Connector With Sensor For Secure Association
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanical connectors for securing components, such as kill-switch systems in boats, lack robustness and reliability in extreme environments, leading to safety concerns and accidents, as they are not adequately resistant to temperature variations, mishandling, and exposure to harsh conditions like rain and salt-spray.
Innovation Solution
A connector system comprising a male key-like member and a female connector body with a slot and channel configuration, utilizing magnetic or optical sensing to ensure correct association, and featuring a biasing mechanism to securely position the connector elements, with options for magnetic or optical fiber-based sensors and an alarm system to prevent equipment operation when not properly connected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical connector is made rugged and robust for extreme environments, then resistance to temperature variations and harsh conditions improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate male and female elements with distinct functional zones. The male element contains a distal element for insertion, a stem for cord association, and a head portion. The female element has a body with slot, aperture, and channel structures. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for environmental robustness while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal element of the male connector is inserted into and nested within the channel of the female connector body. The stem is received within the slot, creating a nested configuration that provides structural stability and protection against environmental factors while maintaining a compact overall form factor.
2Reliability
If a sensor system is added to confirm correct association, then safety and reliability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is integrated into the connector structure itself. The sensor is positioned within the female connector body to detect the presence or position of the male connector element. The switch mechanism is combined with the mechanical association confirmation, so that correct physical connection automatically triggers the safety confirmation without requiring separate complex sensing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector system performs self-verification of correct association through the sensor detecting the mechanical engagement state. The switch automatically confirms proper connection based on the physical positioning of connector elements, eliminating the need for external monitoring systems or complex user verification procedures.
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 connector system ensures secure and reliable operation in harsh conditions, providing a safety mechanism that prevents accidental start-ups of vehicles or equipment, enhancing safety by ensuring correct association of components and providing a warning or shutdown in case of improper connection.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing magnetic or optical sensing to ensure correct association
Implementation Method 2
utilizing magnetic or optical sensing to ensure correct association
Implementation Method 3
featuring a biasing mechanism to securely position the connector elements
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a male, key-like member that is operably received in a female connector body. The key-like member includes a stem for operative association with a cord or other body and a distal element. The female connector has a body defining a proximal portion for operative association with a cord or other body and a slot extending along a surface of the body to an aperture for receiving a distal element of a first connector element. A first inside channel extends from the slot at a distal end of the connector to a depth from the surface of the slot. A second inside channel extends from the aperture to the first channel. One of the first and second connectors is provided with a sensor. The sensor indicates that the first connector element is located at the distal portion of the inside channel.