Elastic Electrical Connector Assembly for Vibration-Stable Coffee Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connections in beverage preparation machines, such as coffee machines, are prone to reliability issues due to vibration and thermal expansion, leading to potential safety concerns and increased maintenance complexity, especially with the risk of incorrect wire connections.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a specialized electrical connector with adjustable contact zones and a fixing part that compensates for vibrations and thermal expansions, ensuring secure and reliable connections over time, along with a method for easy assembly and disassembly using a gripping tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If Faston lug type terminals are used for electrical connections, then the assembly is simple, but the reliability of connection deteriorates due to vibrations and thermal expansions
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector is designed with elastic deformation capability, allowing it to dynamically adapt to vibrations and thermal expansions while maintaining reliable electrical contact. The connector body can elastically deform to compensate for relative movements between components, preventing connection failure under dynamic conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector utilizes changes in physical parameters (elastic deformation) to maintain connection reliability. By allowing controlled deformation within elastic limits, the connector adapts to dimensional changes caused by thermal expansion and vibration, ensuring continuous reliable contact despite environmental variations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple terminals are used for numerous electrical components, then the electrical circuit coverage is complete, but the risk of incorrect connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector system is segmented into multiple independent connector units, each handling specific electrical connections. This segmentation allows for modular assembly where each connector can be independently positioned and secured, reducing the complexity of managing numerous terminals and minimizing the risk of incorrect connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates preliminary positioning features such as guide ribs and corresponding guide grooves that pre-align the connector with the housing before final insertion. This preliminary action ensures correct orientation and positioning, preventing incorrect connections even when multiple terminals are involved.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the electrical connector is fixed rigidly in the housing, then the positioning is stable, but the effect of vibrations and thermal expansions cannot be compensated
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector is designed with elastic deformation capability, allowing it to dynamically adapt to vibrations and thermal expansions while maintaining reliable electrical contact. The connector body can elastically deform to compensate for relative movements between components, preventing connection failure under dynamic conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector utilizes changes in physical parameters (elastic deformation) to maintain connection reliability. By allowing controlled deformation within elastic limits, the connector adapts to dimensional changes caused by thermal expansion and vibration, ensuring continuous reliable contact despite environmental variations.
4Reliability
If the connector allows elastic deformation for compensation, then the reliability under stress is improved, but the positioning precision during assembly may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates preliminary positioning features such as guide ribs and corresponding guide grooves that pre-align the connector with the housing before final insertion. This preliminary action ensures correct orientation and positioning, preventing incorrect connections even when multiple terminals are involved.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connector is designed with elastic deformation capability, allowing it to dynamically adapt to vibrations and thermal expansions while maintaining reliable electrical contact. The connector body can elastically deform to compensate for relative movements between components, preventing connection failure under dynamic conditions.
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 provides reliable and long-lasting electrical connections, simplifies maintenance, and reduces the risk of incorrect connections, enhancing the overall reliability and safety of beverage preparation machines.
Implementation Method 1
This application of the contact zones is also carried out by elastic deformation of the connector at these locations so that the effect of vibrations and thermal expansions are compensated.
Implementation Method 2
an electrical component can be a heating element such as a resistance producing heat when supplied with electricity
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~7
AI summary
The invention relates to an electric module for a drink preparation machine, comprising at least a first electric member intended to be connected to at least a second electric member by means of an electric connector (1). The invention is characterised in that the electric connector (1) is provided with: first and second contact zones that can be applied elastically against the first and second electric members respectively, and a securing part (2) provided with means for securing same in a housing (13) in the module. The invention is especially suitable for hot drink preparation machines and, in particular, for espresso coffee machines.