Electrical device with a single interface for accommodating multiple connector types, and a connector kit
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12184957-B2
Publication Date
2024-12-31
Expiration Date
Abstract
An electrical device and a video camera system for transmitting and receiving data to at least one auxiliary device is provided. The electrical device includes electrical components for receiving, transmitting and processing the data. The electrical components are further configured to transmit power. The electrical device includes a housing for accommodating the electrical components. An interface is disposed on the housing. The interface includes a plurality of data ports, a first power port and a second power port. The plurality of data ports is disposed between the first power port and the second power port. The interface is configured to mate with a plurality of connectors, each of which are coupled to the auxiliary device so as to power the respective auxiliary device and transmit and receive data to and from the auxiliary device.
Core Innovation
An electrical device for transmitting and receiving data includes electrical components for receiving, transmitting and processing the data, where the electrical components are further configured to transmit power. The electrical device includes a housing accommodating the electrical components, and the housing includes a panel with an interface. The interface includes a plurality of data ports and a plurality of power ports including a first power port and a second power port, and the plurality of data ports are disposed between the first power port and the second power port.
The electrical device further includes a first pair of alignment members and a second pair of alignment members. One alignment member of the first pair is centered within the first power port, and one alignment member of the second pair is centered within the second power port. This centered alignment structure cooperates with connector engagement on the interface to establish a controlled mechanical relationship between the power ports and the data ports.
A video camera system includes the electrical device and a connector kit including a plurality of connectors. Each connector has a power receiving port and a plurality of connection ports, and one connector includes a plurality of connection ports equal in number to the plurality of data ports. A pair of the connectors is adapted to engage the interface such that one connector engages the first power port and the other connector engages the second power port, while each connector engages at least one of the plurality of data ports.
The disclosed arrangement supports port-count matching between different connectors and the interface so that the same interface can be engaged by different auxiliary devices without increasing interface packaging space. The interface configuration also supports structured data-port layouts, including data ports split into first and second series and positioned relative to the common axes and uplink ports, together with the alignment-member features for mating prevention of mis-mating.
Claims Coverage
Two independent claims are present: an electrical device claim and a video camera system claim. Across the independent claims, the inventive features center on the specific interface layout of power ports with data ports disposed between them, and on mechanical alignment and connector/port-count matching for connector engagement.
Interface with data ports disposed between first and second power ports
An electrical device comprising a housing with a panel whose interface includes a plurality of data ports and a plurality of power ports including a first power port and a second power port, wherein the plurality of data ports are disposed between the first power port and the second power port.
Centered alignment members within first and second power ports
An electrical device further including a first pair of alignment members and a second pair of alignment members, wherein one of the first pair of alignment members is centered within the first power port and wherein one of the second pair of alignment members is centered within the second power port.
Connector kit with paired engagement of first and second power ports while engaging data ports
A video camera system comprising an electrical device with an interface including a plurality of data ports disposed between a first power port and a second power port, and a connector kit having a plurality of connectors each including a power receiving port and a plurality of connection ports, wherein one of the plurality of connectors includes a plurality of connection ports equal in number to the plurality of data ports, and wherein a pair of the plurality of connectors is adapted to engage the interface such that one connector engages the first power port and the other connector engages the second power port and wherein each one of the pair of the plurality of connectors engages at least one of the plurality of data ports.
The independent claim set requires a specific panel interface arrangement where data ports lie between two power ports, includes mechanical centering alignment members for mating, and, for the system, requires a connector kit configuration that enables paired connector engagement with the first and second power ports while each connector engages at least one data port.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
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