Puzzlephone – Connector Testing

Circular Devices OY, based out of Helsinki, created Puzzlephone, a smartphone concept that sought to break the cycle of personal tech obsolescence by developing a modular approach that allowed the phone hardware, as well as software, to be continuously upgraded by the user.

One of the hardest barriers to overcome was the lack of robust miniature connectors suitable for frequent connecting and disconnecting. Of all the connectors, the antenna coax was the most challenging.

Interactual proposed a completely new coax connector based around a single pogo pin. This low-cost, low profile miniature coaxial connector design permits non-linear connection and significant alignment inaccuracy which opened up the modular concept to the idea of 3rd party modules that could be produced with reduced precision and at lower cost.

Having developed this innovative connector design, Interactual built test rigs for mechanical make/break lifecycle testing of both this and other proprietary connectors being considered for the project.