Camlock Connector Fastener for Edge Connector Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in properly aligning and securely connecting edge connectors in 3D additive manufacturing apparatuses, leading to potential damage and excessive force on underlying structures due to lack of visual confirmation and tactile feedback.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical fastener system, such as the camlock connector, with handles, levers, and registration pillars, provides a secure and ergonomic method for engaging and disengaging electrical interfaces, offering tactile feedback and visual confirmation of connection status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional edge connectors are used without additional fastening mechanisms, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of connection and ease of operation deteriorate due to lack of alignment guidance and secure engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into separate functional components: handles for user operation, levers for mechanical advantage, registration pillars for alignment, and engagement features for secure connection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the electrical interface, providing controlled force application and precise alignment. The registration pillars and engagement features mediate the connection process, ensuring proper positioning before secure engagement occurs.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment and connection of edge connectors is performed without tactile feedback, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inability to confirm proper alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener provides tactile feedback through registration pillars that engage with corresponding features on the electrical interface. This mechanical feedback confirms proper alignment and engagement to the user, ensuring manufacturing precision while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive tactile cues.
Solution Approach 2:
The registration pillars and engagement features are designed to self-align and self-confirm proper connection. The mechanical interaction between fastener and electrical interface automatically verifies alignment without requiring external measurement or complex procedures.
3Productivity
If excessive force is applied during connector engagement, then the ease of operation is improved through faster connection, but the strength of the connector and underlying structures deteriorates due to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener uses levers and mechanical advantage to dynamically control the application of force during engagement. The mechanism transitions from a neutral position through controlled movement, allowing rapid connection while distributing force to prevent damage to the electrical interface and underlying structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The registration pillars perform preliminary alignment and positioning before the main engagement occurs. This preliminary action ensures proper positioning is achieved before full connection force is applied, preventing misalignment damage while maintaining connection speed.
4Reliability
If visual confirmation of connection status is not provided, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of the connection deteriorates due to inability to verify proper engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener may incorporate visual indicators such as color changes or visible position markers that indicate connection status. These visual cues provide immediate confirmation of proper engagement without requiring complex electronic verification systems, maintaining reliability while minimizing added complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical fastener for an electrical interface may include a first handle and a second handle The first handle and second handle are located on opposite sides of the mechanical fastener. The mechanical fastener may also include a first housing, a second housing coupled to the first housing, an electrical interface housed in the mechanical fastener between the first and second housings, a first lever intermediary between the first handle and the first housing and mechanically coupled to the second handle, a second lever intermediary between the second handle and the second housing and mechanically coupled to the first handle, a first post coupled to the first handle and the second lever, and a second post coupled to the second handle and the first lever.