Automatic-Latching Electrical Connector for Breakaway Cable Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional implement bus breakaway connectors (IBBCs) do not support automatic latching or locking of the mating member to the electrical connector, which can lead to accidental disconnection during separation of tractor and implement, potentially damaging the cable.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector design features a first and second housing member with snap-fit connectors, a substrate supporting conductive members, and pivotably attached arms with resilient biasing, enabling automatic latching of the connector portion to a mating connector portion, ensuring secure engagement and disengagement without damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional IBBC is used without automatic latching, then the connector allows easy separation, but accidental disconnection may occur during separation of tractor and implement
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs spring-loaded arms that automatically engage with the mating connector upon insertion and automatically disengage when separation force is applied. The system serves itself by using the insertion motion to trigger latching and the separation motion to trigger unlatching, eliminating the need for manual operation or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector uses resiliently biased arms that can dynamically transition between engaged and disengaged states. The arms are spring-loaded to provide automatic latching during connection and automatic release during separation, allowing the connector to adapt its state based on the operational phase without requiring external control.
2Reliability
If automatic latching is added to IBBC, then accidental disconnection is prevented, but the connector structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient arms serve multiple functions: they provide the latching mechanism during connection, maintain the locked state during operation, and automatically release during separation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching function is segmented into multiple independent resilient arms that can be distributed around the connector perimeter. This segmentation allows the latching mechanism to be integrated into the existing connector housing structure rather than requiring a single complex centralized locking mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If resiliently biased arms are used for latching, then automatic engagement is achieved, but the connector requires more space for arm movement
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient arms are nested within the connector housing structure, with their movement paths contained within the existing volume. The arms pivot and extend in a manner that utilizes the internal space of the connector rather than requiring external clearance, effectively nesting the latching mechanism within the connector's form factor.
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 solution provides reliable automatic latching and unlocking of the connector, preventing damage during separation and ensuring a secure, hermetic seal, while allowing easy manual operation for connection and disconnection, thus enhancing the reliability and durability of electrical connections in off-road equipment.
Implementation Method 1
A first arm is pivotably attached to the enclosure or an outer enclosure. The first arm is resiliently biased inwardly toward the second base portion. A second arm is pivotably attached to the enclosure and spaced apart from the first arm. The second arm is resiliently biased inwardly toward the second base portion.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrical connector comprises a first housing member that engages a second housing member engages to form an enclosure. In the enclosure, a substrate supports a central set of conductive members in a second tubular portion a peripheral set of conductive members within the first hollow support. A first arm is pivotably attached to the second housing member. The first arm is resiliently biased inwardly toward the second base portion. A second arm is pivotably attached to the second housing member and spaced apart from the first arm. The second arm is resiliently biased inwardly toward the second base portion. In accordance with one aspect, the arms support automatic latching of the connector portion to a mating connector.