Angled Electrical Connector with Canted Coil Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breakaway electrical connectors are prone to accidental disengagement due to cable tension and can suffer damage from excessive stress during deliberate disengagement, and they lack electrical shielding.
Innovation Solution
An angled electrical connector with a canted coil spring and a collar portion that routes the cable perpendicular to the disengagement force, providing a progressive reaction force and shielding capabilities through a metallic construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a breakaway electrical connector uses a coil spring for engagement, then the connector can be firmly engaged and quickly disengaged, but cable tension can lead to accidental disengagement and excessive stress during deliberate disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cam surface that operates in a different dimensional plane than the cable tension. The cam surface converts longitudinal disengagement force into radial expansion of the coil spring, creating a mechanical advantage that allows easy disengagement without cable tension while preventing accidental disengagement through geometric constraint
Solution Approach 2:
The connector body is formed from a resilient material that provides both structural support and elastic deformation capability. This composite approach combines the coil spring's engagement function with the body's structural integrity, allowing the body itself to contribute to the engagement force and distribute stress during disengagement
2Strength
If a breakaway electrical connector uses a coil spring for engagement, then the connector can be firmly engaged, but deliberate disengagement may cause excessive stress and damage to connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic disengagement mechanism where the cam surface guides a gradual separation process. As the connector is pulled apart, the cam surface progressively releases the coil spring's engagement force, converting a sudden high-stress event into a controlled, progressive release that minimizes peak stress on the connections
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient body material and cam surface geometry are designed to cushion the disengagement process. The resilient body deforms elastically during separation, absorbing shock and reducing peak stresses, while the cam surface ensures a controlled release sequence that prevents sudden jerks or impacts on the electrical connections
3Device complexity
If a breakaway electrical connector lacks shielding provision, then the structure remains simple, but electrical shielding of connections cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body is designed with multi-functionality: it provides structural support, electrical connection, and electromagnetic shielding. The resilient body material itself serves as the shielding element, eliminating the need for separate shielding components while maintaining structural simplicity. This universal approach allows one component to fulfill multiple functions simultaneously
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The angled connector design reduces accidental disengagement and allows for easy disconnection without damaging the connection, while the metallic construction and shielding ensure a reliable electrical path and protection against environmental factors.
Implementation Method 1
at least one resilient member arranged on the sleeve of the engagement portion, the resilient member being capable of deforming in a transverse direction perpendicular to the first direction and providing a reaction force for maintaining the engagement of the connector with the mating connector
Data Source
AI summary
A first electrical connector (1) for terminating an electrical cable (11) and for engaging with a mating electrical connector (51). The first connector comprises a body (5) having an engagement portion including a sleeve (7) whose passage extends along a mating axis (101) for engaging the mating electrical connector. The connector comprises at least one resilient member (15), such as a coil spring, arranged on the sleeve. The resilient member is capable of deforming radial to the mating axis (101) to provide a reaction force for maintaining the engagement of the connector with the mating connector. The first connector can be detached by lifting a boot (13) to pry apart the connectors.