Connector based on memory alloy

Abstract

The invention discloses a memory alloy-based connector, and particularly relates to the technical field of electric connectors, the memory alloy-based connector comprises a first terminal, one end of the first terminal is provided with a second terminal, and the middle part of the first terminal is provided with a first terminal matching groove. By arranging the SMA shell, the wedging part and other structures, locking and separation of the connector can be controlled through electric signals, automation and remote control can be easily achieved, the locking force generated by memory alloy is large and uniform, good vibration resistance and impact resistance are achieved, meanwhile, complex threads or bayonet mechanisms are not needed, and the cost is reduced. The device is simple in overall structure, small in size, suitable for a narrow space, stable in separation process, free of impact and abrasion to a connector interface, long in service life and capable of adapting to various working environments by selecting memory alloys with different phase change temperatures. The device has the advantages of being active and controllable, reliable in connection, compact in structure, capable of achieving lossless separation and good in environmental adaptability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electrical connector technology, and more specifically, to a connector based on shape memory alloy. Background Technology

[0002] Electrical connectors are indispensable basic components in modern electronic devices, used to connect and disconnect circuits. Traditional electrical connectors mostly use threaded connections, bayonet connections, or push-pull connections. These connection methods have the following disadvantages: 1. High operating space requirements: Threaded and bayonet connections usually require a large operating space and rotational torque, making them difficult to use in scenarios with compact equipment layouts (such as satellites and endoscopes); 2. Poor vibration resistance: Under continuous vibration, traditional mechanical locking mechanisms may loosen, leading to connection failure or even sparks and other hazards; 3. Inability to be remotely controlled: The insertion and removal of traditional connectors usually require direct manual operation, making it difficult to automate or remotely control them; 4. Wear and tear: Repeated mechanical plugging and unplugging can cause wear and tear on the connection parts, affecting the reliability of long-term use.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a connector based on shape memory alloys to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To overcome the aforementioned deficiencies of the prior art, embodiments of the present invention provide a connector based on shape memory alloy. By incorporating an SMA shell and a mating part, the present invention enables the locking and disengagement of the connector to be controlled via electrical signals, facilitating automation and remote control. Furthermore, the shape memory alloy generates a large and uniform locking force, exhibiting excellent vibration and impact resistance. Simultaneously, it eliminates the need for complex threaded or bayonet mechanisms, resulting in a simple overall structure, small size, and suitability for confined spaces. The disengagement process is smooth, causing no impact or wear on the connector interface, and has a long lifespan. Finally, by selecting shape memory alloys with different phase transition temperatures, it can adapt to various working environments. Therefore, the present invention possesses the characteristics of active controllability, reliable connection, compact structure, non-destructive disengagement, and good environmental adaptability, thus solving the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a connector based on shape memory alloy, comprising a terminal one, a terminal two disposed at one end of the terminal one, a terminal one mating groove one disposed in the middle of the terminal one, a terminal one mating groove two disposed on the outer side of the end of the terminal one near the terminal two, a terminal two mating groove one disposed in the middle of the terminal two, a terminal two mating groove two disposed on the outer side of the end of the terminal two near the terminal one, an SMA shell disposed on the outer side of the ends of the terminal one and the terminal two near each other, mating portions disposed at both ends of the SMA shell, a connecting portion disposed in the middle of the SMA shell, two mating portions disposed at both ends of the connecting portion, and heat insulation layers disposed on the inner walls of both ends of the SMA shell, the two heat insulation layers being respectively disposed on the terminal one and the SMA shell. Between the MA shell and between terminal 2 and the SMA shell, terminals 1 and 2 are directly plugged into the circuit. When the circuit is powered on, terminals 1 and 2 will heat up, and the heat will be transferred to the two mating parts. Since the SMA shell, mating parts, and connecting parts are made of shape memory alloy, the SMA shell, mating parts, and connecting parts will deform when heated and clamp terminals 1 and 2 tightly. This causes the inner wall of the mating part on the side of terminal 1 to be pressed into the mating groove 1 and the mating groove 2 of terminal 1, and the inner wall of the mating part on the side of terminal 2 to be pressed into the mating groove 1 and the mating groove 2 of terminal 2. This can form a firm connection. When the circuit is disconnected, terminals 1 and 2 stop heating up and the temperature will slowly decrease. At this time, the SMA shell, mating parts, and connecting parts will spring back radially, and terminals 1 and 2 can be easily pulled out.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment, the SMA shell is made of shape memory alloy, the SMA shell and the fitting part are an integral structure, and the SMA shell and the connecting part are an integral structure.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the fitting portion is made of shape memory alloy.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the connecting part is made of a shape memory alloy, including nickel-titanium alloys and other shape memory alloys that automatically deform with temperature.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the mating portion near the first terminal is disposed on the outside of the first mating groove and the second mating groove of the first terminal.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the mating portion near the second terminal is disposed on the outside of the first mating groove of the second terminal and the second mating groove of the second terminal.

