Connector Alignment Detection via Antenna Signal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for aligning electrical connectors in electrical systems often fail to accurately indicate proper alignment, especially when line of sight is obstructed, and may not ensure reliable electrical connections due to misalignment or mechanical connector failures.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses a connector to mechanically couple components by moving from a first to a second position, with a first circuit affixed to one component and a second circuit affixed to the connector, including an antenna that transmits a signal upon alignment, allowing for non-visual indication of proper alignment through an electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual markings are used to indicate alignment, then alignment indication is provided, but line of sight may be obstructed making inspection inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual markings (optical indication system) with an electrical connection-based indication system. When the connector is properly aligned, electrical contacts engage to complete a circuit, providing a reliable alignment indication that is not affected by line of sight obstructions. This substitution of optical detection with electrical detection resolves the contradiction by eliminating the dependency on visual line of sight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrical contacts as an intermediary mechanism between the connector components. These contacts serve as a mediator that translates mechanical alignment into an electrical signal state, allowing alignment detection without requiring direct visual observation of the connector interface. This intermediary system overcomes the line of sight obstruction problem.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical connectors are used to facilitate alignment, then alignment is assisted, but the mechanical connector may break or fail to properly align
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the electrical contacts to be self-verifying through their engagement state. When the connector components are properly aligned, the electrical contacts automatically engage to complete the circuit, providing inherent verification of correct alignment without requiring additional mechanical indicators or external verification mechanisms. This self-service approach improves reliability by eliminating separate mechanical alignment indicators that could fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the alignment facilitation function and the alignment verification function into a single integrated system. The same electrical contacts that establish the electrical connection also serve as the alignment indication mechanism. This merging eliminates the need for separate mechanical alignment indicators, reducing the number of potential failure points while maintaining ease of operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If electrical connectors are difficult to close by hand, then connection force is insufficient, but proper alignment cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates electrical contact engagement as a feedback mechanism that confirms proper connector closure. As the connector components are brought together, the electrical contacts engage in a specific sequence or configuration that provides immediate feedback on the correctness of the alignment and closure. This feedback allows operators to verify that sufficient force has been applied and that proper alignment has been achieved, even when the connectors are difficult to close by hand.
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
Provides a reliable and efficient method to determine proper alignment between mechanically coupled components, even in obstructed areas, ensuring accurate electrical connections and facilitating easier inspection and correction of misalignments.
Implementation Method 1
The first circuit or the second circuit comprises an antenna, and the electrical connection enables the antenna to transmit a signal
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a system for indicating alignment between two components that are mechanically coupled to each other is disclosed. The system includes a first component, a second component, a connector configured to mechanically couple the first component to the second component by moving the connector from a first position to a second position, a first circuit affixed to the first component, and a second circuit affixed to the connector. The first circuit and the second circuit are positioned on the first component and the connector, respectively, such that an electrical connection between the first circuit and the second circuit occurs when the connector is in the second position and the first component and the second component are aligned. The first circuit or the second circuit comprises an antenna, and the electrical connection enables the antenna to transmit a signal.