Electrical Connector Slot Geometry for Incompatible Mating Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors in multicouplers often face issues with incompatibility, leading to potential damage when attempting to connect incompatible components, as they lack mechanisms to prevent full engagement and subsequent damage during connection.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a configuration where a plug with a protrusion and a receptacle with angularly offset slots ensures compatibility and prevents full insertion, thereby preventing damage by ensuring only compatible components can form a secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electrical connectors are designed with universal compatibility, then ease of operation is improved, but risk of damage from incompatible connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs asymmetric slot configurations where compatible connectors have slots of different lengths (first slot longer than second slot) arranged at specific angles, creating a unique geometric signature that only matches its designated partner. This asymmetric design ensures that only the correct connector can be fully inserted, preventing incompatible connections while maintaining ease of operation for authorized pairings.
2Reliability
If connector slots are made longer to accommodate protrusions, then reliability of connection is improved, but compatibility with older connectors is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The slot configuration is segmented into multiple distinct slots (first slot and second slot) with different lengths and angular positions. This segmentation allows the connector to establish multiple discrete contact points with the protrusions, ensuring reliable electrical connection for compatible pairs while maintaining the ability to selectively engage with older connector variants that may only utilize certain slot positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design incorporates slots that extend beyond the minimum required length for basic functionality. This excessive action provides tolerance for manufacturing variations and ensures firm engagement, while the angular offset arrangement allows partial engagement scenarios where older connectors can still make sufficient contact for operational compatibility.
3Manufacturing precision
If angularly offset slots are used to ensure compatibility, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The angular offset between slots creates an asymmetric pattern that serves as a precise alignment mechanism. This asymmetric geometry naturally guides the connectors into correct orientation during insertion, with the angular relationship between slots and protrusions providing built-in alignment references that simplify the manufacturing tolerances required for achieving proper connection.
Data Source
AI summary
Connectors may include a first part and a second part that are adapted to be locked together. The first and second parts may include compatible features that provide one or more connections, such as electrical and hydraulic connections, when the first and second part are secured together.