Self-adjusting Device Connector with Sliding Coupling for Tolerance Compensation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturing and assembly-related positional tolerances between movable electrical devices often lead to misalignment of device plugs and sockets, preventing effective electrical connections, especially in applications where components are articulated and movable, requiring a solution that compensates for these tolerances without restricting mobility or affecting service life.
Innovation Solution
A device connector with a sliding coupling that serves as a tolerance compensation mechanism, allowing for movement perpendicular to the sliding plane and providing a resilient sealing effect, which generates a holding force and ensures proper alignment and contact between the device plug and socket.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If rigid fixed-position connectors are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to positional tolerances deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the connector body movable relative to the housing wall through a sliding coupling mechanism. The connector can dynamically adjust its position within a tolerance range perpendicular to the sliding plane, transforming a static rigid connection into a dynamic adaptive connection that compensates for manufacturing and assembly tolerances while maintaining reliable electrical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positional parameter of the connector by allowing it to move perpendicular to the sliding plane within a defined tolerance range. This parameter change enables the connector to adapt to varying positions of the mating connector, compensating for tolerances in device mounting and assembly without requiring high-precision fixed positioning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tolerance compensation mechanisms are added, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tolerance compensation function with the connector body itself by integrating a sliding coupling mechanism directly into the connector structure. This combination allows the connector to compensate for tolerances through its own structural design rather than requiring separate external adjustment mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector performs self-alignment and self-adjustment through the sliding coupling mechanism, automatically compensating for positional tolerances during the mating process without requiring external adjustment devices or complex control systems. The structure serves its own alignment function, reducing the need for additional complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If movable connector design is implemented, then tolerance compensation is improved, but connection stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing guide elements that pre-align the movable connector with the mating connector before the final engagement. This preliminary alignment ensures that the sliding coupling moves along a controlled path and that the electrical contacts engage properly, maintaining connection stability while enabling tolerance compensation through the subsequent sliding motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding coupling acts as an intermediary element between the fixed housing and the movable connector. It mediates the transition from a fixed to a movable connection, allowing the connector to adjust its position while maintaining stable electrical contact through the controlled sliding motion and engagement with the housing wall.
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 sliding coupling effectively compensates for manufacturing and assembly-related tolerances, ensuring reliable and stable electrical connections while maintaining mobility and providing a sealing effect against environmental influences.
Implementation Method 1
a sliding coupling (9, 10) which is arranged between the housing wall (4, 5) and a fastening means (11, 12) in such a way that the connector (2, 3) can be moved via the sliding coupling (9, 10) relative to the housing wall (4, 5) in a sliding manner
Implementation Method 2
providing a resilient sealing effect, which generates a holding force and ensures proper alignment and contact between the device plug and socket
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The connector (1) has a connector plug (2) regulated by a fastening unit and a plug-side fastening unit for fastening to a housing wall (4). A device socket (3) is regulated by another fastening unit and a socket-side fastening unit for fastening to a housing wall (5). The plug and the socket are regulated by tolerance compensation elements for movably placing the plug and the socket at the walls such that the elements are designed as compressible slipping clutches in thickness. The clutches permit movable assembly parallel to a mounting plane of the connector.