[0011] A method of using a memory alloy-based connector, comprising the memory alloy-based connector described in any one of the above-mentioned embodiments and the following steps: Step 1: Connect terminal 1 and terminal 2 directly to the circuit. After the circuit is powered on, terminal 1 and terminal 2 will heat up. Step 2: Heat is transferred to the two mating parts. After being heated, the SMA shell, mating parts and connecting parts will deform and clamp terminal 1 and terminal 2 tightly. The inner wall of the mating part on the side of terminal 1 is pressed into the mating groove 1 and the mating groove 2 of terminal 1, and the inner wall of the mating part on the side of terminal 2 is pressed into the mating groove 1 and the mating groove 2 of terminal 2, forming a firm connection. Step 3: When the circuit is disconnected, terminals 1 and 2 stop heating and the temperature slowly decreases. At this time, the SMA shell, mating part and connecting part spring back radially, and terminals 1 and 2 can be easily pulled out.

[0012] The technical effects and advantages of this invention are as follows: This invention, through its SMA shell and mating parts, enables the locking and disengagement of the connector to be controlled by electrical signals, facilitating automation and remote control. The shape memory alloy generates a large and uniform locking force, providing excellent vibration and impact resistance. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for complex threaded or bayonet mechanisms, resulting in a simple and compact overall structure suitable for confined spaces. The disengagement process is smooth, causing no impact or wear on the connector interface, and extending its lifespan. Finally, by selecting shape memory alloys with different phase transition temperatures, it can adapt to various working environments. Therefore, this invention possesses the characteristics of active controllability, reliable connection, compact structure, non-destructive disengagement, and good environmental adaptability. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall three-dimensional cross-sectional structure of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall front view of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall side structure of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the overall cross-sectional structure of the present invention.

[0018] The attached figures are labeled as follows: 1. Terminal 1; 101. Terminal 1 mating groove 1; 102. Terminal 1 mating groove 2; 2. Terminal 2; 201. Terminal 2 mating groove 1; 202. Terminal 2 mating groove 2; 3. SMA housing; 4. Mating part; 5. Connecting part. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] As attached Figure 1 Appendix Figure 2 Appendix Figure 3 Appendix Figure 4 and attached Figure 5 As shown, the present invention provides a connector based on shape memory alloy, including a terminal 1, a terminal 2 at one end of the terminal 1, a terminal mating groove 101 in the middle of the terminal 1, a terminal mating groove 102 on the outer side of the end of the terminal 1 near the terminal 2, a terminal mating groove 201 in the middle of the terminal 2, a terminal mating groove 202 on the outer side of the end of the terminal 2 near the terminal 1, an SMA shell 3 on the outer side of the ends of the terminal 1 and the terminal 2 near each other, mating portions 4 at both ends of the SMA shell 3, a connecting portion 5 in the middle of the SMA shell 3, two mating portions 4 at both ends of the connecting portion 5, and heat insulation layers on the inner walls of both ends of the SMA shell 3, the two heat insulation layers being respectively disposed between the terminal 1 and the SMA shell 3 and between the terminal 2 and the SMA shell 3.

