Blind Connector Compensation Frame for Multi-Axis Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blind connection systems fail to accommodate significant misalignments along directions perpendicular to the insertion direction and do not compensate for misalignments along the insertion direction, limiting their effectiveness in ensuring secure electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
A blind connection system comprising a main connector, a secondary connector, and a compensation frame with elastic elements that generate a compensation force to induce displacement along the insertion direction, allowing for alignment and secure connection despite misalignments of up to ±4 mm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a blind connection system is used to enable automated connection without human assistance, then the ease of operation is improved, but the system cannot accommodate large misalignments along directions perpendicular to the insertion direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a compensation frame with elastic elements that enable dynamic adjustment during the connection process. The elastic elements allow the compensation frame to deform and adapt to misalignments, transforming a static rigid connection system into a dynamic one that can self-adjust to accommodate misalignments up to ±4 mm while maintaining automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and mechanical properties of the connection system by introducing elastic elements with specific stiffness characteristics. These elements allow the system to accommodate position deviations through elastic deformation, changing the connection parameters from fixed to variable within a certain range, thereby enabling adaptation to misalignments while preserving automated connection capability.
2Reliability
If a rigid connection system is used to ensure connection stability, then the reliability is improved, but the system cannot compensate for misalignments along the insertion direction
Solution Approach 1:
The compensation frame with elastic elements introduces dynamic compliance into the connection system. During the connection process, the elastic elements deform to accommodate misalignments along the insertion direction, then stabilize once connected, providing both adaptability during insertion and stability once connected.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic elements in the compensation frame act as a cushioning mechanism that anticipates and absorbs misalignment errors before the actual connection occurs. This beforehand cushioning allows the system to tolerate position deviations and non-parallelism without compromising the final connection stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the compensation frame with elastic elements is used to accommodate misalignments, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compensation frame acts as an intermediary component between the male and female connectors. It introduces elastic elements that mediate the connection process by absorbing misalignments, thereby enabling adaptability without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms in the connectors themselves. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system by concentrating the compliance function in a dedicated component.
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 system effectively compensates for large misalignments along any direction, ensuring a stable and secure electrical connection by using elastic elements to facilitate coaxial alignment and fine adjustments, thereby improving the reliability of blind connections.
Implementation Method 1
The compensation frame includes a plurality of elastic elements adapted to generate a compensation force and induce a displacement of at least one part of the main second connector along the insertion direction
Data Source
AI summary
A blind connection system includes a main first connector, a main second connector, and a compensation frame. The main second connector is adapted for insertion into the main first connector along an insertion direction. The compensation frame is arranged between the main first connector and the main second connector. The compensation frame includes a plurality of elastic elements adapted to generate a compensation force and induce a displacement of at least one part of the main second connector along the insertion direction.