insertion of connector insert  2900  into connector receptacle  2500 . 
       FIG.  29 C  illustrates a cam having keying features according to an embodiment of the present invention. Cam  2990  can include passage  2999  in shaft  2997  for connect-detect contact  2960  (shown in  FIG.  29 B .) Cam  2990  can further include keying features formed as curved front surface  2994  and side notches  2991 . Side notches  2991  can each include sides  2992  and bottom  2993 . As connector insert  2900  is mated with connector receptacle  2500  (shown in  FIG.  25   ), keying features  2542  (shown in  FIG.  25   ) can engage cam  2990 . For example, keying features  2542  can engage curved front surface  2994 . Further insertion by a user can tend to rotate connector insert  2900  such that keying features  2542  engage sides  2992  of side notches  2991 . Further rotation and insertion of connector insert  2900  can move keying features  2542  along sides  2992 . Further insertion can be relatively straight or non-rotational and can align keying features  2542  in side notches  2991  such that keying features  2542  reach or approach bottoms  2993  of side notches  2991 . During some insertions, keying features  2542  can avoid curved front surface  2994  and engage sides  2992  of side notches  2991 . After some initial rotation, further insertion can be relatively straight or non-rotational and keying features  2542  can reach or approach bottoms  2993  of side notches  2991 . During some insertions, keying features  2542  and side notches can be aligned such that after a non-rotational insertion, keying features  2542  can reach or approach bottoms  2993  of side notches  2991 . 
       FIG.  30    illustrates a rear view of a portion of the connector insert of  FIG.  29 A . Interposer  3010  can be located in a rear opening of ground contact  2910  of connector insert  2900 . Connection  2912  can connect ground traces on interposer  3010  to ground contact  2910  and can help align interposer  3010  to ground contact  2910 . Contacts  2950  can be connected to contact bodies (not shown) in opening  3012  of interposer  3010 . These contact bodies can terminate in surface-mount contacts  2954 . Surface-mount contacts  2954  can be soldered to pads  3032  on board  3030  as well as to interposer  3010 , thereby helping to secure board  3030  to interposer  3010 . Conduits in a cable (not shown) can terminate at positions  3062 . These conduits can be soldered or otherwise connected to surface-mount contacts  2954 . Molding  3050  can secure the conduits to each other such that connections to surface-mount contacts  2954  can be made. 
       FIG.  31    illustrates another rear view of a portion of the connector insert of  FIG.  29 A . Interposer  3010  can be located in a rear opening of ground contact  2910  of connector insert  2900 . Connection  2914  can connect ground traces on interposer  3010  to ground contact  2910  and can help align interposer  3010  to ground contact  2910 . Contacts  2950  can be connected to contact bodies (not shown) in opening  3012  of interposer  3010 . These contact bodies can terminate in surface-mount contacts  2954 . Surface-mount contacts  2954  can be soldered to pads  3032  on board  3030  as well as to interposer  3010 , thereby helping to secure board  3030  to interposer  3010 . Conduits in a cable (not shown) can terminate at positions  3062 . These conduits can be soldered or otherwise connected to surface-mount contacts  2954 . Molding  3050  can secure the conduits to each other such that connections to surface-mount contacts  2954  can be made. 
       FIG.  32    is an exploded view of the connector insert of  FIG.  29 A . Connector insert  2900  can include trim ring  3210  and ground contact  2910 . Ground contact  2910  can support housing  2940 . Housing  2940  can support contacts  2950 . Connect-detect contact  2960  can be fit in housing  2940 . Interposer  3010  can be formed of one or more portions and can be joined and supported by ground ring  3020 . 
       FIG.  33    illustrates a power connector system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, connector receptacle  2500  is about to accept connector insert  2900 . Connect-detect contact  2960  can fit in second recess  2530  in connector receptacle  2500 . Connect-detect contact  2960  can mate with connect-detect contact  2590  in connector receptacle  2500 . Housing  2940  of connector insert  2900  can fit in first recess  2520  of connector receptacle  2500 . Canted spring  2580  can engage with ground contact  2910  on connector insert  2900  and ground contact  2510  on connector receptacle  2500 . Contacts  2950  on housing  2940  of connector insert  2900  can mate with contacts  2550  on housing  2540  of connector receptacle  2500  to convey signals, as well as one or more power supplies, grounds, or other voltages. Ground contact  2910  can form an electrical connection with ground contact  2510 . Keying features, such as side notches  2991 , on cam  2990  on connector insert  2900  can engage keying features  2542  on connector receptacle  2500 . Housing  2540  and contacts  2550  of connector receptacle  2500  can be inserted into recess  2920  of connector insert  2900 . 