[0021] The SMA shell 3 is made of shape memory alloy. The SMA shell 3 and the fitting part 4 are an integral structure. The SMA shell 3 and the connecting part 5 are an integral structure.

[0022] The fitting part 4 is made of shape memory alloy.

[0023] The connecting part 5 is made of shape memory alloy, including nickel-titanium alloy and other shape memory alloys that automatically deform with temperature.

[0024] The mating part 4 near the terminal 1 is provided on the outside of the terminal 1 mating groove 101 and the terminal 1 mating groove 2 102.

[0025] The mating part 4 near the second terminal 2 is provided on the outside of the mating groove 201 and the second terminal 2 mating groove 202.

[0026] A method of using a memory alloy-based connector, comprising the memory alloy-based connector described in any one of the above-mentioned embodiments and the following steps: Step 1: Connect terminal 1 and terminal 2 directly to the circuit. After the circuit is powered on, terminal 1 and terminal 2 will heat up. Step 2: Heat is transferred to the two mating parts 4. After being heated, the SMA shell 3, mating parts 4 and connecting parts 5 will deform and clamp the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 2. The inner wall of the mating part 4 on the side of the first terminal 1 is pressed into the first mating groove 101 and the second mating groove 102 of the first terminal 1, and the inner wall of the mating part 4 on the side of the second terminal 2 is pressed into the first mating groove 201 and the second mating groove 202 of the second terminal 2, forming a firm connection. Step 3: When the circuit is disconnected, terminals 1 and 2 stop heating and the temperature slowly decreases. At this time, the SMA housing 3, the mating part 4, and the connecting part 5 spring back radially, and terminals 1 and 2 can be easily pulled out.

[0027] The specific implementation method is as follows: When using this invention, terminals 1 and 2 are directly plugged into the circuit. After the circuit is powered on, terminals 1 and 2 will heat up, and the heat will be transferred to the two mating parts 4. Since the SMA shell 3, mating parts 4, and connecting parts 5 are made of shape memory alloy, the SMA shell 3, mating parts 4, and connecting parts 5 will deform after being heated and clamp terminals 1 and 2. This causes the inner wall of the mating part 4 on the side of terminal 1 to be pressed into the terminal 1 mating groove 101 and terminal 1 mating groove 202, and the inner wall of the mating part 4 on the side of terminal 2 to be pressed into the terminal 2 mating groove 201 and terminal 2 mating groove 202. This can form a firm connection. When the circuit is disconnected, terminals 1 and 2 stop heating up, and the temperature will slowly decrease. At this time, the SMA shell 3, mating parts 4, and connecting parts 5 will deform and clamp terminals 1 and 2. 4 and the connecting part 5 have radial springback, and terminals 1 and 2 can be easily pulled out. By setting a heat insulation layer, the interference of ambient temperature can be reduced, and the locking and separation are controlled by current only. This allows the present invention to control the locking and separation of the connector by electrical signals, which is easy to automate and remotely control. The locking force generated by the shape memory alloy is large and uniform, and has good vibration and impact resistance. At the same time, there is no need for complex thread or bayonet mechanism. The overall structure is simple and small in size, which is suitable for confined spaces. The separation process is smooth, without impact or wear on the connector interface, and has a long service life. Finally, by selecting shape memory alloys with different phase change temperatures, it can adapt to various working environments. This makes the present invention have the characteristics of active controllability, reliable connection, compact structure, non-destructive separation and good environmental adaptability.

[0028] Working principle of this invention: Refer to the instruction manual appendix Figure 1 Appendix Figure 2 Appendix Figure 3 Appendix Figure 4 and attached Figure 5When using this invention, the inclusion of an SMA shell 3 and a mating part 4 allows for control of connector locking and disengagement via electrical signals, facilitating automation and remote control. The shape memory alloy generates a large and uniform locking force, providing excellent vibration and impact resistance. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for complex threaded or bayonet mechanisms, resulting in a simple and compact overall structure suitable for confined spaces. The disengagement process is smooth, causing no impact or wear on the connector interface, and extending its lifespan. Finally, by selecting shape memory alloys with different phase transition temperatures, it can adapt to various working environments. This invention thus possesses the characteristics of active controllability, reliable connection, compact structure, non-destructive disengagement, and good environmental adaptability.

