Battery Connector Probe Alignment With Retractable Detection Pin

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connector inspection devices often fail to couple correctly to connectors, leading to damage or improper inspection due to misalignment, and lack protection for detection members during coupling.

Innovation Solution

A connector inspection device with movable body portions that adjust coupling position and direction, featuring a detection member that protrudes only when correctly aligned with the connector, protected by elastic compression members.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the connector inspection device is inserted and coupled to the connector, then inspection of electrical signal transmission can be performed, but misalignment may occur causing damage to the probe pin or improper inspection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection accuracyVSAvoidcoupling alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The probe pin is designed to be movable relative to the housing, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position during coupling. The elastic element enables the probe pin to flex and adapt to misalignment, transforming a static rigid structure into a dynamic adaptive one that can accommodate positioning variations while maintaining reliable electrical contact

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic element positioned between the probe pin and housing provides beforehand cushioning against misalignment forces. This pre-positioned elastic component absorbs shock and compensates for positioning errors before they can cause damage to the probe pin or improper inspection, ensuring reliable coupling even when alignment is not perfect

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Ease of operation

If the detection member is exposed during coupling, then electrical connection can be established, but the detection member is vulnerable to damage from external factors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling capabilityVSAvoiddetection member protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The detection member transitions from a protected retracted state to an exposed functional state dynamically during the coupling process. The elastic element enables this dynamic transformation, allowing the detection member to remain protected by the housing during storage and transport, then extend when needed for coupling and inspection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The housing structure provides preliminary protection against harmful external factors by enclosing the detection member before coupling occurs. This pre-protective structure prevents damage during handling and storage, while still allowing the detection member to be exposed when properly coupled to perform its inspection function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

Prevents damage to detection members and ensures proper inspection performance by ensuring proper alignment and protects detection members from external factors during coupling.

Implementation Method 1

a probe pin (121) connected to the connector (C) and having a detection function; and an elastic element (122) positioned between the probe pin (121) and the housing (110),

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4664134A1Connector inspection apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP4664134A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4664134A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4664134A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A connector inspection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is an inspection device connected to a connector of a battery module and inspecting the performance of the connector, may include a first body portion; a second body portion having one surface connected to one surface of the first body portion; a third body portion that has one surface connected to the other surface of the second body portion and includes a detection member connected to the connector and receiving an electrical signal from the connector; and a fourth body portion having one surface facing the other surface of the third body portion, having the detection member located therein, and being movable toward the third body portion, wherein the second body portion, the third body portion and the fourth body portion may be movable along one surface of the first body portion.