       FIG.  34 A  through  FIG.  34 E  illustrate a mating sequence for a power connector system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG.  34 A , connector insert  2900  is about to be inserted into connector receptacle  2500 . In this example, keying features  2542  can begin to engage keying features, such as side notches  2991 , on cam  2990  in connector insert  2900 . This can cause rotation of connector insert  2900 . This rotation can help to ensure that contacts  2950  in connector insert  2900  are properly rotationally aligned with their corresponding contacts  2550  in connector receptacle  2500  (all shown in  FIG.  34 B .) 
     In  FIG.  34 B , canted spring  2580  can begin to engage ground contact  2910 , thereby forming a connection for ground. Canted spring  2580  can further provide a tactile response to a user when the user inserts and extracts connector insert  2900  from connector receptacle  2500 . Canted spring  2580  can further provide an increased retention force securing connector insert  2900  in place in connector receptacle  2500  and can operate in the same or a similar manner as canted spring  280  above. 
     In  FIG.  34 C , contacts  2950  of connector insert  2900  can begin to engage contacts  2550  of connector receptacle  2500 , thereby forming electrical connections for signals, power supplies, grounds, and other voltages. In  FIG.  34 D , connect-detect contact  2960  can begin to engage connect-detect contact  2590 . Once this connect detect connection is made, power can be applied to power contacts, which can be one or more of contacts  2950 . By sequencing the application of power to the contacts  2950  after connect-detect contact  2590  engages connect-detect contact  2960 , arcing between power contacts in connector insert  2900  and connector receptacle  2500  can be reduced or avoided. In  FIG.  34 E , connector insert  2900  can be fully mated to connector receptacle  2500 . 
     Either or both connect-detect contact  2590  and connect-detect contact  2960  can be a spring-biased contact. For example, connect-detect contact  2590  can be a spring-biased contact. In this case, connect-detect contact  2590  can be compressed as connector insert  2900  if fully inserted into connector receptacle  2500 . This configuration can allow power, signals, or both to be withheld from contacts  2950  in connector insert  2900  (and contacts  2550  in connector receptacle  2500 ) until a connection between connector insert  2900  and connector receptacle  2500  is detected by the formation of an electrical path through connect-detect contact  2590  and connect-detect contact  2960 . This can help to reduce or eliminate arcing between signal, power supply, or ground contacts included in contacts  2550  in connector receptacle  2500  and contacts  2950  in connector insert  2900  as connector insert  2900  is mated with connector receptacle  2500 . 
     In these and other embodiments of the present invention, flanges, shields, and other conductive portions of a power connector can be formed by stamping, forging, metal-injection molding, deep drawing, machining, micro-machining, screw-machining, 3-D printing, clinching, or other manufacturing process. The conductive portions can be formed of stainless steel, steel, copper, copper-titanium, phosphor-bronze, or other material or combination of materials. They can be plated or coated with nickel, gold, or other material. The nonconductive portions, such as housings and other structures, can be formed using insert molding, injection molding, or other molding, 3-D printing, machining, or other manufacturing process. The nonconductive portions can be formed of silicon or silicone, rubber, hard rubber, plastic, nylon, liquid-crystal polymers (LCPs), ceramics, or other nonconductive material or combination of materials. 
     Embodiments of the present invention can provide power connectors including connector receptacles that can be located in various types of devices, such as such tablet computers, laptop computers, desktop computers, all-in-one computers, cell phones, storage devices, wearable-computing devices, portable media players, navigation systems, monitors, adapters, and other devices, as well as corresponding connector inserts. 
     It is well understood that the use of personally identifiable information should follow privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining the privacy of users. In particular, personally identifiable information data should be managed and handled so as to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly indicated to users. 
     The above description of embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form described, and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the teaching above. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Thus, it will be appreciated that the invention is intended to cover all modifications and equivalents within the scope of the following claims.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20210416
Publication Date: 20231107
Grant Date: 20231107
Priority Date: 20200925
Inventors: AMINI, MAHMOUD R.
ZHOU, RUI
Harper, James E.
JEON, JAMES M.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01R24/38", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6205", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6277", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/03", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/642", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6581", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6277", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/38", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6205", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/7031", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/38", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6205", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6581", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/03", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/642", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6277", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 80821680