Backlash-Compensating Connector with Movable Plate
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for electronic equipment face challenges in connecting devices when one or both connectors are offset from their nominal positions, leading to difficulties in assembly and mechanical stress due to the inability to compensate for position deviations in both translation and rotation planes.
Innovation Solution
A backlash connector with a mobile connection plate and return mechanism that allows movement perpendicular to the connector plane, using guide rods and springs to align and secure the plate in the initial position, facilitating connection despite position deviations and ensuring reliable contact between connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional connectors are used without play compensation, then the connector structure remains simple, but connection becomes impossible or causes mechanical stress when connectors are offset from nominal position
Solution Approach 1:
The connection plate is made movable relative to the first wall through a guide rod mechanism, allowing dynamic adjustment to compensate for positional deviations. The plate can slide along the connection direction and return to its initial position under spring action, transforming a static rigid connector into a dynamic adaptable one that maintains reliable connection despite misalignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector introduces variable parameters through the movable plate's position, sliding distance, and return force. By changing the plate's position along the connection direction and allowing it to move within a range determined by the guide rod and spring, the connector adapts to different alignment conditions, resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and structural simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If connectors are designed to compensate for positional deviations, then connection ease improves, but the connector structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into distinct functional components: a fixed first wall, a movable connection plate, a guide rod for constrained movement, and a return mechanism with spring. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while achieving positional compensation and easy assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rod acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the fixed wall and the movable plate, constraining the plate's movement to the desired connection direction while allowing necessary sliding. This intermediary component enables easy assembly by guiding the connection process without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the connector allows movement compensation, then connection reliability improves, but the connector's structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connector achieves both reliability and stability through controlled dynamics. The plate is movable during the connection process to compensate for positional deviations, ensuring reliable connection. Once connected, the return spring maintains the plate in a stable position against the first wall, providing structural stability. The guide rod constrains movement to prevent instability while allowing necessary adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The return spring provides beforehand cushioning by pre-loading the movable plate against the first wall. This spring force compensates for potential gaps or misalignments before connection, ensuring reliable contact. The spring also cushions against sudden impacts or excessive forces during connection, maintaining structural stability while enabling movement compensation.
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
Enables secure and stress-free connection of electronic equipment by compensating for position deviations in both translation and rotation, ensuring reliable contact and easy assembly by allowing the plate to return to its initial position, thus addressing the limitations of existing connectors.
Implementation Method 1
a return mechanism capable of maintaining the plate in an initial position relative to the first wall, when no force is applied to the plate
Implementation Method 2
The rod(s) and corresponding passage(s) are arranged to guide the plate during said movement
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A backlash-compensating connector (100) comprising a wall (1001) and a movable connection plate (110) having a connection terminal (120). The first wall and the plate are configured to allow the plate to move from its initial position to a final position by sliding along a connection direction (X) perpendicular to the plane of the wall. The backlash-compensating connector includes return means (164) that allow the plate to slide under the effect of a force applied to the plate along the connection direction, but tend to return the plate to its initial position against the wall in a direction opposite to the connection direction if the plate (110) is displaced from its initial position. A connection device comprising this connector and the other connector, and an assembly comprising such a device.