Connector Lock Detection Using Synchronized Spring Contact Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector arrangements often fail to reliably detect a locked state, leading to premature signaling of connection, which can result in incorrect operation and increased complexity and cost due to the need for electrical circuits in both connector parts.
Innovation Solution
A connector arrangement featuring a resilient member that deflects and releases to establish a locked state, utilizing a spring contact with two resilient contact arms that synchronize movement to prevent premature signaling, with one arm obstructed from returning to its initial position, thus ensuring accurate detection of the locked state, and allowing for a modular design with the electric circuit only in one connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical circuits are arranged in both connector parts to detect locked state, then mating detection capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical circuit from one of the two connector parts and relocates it to a separate evaluation device. The connector retains only the mechanical locking structure and a simple contact element, while the circuit board with full electrical circuitry is placed in the evaluation device. This extraction reduces connector complexity while preserving mating detection capability through the connection between the connector contact and evaluation device circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate evaluation device that mediates between the mechanical locking action and the electrical detection system. The evaluation device contains the circuit board that evaluates whether the connector is properly mated by detecting the state of the contact element, serving as an intermediary that separates the mechanical and electrical functions into different components.
2Reliability
If electrical circuits are arranged in both connector parts, then mating detection capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the expensive electrical circuit from one connector part and places it in a separate evaluation device. This allows the connectors to be manufactured as simpler mechanical components without embedded circuitry, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining detection capability through the external evaluation device that connects to the connector via the contact element.
3Ease of operation
If contact arms are moved during mating process, then mechanical engagement is achieved, but premature signaling of locked state may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the resilient member deflect the contact element to a translocated position during the mating process before the locked state is actually achieved. This preliminary movement prepares the contact element for the final detection state, ensuring that when the resilient member returns to its initial position after locking, the contact element clearly indicates the locked state without premature signaling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a dynamic resilient member that changes position based on the mating state. The resilient member is deflected during mating and returns to its initial position when locked, dynamically controlling the contact element's position. This dynamic mechanism ensures the contact element only signals the locked state when the resilient member is in its initial position, preventing premature signaling during the mating process.
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
This solution provides a reliable and cost-effective mating detection system that prevents premature signaling of connection, ensuring accurate locked-state detection and simplifying production by eliminating the need for electrical circuits in both connector parts, while enabling adaptable signaling methods such as wireless transmission.
Implementation Method 1
The first locking feature comprises a resilient member, which is deflected by the second locking feature during a mating process, and which is released when the mating process is complete, establishing the locked state.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector arrangement having a connector and a corresponding mating connector, the connector including a housing and a first locking feature for latching with a corresponding second locking feature of the mating connector, the connector further including a mating detection device for detecting a locked state of the first locking feature with the second locking feature, and wherein the mating detection device comprises an electric circuit.