Connector Plugging Control Using Force, Vibration, and Sound Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic docking and plugging/unplugging technologies for connectors face challenges in ensuring accurate alignment and reliable plugging/unplugging due to machining tolerances and assembling errors, which can lead to connector damage or poor signal contact.

Innovation Solution

An automatic plugging/unplugging device equipped with a clamping unit and a force detection unit, featuring vibration and sound sensors, which detects the plugging/unplugging force, vibration, and sound to determine if the connector is properly plugged or unplugged, ensuring accurate and reliable operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If preset plugging depth and distance are used for automatic plugging/unplugging, then automation is achieved, but machining tolerances and assembling errors cause misalignment and unreliable connection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic plugging/unpluggingVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs force sensors to detect the plugging force in real-time during the connection process. When the detected force reaches a preset threshold value, the system automatically adjusts the plugging depth and determines that plugging is complete. This feedback mechanism compensates for machining tolerances and assembling errors, ensuring reliable connection while maintaining automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If larger plugging force is applied to ensure proper connection, then connection reliability improves, but connector or adapter may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidconnector damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The force sensor continuously monitors the plugging force during insertion. When the force reaches a preset threshold that indicates proper connection, the system automatically stops further plugging motion. This feedback control prevents excessive force from damaging the connector or adapter while ensuring reliable connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the plugging process parameters based on real-time force detection. By monitoring the force magnitude and rate of change, the system can adaptively control the plugging depth and speed, ensuring optimal connection without exceeding damage thresholds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If smaller plugging force is used to avoid damage, then connector safety improves, but poor signal contact occurs and performance index is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector damageVSAvoidsignal contact quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The force sensor detects the characteristic force profile during plugging. By analyzing the magnitude and变化 pattern of the detected force, the system determines when proper connection is achieved. This ensures sufficient plugging force for good signal contact while preventing excessive force that could cause damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 device accurately controls the plugging/unplugging process, preventing connector damage and ensuring high-precision and reliable docking by monitoring real-time plugging/unplugging forces and sounds, thus enhancing the reliability and accuracy of connector operations.

Implementation Method 1

The force sensor is configured to detect the magnitude of a plugging or unplugging force generated during plugging or unplugging the connector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForce detection: Force

Implementation Method 2

The vibration sensor is configured to detect the vibration resulting from plugging or unplugging the connector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration detection: Vibration

Implementation Method 3

The sound sensor is configured to detect the sound generated during plugging or unplugging the connector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound detection: Sound

Data Source

PatentUS12341310B2Automatic insertion and removal device for connector, automatic insertion method, automatic removal method, and computer-readable storage medium

Publication Date: 2025.06.24 ZTE CORP

AI summary

An automatic plugging/unplugging device for a connector, an automatic plugging method, an automatic unplugging method, and a computer-readable storage medium are disclosed. The automatic plugging/unplugging device may include a clamping unit (201) and a force detection unit (202). The clamping unit (201) is configured to hold a connector (10), and may include at least one of a vibration sensor (2017) and a sound sensor (2014). The vibration sensor (2017) is configured to detect the vibration resulting from plugging or unplugging the connector (10), and the sound sensor (2014) is configured to detect the sound generated during plugging or unplugging the connector (10). The force detection unit (202) may include a detection base (2021) and a force sensor (2023). The force sensor (2023) is configured to detect the magnitude of a plugging or unplugging force generated during plugging or unplugging the connector (10).