Connector Fixture Clamping and Rotation for Precise Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connector detection systems face inefficiencies due to manual alignment of connectors, which is difficult with small sizes, requiring multiple attempts to correctly position the observation window for accurate terminal insertion depth measurement.

Innovation Solution

A connector fixture with a rotating shaft, clamping claws, and a driving mechanism that automatically aligns the observation window to face a camera, allowing precise clamping and rotation of the connector for efficient detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual placement and adjustment of connector is used, then operation flexibility is maintained, but detection efficiency and alignment precision deteriorate due to multiple adjustment attempts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection efficiencyVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connector fixture enables automatic clamping and positioning of the connector through self-aligning mechanisms. The V-shaped clamping groove and elastic clamping structure allow the connector to automatically locate itself in the correct position without manual intervention, thereby improving both detection efficiency and alignment precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated fixture system that uses elastic deformation, friction, and geometric constraints to achieve precise positioning. The elastic clamping structure automatically adjusts to the connector's position, eliminating the need for repeated manual alignment attempts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If manual adjustment of connector angle is performed, then adaptability to different positions is maintained, but time consumption increases due to repeated adjustment attempts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidalignment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The fixture is pre-configured with a V-shaped clamping groove and elastic clamping structure that are designed to automatically guide and position the connector in the correct orientation upon insertion. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for subsequent manual adjustment operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic clamping structure automatically adjusts to the connector's dimensions and position, providing self-aligning functionality that simplifies the operation to a single insertion action without requiring operator intervention for angle adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If fixed clamping structure is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but positioning precision deteriorates due to inability to accommodate minor position variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidfixture structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an elastic clamping structure that can dynamically adjust its clamping force and position within the V-shaped groove. This dynamic capability allows the fixture to accommodate minor position variations while maintaining precise positioning, without requiring a complex adjustable mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic material of the clamping structure changes its physical parameters (deformation, stiffness) in response to the connector's position, allowing automatic compensation for position variations while maintaining precise alignment. This passive parameter adjustment avoids the need for active control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enhances detection efficiency and quality by automating the alignment process, reducing manual adjustments and improving the accuracy of insertion depth measurements.

Implementation Method 1

A first inclined plane is formed on one end of the clamping claw, and a second inclined plane is formed on the inner side of the groove and is mated with the first inclined plane to convert an axial movement of the transmission component into a radial movement of multiple clamping claws

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInclined plane mechanism: Inclined Plane

Implementation Method 2

an elastic element which is compressed between the clamping claw and the installation block to radially push the clamping claw towards the second inclined plane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4507135B1Connector fixture and connector detection system
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 TYCO ELECTRONICS (SHANGHAI) CO LTD
  • EP4507135B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4507135B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4507135B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention discloses a connector fixture and a connector detection system. The connector fixture comprises of: a fixed seat (1); a rotating shaft (2) which passes through the fixed seat (1) and is rotatably installed on the fixed seat (1); an installation block (4) which is fixed to one end face of the rotating shaft (2) and formed with multiple radial sliding slots (41) spaced in a circumferential direction; multiple clamping claws (5) which are respectively slidably installed in multiple radial sliding slots (41) of the installation block (4); a transmission component (3) which is sleeved on the rotating shaft (2) and can be moved axially relative to the rotating shaft (2); and a driving member (62) which is sleeved on the transmission component (3) and is used to drive the transmission component (3) to axially move. The transmission component (3) has an installation hole (304), one end of the rotating shaft (2) is inserted into the installation hole (304), and multiple grooves (305) are formed on the inner wall surface of the installation hole (304), one ends (52) of the multiple clamping jaws (5) are respectively accommodated in the multiple grooves (305); a first inclined plane (52a) is formed on one end (52) of the clamping claw (5), and a second inclined plane (32a) is formed on the inner side of the groove (305) and is mated with the first inclined plane (52a) to convert an axial movement of the transmission component (3) into a radial movement of multiple clamping claws (5) to clamp a connector (9) by the multiple clamping claws (5). The connector fixture of the present invention can automatically clamp the connector and accurately rotate it to a predetermined orientation, improving the detection efficiency and quality of the connector.