Connector Demating Tool With Dual Fork Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large, multi-pin electrical connectors are difficult to demate from their sockets, often requiring extensive force and risking damage to the connector pins, making them unusable.
Innovation Solution
A demating tool with two forks and a handle system that allows for relative movement of inner and outer fork members, equipped with gripping flanges and biasing members, facilitates the secure engagement and removal of multi-pin connectors from sockets without damaging the pins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If extensive force is applied to remove connectors by hand, then the connector can be demated from the socket, but the connector pins may be damaged rendering the connector unusable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a demating tool as an intermediary device between the operator and the connector. This tool includes a handle connected to two forks that engage with the connector, allowing force to be applied through a controlled mechanical system rather than directly by hand, thus preventing pin damage while achieving demating
Solution Approach 2:
The demating tool is segmented into multiple functional components: a handle, two forks (first and second), inner and outer fork members. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function - the forks engage the connector, the handle provides leverage, and the relative movement mechanism controls the application of force, thereby solving the contradiction between sufficient force and pin protection
2Productivity
If conventional hand demating techniques are used, then the connector can be removed from the socket, but the process is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The demating tool incorporates dynamic elements including inner and outer fork members that can move relative to each other, and inner and outer handle members that allow relative movement. This dynamic design enables the tool to adapt to the connector geometry and apply demating force more efficiently, making the process easier and faster compared to static hand techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to the demating process by introducing relative movement between inner and outer handle members, which translates to relative movement between inner and outer fork members. This multi-dimensional motion control allows for more efficient force application and easier operation compared to simple linear pulling
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
The tool enables efficient and safe demating of multi-pin connectors by maintaining pin alignment and reducing the risk of damage, allowing for easy removal without requiring excessive force or rocking the tool.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing member is seated in each of the prong receptacles to bias the inner and outer handle members away from one another. The biasing member and the inner and outer fork members are configured so that the biasing member biases the inner fork members to extend away from the handle beyond ends of the outer fork members.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for demating multi-pin connectors includes a first fork including an inner fork member and an outer fork member operatively connected for relative movement parallel to a longitudinal fork axis. A second fork is spaced apart from the first fork wherein the second fork includes an inner fork member and an outer fork member operatively connected for relative movement parallel to the longitudinal fork axis. A handle connects the first fork to the second fork. The handle includes an outer handle member fixedly connecting the outer fork members of the first and second forks, and the handle includes an inner handle member fixedly connecting the inner fork members of the first and second forks. Relative movement of the inner and outer handle members causes relative movement of the inner and outer fork members of the first and second forks for demating multi-pin electrical connectors from sockets.