Connector Insertion Control Using Force, Vibration, and Sound Feedback

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connector plugging and unplugging technologies struggle with precision and reliability due to machining tolerances and assembly errors, leading to potential damage or poor signal contact, as they rely on preset positions and forces that do not account for individual connector variations.

Innovation Solution

An automatic plugging/unplugging device equipped with a clamping unit, force detection, and sensors for vibration and sound to monitor and control the plugging/unplugging process, ensuring accurate judgment of connector placement and force levels through multiple detection methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If preset position and depth control is used for connector plugging/unplugging, then automation is achieved, but manufacturing precision and reliability deteriorate due to machining tolerances and assembly errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic plugging/unplugging operationVSAvoidconnector placement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs force sensors to detect plugging force in real-time and provides feedback to the control system. The control system adjusts the motion device based on this feedback to achieve precise connector placement. This closed-loop feedback mechanism compensates for machining tolerances and assembly errors, ensuring reliable docking while maintaining automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical positioning and limiting devices with a force-based detection and control system. Instead of relying on mechanical stops and preset positions, the system uses force sensors to detect docking status and control the plugging process dynamically, improving precision while maintaining automation.

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

2Ease of operation

If preset plugging force is used, then operation is simplified, but reliability deteriorates due to potential damage or poor signal contact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplugging operation simplicityVSAvoidconnector connection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The force sensor provides real-time feedback on plugging force to the control system, which dynamically adjusts the applied force. This ensures the plugging force remains within the optimal range - not too strong to cause damage, not too weak to ensure poor contact - thereby improving connection reliability while keeping the operation simple and automated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from static preset force to dynamic force control. The plugging force is continuously adjusted during the plugging process based on real-time detection, allowing the system to adapt to variations in connector characteristics and achieve reliable connection without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple detection methods (force, vibration, sound) are used to monitor plugging process, then manufacturing precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector docking precisionVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple detection methods (force sensing, vibration detection, sound detection) into a unified detection system. These different sensing modalities work together to comprehensively monitor the plugging process, providing multiple indicators for judging successful docking and improving precision through multi-parameter analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection system is designed with multi-functionality, where a single integrated system performs force measurement, vibration analysis, and sound detection. This universal detection platform reduces overall system complexity compared to separate independent systems while achieving high precision through multiple detection dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Ensures high-precision and reliable docking by monitoring plugging/unplugging forces, vibrations, and sounds, preventing damage and ensuring consistent connection quality.

Implementation Method 1

a force detection unit (202) configured to detect a magnitude of a plugging or unplugging force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce detection:

Implementation Method 2

a vibration sensor (2017) configured to detect the vibration resulting from plugging or unplugging the connector (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration detection:

Implementation Method 3

a sound sensor (2014) configured to detect the sound generated during plugging or unplugging the connector (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound detection:

Data Source

PatentEP4050740B1Automatic insertion and removal device for connector, automatic insertion method, and automatic removal method
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 ZTE CORP
  • EP4050740B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4050740B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4050740B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An automatic insertion and removal device for a connector, an automatic insertion method, an automatic removal method, and a computer-readable storage medium. The automatic insertion and removal device comprises a holder unit (201) and a force measurement unit (202). The holder unit (201) is used to hold a connector (10), and comprises at least one of a vibration sensor (2017) and a sound sensor (2014). The vibration sensor (2017) is used to detect vibrations resulting from inserting or removing the connector (10), and the sound sensor (2014) is used to detect sounds generated during insertion or removal of the connector (10). The force measurement unit (202) comprises a measurement base (2021) and a force sensor (2023). The force sensor (2023) is used to measure the magnitude of an insertion force or a removal force generated during insertion or removal of the connector (10).