Connector Ejection Mechanism for Precise Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector mechanisms for electrical connections, particularly in military, aeronautical, and aerospace applications, face issues with precise disconnection due to tilted force application, lack of space for additional components, and the need for specific tools for connection and disconnection.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a mechanism with actuation devices and ejection devices that allow for ergonomic and balanced connection and disconnection without tools, ensuring alignment and secure locking of electrical contacts, using simple shaped parts like pins for precise disconnection along the plug-in axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rotary actuating levers are used to push the complementary connector for disconnection, then the disconnection mechanism can separate the connectors, but the force applied tilts during actuation causing imprecise disconnection at the electrical contacts
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a rotary lever motion to push the connector apart, the invention inverts the approach by using a translational ejection device that moves linearly along the plug-in axis. This ejection device is pushed by an actuating device that translates in the same axis direction, ensuring force is always applied along the correct alignment of electrical contacts without tilting.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary ejection device that acts as a mediator between the actuating device and the complementary connector. This ejection device receives the translational motion from the actuating device and transfers it to push the connector apart, ensuring precise force application along the plug-in axis while protecting the electrical contacts from direct lateral forces.
2Ease of operation
If actuating levers are mounted on the connector shell for disconnection, then manual actuation is possible, but significant space is occupied behind the shell preventing arrangement of other electrical and electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies nesting by placing the actuating device and ejection device inside the connector shell rather than mounting them externally. The actuating device is movably mounted within the shell, and the ejection device is positioned inside the connector, allowing both components to be nested within the existing connector structure without occupying external space that would interfere with component arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the spatial arrangement by moving the actuating mechanism from an external lateral mounting to an internal longitudinal arrangement. The actuating device translates along the plug-in axis direction within the shell, utilizing the internal volume of the connector rather than external space, thereby freeing up the area behind the shell for other components.
3Reliability
If the ejection device pushes the complementary connector in the direction of connection pins plugging into electrical contacts, then disconnection occurs in alignment avoiding damage, but the mechanism requires precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies self-service by designing the ejection device to automatically self-align with the connector during its translational motion. The ejection device is configured to engage and push the complementary connector in a way that naturally maintains alignment with the plug-in axis, eliminating the need for complex external alignment mechanisms and reducing manufacturing precision requirements while protecting the electrical contacts.
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4~5b
AI summary
The invention relates to a connector (3) capable of being connected to a complementary connector (5) along a plugging axis (I) in order to perform an electrical connection. According to the invention, the connector (3) includes a mechanism (7) for connecting to and disconnecting from the complementary connector (5), which includes: at least one actuator device (41) mounted on said connector (3) so as to move between a connection position and a disconnection position, and capable of being secured to the complementary connector (5); and at least one ejection device (45) capable of being translated by the actuator device (41), the translation movement taking place along the plugging axis (I). The invention further relates to a connector assembly (1) comprising such a connector (3) and to methods for connecting and disconnecting such a connector (3) with a complementary connector (5).