Connector Spring Mechanism Prevents Unintended Energization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical component connectors often face issues with unintended energization during engagement and disengagement, leading to potential damage due to incorrect alignment and sequential coupling challenges, necessitating a solution to ensure safe and reliable electrical coupling.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a coupling confirmation circuit and a fastener mechanism that prevents energization until complete mechanical coupling is achieved, using a spring member to ensure the conductive pad contacts the housing only when the connectors are securely engaged, and deenergizes before disengagement, avoiding the need for custom connectors or separate detection hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connectors are energized during engagement, then power and data transmission can begin, but unintended energization may cause damage due to incorrect alignment or sequential coupling issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by ensuring mechanical coupling is fully achieved before energization occurs. The system performs the coupling action first (mechanical engagement), then subsequently performs the energization action (power/data transmission), preventing unintended energization during the coupling process itself
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through coupling confirmation circuits that detect whether connectors are fully engaged before allowing energization. The system continuously monitors the coupling state and only permits power and data transmission when full engagement is confirmed, thereby ensuring safety without significantly impacting engagement speed
2Reliability
If custom connectors or separate detection hardware are used to prevent unintended energization, then safety is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the coupling confirmation function directly into the existing connector structure. The coupling confirmation circuits are integrated with the connector terminals and housing, eliminating the need for separate detection hardware while maintaining the safety function of preventing unintended energization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the connector multi-functional by having it simultaneously perform mechanical coupling, electrical connection, and coupling confirmation functions. The same connector structure that provides physical and electrical connection also includes the means to detect proper engagement, eliminating the need for custom connectors or additional specialized components
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 ensures that electrical components remain deenergized until fully engaged, preventing damage during coupling and decoupling, and eliminates the need for custom connectors or additional detection hardware, enhancing safety and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
A spring member is positioned between the housing and the circuit board. The spring member may be movable between a first configuration and a second configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a housing with a conductive surface. A circuit board may be positioned within the housing. The circuit board includes a deflectable portion that may be movable relative to the housing. A conductive pad is positioned on the deflectable portion of the circuit board. A spring member is positioned between the housing and the circuit board. The spring member may be movable between a first configuration and a second configuration. The conductive pad of the circuit board may be spaced away from the conductive surface of the housing by the spring member in the first configuration and in contact with the conductive surface of the housing with the spring member in the second configuration.