Connector Actuator Sloped Surface for Aural Closure Feedback

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional connectors lack easy aural recognition and improved actuator operability when changing the actuator from an open to a closed state, especially in noisy environments and with compact designs.

Innovation Solution

A connector design featuring a sloped connection surface and a tip load transmission portion that elastically contacts the connection object at peak pressing load, allowing for aural recognition of full closure and enhanced actuator operability, with the sloped surface intersecting at obtuse and right angles, and provided on interpolar walls between contacts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If the connector is made lighter and more compact, then weight and size are reduced, but visual recognition of actuator closure state becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector weightVSAvoidvisual recognition of actuator closure

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes acoustic emission (vibration/sound) generated during actuator closure to provide aural feedback. When the actuator closes, the elastic pressing portion presses against the connection object, generating a characteristic sound that indicates successful closure. This mechanical vibration-based feedback mechanism compensates for the reduced visual recognizability in compact designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

2Reliability

If manual pressing force is increased to ensure actuator closure, then reliability of connection is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidactuator operability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a sloped connection surface (inclined plane) on the actuator that gradually presses the connection object during closure. This curved/sloped geometry allows the pressing force to be applied progressively rather than abruptly, reducing the peak manual force required while ensuring reliable contact and connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic pressing portion acts as an intermediary element between the actuator and the connection object. It transforms the rotational motion of the actuator into controlled linear pressing force, mediating the interaction to ensure reliable connection while requiring minimal manual effort from the operator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the actuator structure is simplified to reduce device complexity, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but aural recognition capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuator structure complexityVSAvoidaural recognition of closure

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator structure is designed to generate its own acoustic emission signal during closure through the inherent mechanical interaction between the elastic pressing portion and the connection object. No additional active components (motors, sensors, speakers) are required to generate feedback signals. The structure itself serves as the signal generator, providing aural recognition capability without increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 easy aural recognition of full closure and improved actuator operability, reducing manual effort and enhancing automatic closure speed, even in noisy conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a tip load transmission portion that is located at an intersection of the closed surface and the sloped connection surface, and elastically contacts the connection object at a time at which a pressing load imparted by the elastic pressing portion is at a peak

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an elastic pressing portion that acts on a rotation shaft of the actuator, to press the actuator toward the connection object inserted in the insertion portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

a sloped connection surface that connects the open surface and the closed surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS10594084B2Electrical connector having an actuator structure

Publication Date: 2020.03.17 KYOCERA CORP

AI summary

A connector that, when changing an actuator from an open state to a closed state provides a sound that indicates the actuator has changed to a fully closed state. In one embodiment, the actuator has an open surface, a closed surface, a sloped connection surface, and a tip load transmission portion. The open surface enables insertion of a connection object into an insertion portion in an open state. The closed surface is approximately parallel to the connection object in a closed state. The sloped connection surface connects the open surface and the closed surface. The tip load transmission portion is located at an intersection of the closed surface and the sloped connection surface, and elastically contacts the connection object at a time at which a pressing load imparted by an elastic pressing portion is at a peak.