Concentric Electrical Connector Axial Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors require rotational alignment, which can be cumbersome and increases the risk of electrical shock due to exposed conductive components.
Innovation Solution
The design features concentrically arranged axially extending contact members and insulators in annular bands, allowing for axial alignment without rotation and providing a secure press fit connection, with insulators extending beyond conductive members to reduce shock risk, and positioning the ground contact as the outermost to minimize exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If rotational alignment is required for connector engagement, then precise alignment can be achieved, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of contact members within the connector bodies. The first contact member is offset from the longitudinal axis, creating an asymmetric arrangement that provides inherent alignment features. This asymmetry enables precise alignment through simple axial insertion without requiring rotational adjustment, thereby resolving the contradiction between alignment precision and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If conductive members are exposed for connection, then electrical contact is established, but the risk of electrical shock increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested protective structure where insulating material is positioned between the exposed conductive members and the external environment. The first insulating material surrounds the first contact member, and the second insulating material surrounds the second contact member, creating concentric protective layers. This nesting approach maintains reliable electrical contact while significantly reducing electrical shock risk by isolating users from exposed conductors.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating material serves as an intermediary element between the conductive members and the user's hand or surrounding environment. This intermediary provides electrical isolation while allowing the conductive members to maintain their functional exposure for connection purposes, thus resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and shock hazard reduction.
3Ease of operation
If contact members are arranged concentrically, then alignment is simplified to axial insertion only, but the connector structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional elements into integrated structures. The insulating material serves dual purposes: providing electrical isolation and defining the geometric arrangement of contact members. The hollow cylindrical body integrates structural support, insulation, and alignment features into a single component. This merging reduces overall connector complexity while maintaining the simplified axial alignment capability provided by concentric contact member arrangement.
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
This design simplifies connector alignment, enhances safety by reducing electrical shock risk, and provides a secure, robust connection through frictional engagement and protective insulation.
Implementation Method 1
the annular members or bands of the male and female connectors may be sized so as to frictionally engage each other to thereby secure the male and female connectors in an engaged position
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes a female connector removably connectable with a male connector. The female connector includes an outer ring shield, and first and second ring insulator. The first ring insulator is spaced inwardly of the outer ring shield to define a first recess with a first female electrical contact provided in the first recess. The second ring insulator is spaced inwardly of the first ring insulator to define a second recess with a second female electrical contact provided in the second recess. The male connector includes first and second. When the male and female connectors are electrically connected, the first and second male electrical contacts are received in the first and second recesses respectively.