Dynamic Connector Assembly for Impact-Resistant Electrical Contact

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Solution Overview

Problem

Standard electronic connectors are prone to damage from high impacts and loads, leading to reduced service life due to rigid connections that break under stress, especially in rugged and mobile environments.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic connector design featuring a movable pluggable connector relative to a housing, with protrusions and slots, and conductive contact springs that absorb impact while maintaining electrical communication, allowing the connector to move laterally and vertically without disconnecting from the substrate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid connection is used between the connector and substrate, then structural stability is improved, but the connector becomes prone to damage from high impacts and loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidimpact resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector employs a dynamic design where the connector body can move relative to the substrate through protrusions sliding in slots, transforming the rigid static connection into a dynamic system that adapts to impact forces while maintaining electrical connectivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connector changes its positional parameters under impact by allowing the connector body to displace relative to the substrate, absorbing impact energy through controlled movement rather than rigid resistance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the connector is made movable to absorb impact, then impact resistance is improved, but electrical connection stability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoidelectrical connection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The protrusions and slots act as intermediary elements that guide and constrain the movement of the connector body, ensuring that displacement occurs in a controlled manner while maintaining continuous electrical contact with the substrate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded protrusions provide pre-compression force that cushions the connector body against impact forces, absorbing shock before it reaches the electrical contacts and maintaining stable connection during movement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If spring-loaded protrusions are added to enable movement, then impact absorption is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact absorptionVSAvoidconnector structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-loaded protrusions serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide electrical contact, enable guided movement, absorb impact forces, and maintain connection stability, eliminating the need for separate components for each function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 dynamic connector effectively absorbs high impacts, preventing damage to the connecting device and ensuring reliable electrical communication, even under extreme conditions, thereby enhancing the durability and longevity of electronic devices.

Implementation Method 1

the second portion of the at least one electrical conductor comprises a conductor contact spring configured to maintain electrical communication between the pluggable connector and the substrate while the pluggable connector moves relative to the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the connector assembly further comprises one or more housing support springs positioned between one or more of the plurality of lateral sides of the pluggable connector and the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP4274030A1Dynamic connector for impact resistance
Publication Date: 2023.11.08 HAND HELD PRODS INC
  • EP4274030A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4274030A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4274030A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An example dynamic connector as an absorber of impacts, is provided. An example dynamic connector includes a housing configured to engage a substrate. In addition, the example dynamic connector includes a pluggable connector having at least one electrical conductor. In an instance in which the housing is engaged with the substrate, a dynamic connector may allow the pluggable connector to move relative to the substrate while maintaining electrical communication between the at least one electrical conductor and the substrate. In another example, a circuit board assembly including a dynamic connector for impact resistance is provided. Further, an example electronic device including a dynamic connector as an absorber for impacts is provided.