Ball Joint Connector Assembly for Side-Pull Damage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current connector assemblies for RJ-45 and fiber optic communications face challenges when connecting plugs to outlets, particularly in difficult-to-reach locations, as they require perpendicular alignment, which can lead to side-pull damage and cable bending, causing stress on the connectors and wires.
Innovation Solution
The development of a connector assembly with a ball joint interface that allows the connector to rotate and adjust its position relative to the wall plate, aligning with the pull direction to prevent side-pull damage, and utilizing a flexible substrate to accommodate movement and maintain connection integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connector assembly uses a fixed perpendicular alignment to the wall plate, then the connection structure is simple and stable, but it causes side-pull damage and cable bending when pulled in other directions
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly incorporates a ball joint interface that enables dynamic rotation and adjustment of the connector relative to the wall plate. This dynamic mechanism allows the connector to adapt its orientation in response to pull forces, preventing side-pull damage while maintaining connection reliability. The ball joint provides rotational freedom around a central axis, enabling the connector to realign with the pull direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the orientation parameter of the connector by introducing a rotation mechanism. The connector can change its angular position relative to the wall plate, transforming from a fixed perpendicular alignment to a variable alignment that responds to external forces. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to different pull directions without damage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the connector assembly allows rotation and position adjustment, then it prevents side-pull damage and reduces stress on cables, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a wall plate, a ball joint interface, and a connector. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together as a unified system. The ball joint interface acts as an independent rotational mechanism that simplifies the overall design by separating the rotation function from the connection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball joint interface serves as an intermediary mechanism between the wall plate and the connector. It mediates the interaction between these two components by providing a controlled rotation capability. This intermediary structure simplifies the design by introducing a standard mechanical joint that handles the complexity of rotation, allowing the wall plate and connector to remain relatively simple in their individual designs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connector is positioned in difficult-to-reach locations, then the wall outlet coverage is improved, but the user cannot sufficiently position the plug perpendicular to the wall plate
Solution Approach 1:
The ball joint interface provides dynamic adjustment capability that compensates for the fixed wall plate location. Users can insert the plug at various angles and the ball joint will allow the connector to rotate into the correct alignment, eliminating the need for precise perpendicular positioning. This dynamic adjustment makes operation easier while maintaining adaptability to difficult-to-reach locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball joint interface enables self-alignment of the connector with the plug. Instead of requiring the user to manually position the plug perfectly perpendicular to the wall plate, the ball joint allows the connector to automatically adjust and align itself with the applied force, reducing the skill and precision required for installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly that includes an outer shell and a first communication connector. The first communication connector and/or the outer shell is/are movable about one or more degrees of freedom. The first communication connector is configured to form a first electrical or optical connection with an external communication connector. Optionally, the connector assembly includes a second communication connector. The first communication connector may be connected to a cable or the optional second communication connector by a flexible substrate positioned inside the outer shell. The first communication connector may be implemented as a fiber optic connector optically connected to either a fiber optic cable or the second communication connector, which may also be implemented as a fiber optic connector.