Push-To-Connect Connector Adapter for Pin Conversion Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connectors for industrial cylinders, such as those used in vehicles, often face challenges in connection difficulty due to restricted access and complex alignment, especially in mobile off-highway applications, leading to inadequate tightening and alignment issues.
Innovation Solution
A connector adapter with a housing and electrical interface that converts between different pin configurations, utilizing a flexible printed circuit board and snap-fit connections to facilitate easy assembly and secure attachment to hydraulic cylinders, allowing for push-to-connect mechanisms and maintaining consistent alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded connection is used for the connector, then the electrical connection can be secured, but the connector becomes difficult to tighten due to restricted access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the threaded mechanical connection system with a push-to-connect system that uses radial expansion of a flexible printed circuit board to secure the electrical connection. This eliminates the need for threading operations in restricted spaces while maintaining reliable electrical contact.
2Reliability
If internal pins are included in the connector, then electrical connections can be made, but alignment becomes difficult due to restricted access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional rigid pins with a flexible printed circuit board that can be pushed into place and secured through radial expansion. This eliminates alignment difficulties while ensuring reliable electrical connections, as the flexible board can accommodate minor positioning variations and secure itself through expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the circuit board from rigid to flexible, allowing it to be inserted and then radially expanded to secure the connection. This parameter change enables easy assembly while maintaining reliable electrical contact without requiring precise alignment.
3Reliability
If a standard connector is used for industrial applications, then the sensor can function, but the connector is not suitable for mobile off-highway applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal connector design that combines push-to-connect functionality with flexible printed circuit board technology, making it suitable for both industrial and mobile off-highway applications. The adapter housing provides a standardized interface that can connect to various sensor types while maintaining consistent electrical connections across different application environments.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector adaptor includes a housing having an inlet portion configured to receive a first connector from an in-cylinder position sensor and an outlet portion configured to receive a second connector. The first connector and second connector are push to connect connectors. The connector adapter includes an electrical connector interface within the housing. The electrical connector interface can convert an electrical connection of a first pin configuration to an electrical connection of a second pin configuration, wherein the first pin configuration has a different number of pins than the second pin configuration. The connector adaptor can be a right-angle or straight connector.