[0029] Finally, the following points should be noted: First, in the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise specified and limited, the terms "installation", "connection", and "linkage" should be interpreted broadly, and can be mechanical or electrical connections, or internal connections between two components, or direct connections. "Up", "down", "left", "right", etc. are only used to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may change. Secondly: The accompanying drawings of the embodiments disclosed in this invention only involve the structures involved in the embodiments disclosed in this invention. Other structures can refer to the general design. In the absence of conflict, the same embodiment and different embodiments of this invention can be combined with each other. In conclusion, the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connector based on shape memory alloy, comprising a terminal (1), characterized in that: Terminal 1 (1) is provided with terminal 2 (2) at one end. Terminal 1 (1) is provided with terminal 1 mating groove 1 (101) in the middle. Terminal 1 (1) is provided with terminal 1 mating groove 2 (102) on the outside of the end of terminal 1 (1) near terminal 2 (2). Terminal 2 (2) is provided with terminal 2 mating groove 1 (201) in the middle. Terminal 2 (2) is provided with terminal 2 mating groove 2 (202) on the outside of the end of terminal 2 (2) near terminal 1 (1). SMA shell (3) is provided on the outside of the ends of terminal 1 (1) and terminal 2 (2) that are close to each other. Mating part (4) is provided at both ends of SMA shell (3). Connecting part (5) is provided in the middle of SMA shell (3). Two mating parts (4) are provided at both ends of connecting part (5). Heat insulation layer is provided on the inner wall of both ends of SMA shell (3). Two heat insulation layers are respectively provided between terminal 1 (1) and SMA shell (3) and between terminal 2 (2) and SMA shell (3).

2. The connector based on shape memory alloy according to claim 1, characterized in that: The SMA shell (3) is made of shape memory alloy. The SMA shell (3) and the fitting part (4) are an integral structure. The SMA shell (3) and the connecting part (5) are an integral structure.

3. A connector based on shape memory alloy according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fitting part (4) is made of shape memory alloy.

4. A connector based on shape memory alloy according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting part (5) is made of shape memory alloy, including shape memory alloys such as nickel-titanium alloy that automatically deform with temperature.

5. A connector based on shape memory alloy according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mating part (4) near the terminal one (1) is provided on the outside of the terminal one mating groove one (101) and the terminal one mating groove two (102).

6. A connector based on shape memory alloy according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mating part (4) near the second terminal (2) is provided on the outside of the first mating groove (201) and the second mating groove (202) of the second terminal.

7. A method of using a connector based on shape memory alloy, characterized in that, Includes a shape memory alloy-based connector as described in any one of claims 1-6, and the following steps: Step 1: Connect terminal 1 (1) and terminal 2 (2) directly to the circuit. After the circuit is powered on, terminal 1 (1) and terminal 2 (2) will heat up. Step 2: Heat is transferred to the two mating parts (4). After being heated, the SMA shell (3), mating parts (4) and connecting parts (5) will deform and hug terminal one (1) and terminal two (2). The inner wall of the mating part (4) on the side of terminal one (1) is pressed into terminal one mating groove one (101) and terminal one mating groove two (102). The inner wall of the mating part (4) on the side of terminal two (2) is pressed into terminal two mating groove one (201) and terminal two mating groove two (202), forming a firm connection. Step 3: When the circuit is disconnected, terminals 1 (1) and 2 (2) stop heating and the temperature slowly decreases. At this time, the SMA shell (3), the fitting part (4) and the connecting part (5) rebound radially, and terminals 1 (1) and 2 (2) can be easily pulled out.

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