Abstract: A connector (100) and connector system are provided. A connector can include a domed metal switch (102) that is partially covered with a liquid impermeable barrier (101) such that a portion of the domed metal switch is exposed and the liquid impermeable barrier is coupled to the domed metal switch with a liquid impermeable junction (221). In a connector system, a complementary connector can include a dome switch actuator (706,707), partially covered with another liquid impermeable barrier. When pressed against the connector, the domed metal switch can deform to contact an electrical conductor (104). A control circuit (1309) can determine whether an electronic device or user is causing the deformation by detecting whether voltage or current is applied to the domed metal switch while deformed.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 27, 2015
Date of Patent:
April 25, 2017
Assignee:
Google Technoogy Holdings LLC
Inventors:
Paul R. Steuer, Rachid M. Alamech, Patrick J. Cauwels, David P. Winkler