Detonator Assembly Compression Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detonator technologies face challenges in securely and reliably making electrical connections between conductors and printed circuit boards, particularly in maintaining a stable and sealed connection that prevents accidental disconnection.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly featuring a wedge-shaped housing with inclined faces, a locking member with a tapered cavity, and a seal that ensures conductors are clamped into electrical contact with contact pads on a printed circuit board, while a cover and seal provide additional security and sealing, preventing the cable from being pulled free.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple cable connection is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability of electrical connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: a cable assembly with conductors, a connector body with a clamping mechanism, and a sealing assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with optimized processes while ensuring reliable assembly and electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductors are pre-positioned within the connector body before final assembly, and the sealing elements are pre-installed to create a sealed environment. This preliminary action ensures that the electrical connection is established and protected before the connector is fully assembled, improving reliability without complicating the overall manufacturing process.
2Reliability
If a secure clamping mechanism is implemented, then reliability of electrical connection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping function is extracted as a separate, dedicated mechanism within the connector body, independent of the cable jacket retention function. This allows the clamping mechanism to be optimized for electrical connection reliability while being manufactured as a distinct component, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector body incorporates a self-adjusting clamping mechanism that automatically applies appropriate clamping force to the conductors upon assembly, eliminating the need for additional adjustment mechanisms or complex fastening systems. The sealing elements also self-seal when the connector is assembled, providing reliable sealing without complex actuation mechanisms.
3Reliability
If sealing elements are added to prevent cable disconnection, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged with the cable retention mechanism in the connector assembly. The same structural elements that secure the cable jacket also provide sealing, eliminating the need for separate sealing components and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining reliable connection and sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector body performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, secures the cable jacket, clamps the conductors for electrical connection, and provides sealing. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, making the assembly easier to manufacture while improving overall connection reliability.
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 solution ensures a secure, reliable, and sealed electrical connection between the conductors and the printed circuit board, preventing accidental disconnection and enhancing the physical bond between the cable and the housing, thus maintaining a stable electrical connection.
Implementation Method 1
the locking member is movable to an operative position thereby to urge the wedge-shaped part and the printed circuit board towards each other whereby the exposed ends of the conductors are clamped by the surface in electrical contact with respective ones of the contact pads
Implementation Method 2
a seal which is engaged with the cable and which bears against the locking member
Data Source
AI summary
A detonator (14) has a printed circuit board (18) with conductive contact pads (26) which are electrically connected to conductors (32, 34) by means of a compression-type fitting. The compression-type fitting includes a cover (40), a seal (46) and a locking member (54) through which the electrical conductors in the form of a cable (12) are slidably threaded in the stated order. The detonator (14) has at its trailing end (24) a wedge-shaped part (28) having a serrated surface (28A). Locking member (54) has a tapered cavity (56) having a serrated surface (56A). Cover (40) is slid along cable (12) to force locking member (54) into locking engagement with wedge-shaped part (28) to hold conductors (32, 34) in contact with contact pads (26).