Docking System With Elastic Rail Portions For Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing docking systems for electronics modules, such as PCBs, face challenges in achieving accurate alignment during sliding movement, which can lead to connector damage and mechanical tolerance issues, and are prone to damage from shock or vibration.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a docking system with first and second rails featuring elongated guide slots and elastic structures that engage the electronics module's guide portions, resisting movement perpendicular to the sliding direction and providing accurate alignment and retention force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sliding movement is used to dock the electronics module, then the docking process is simplified, but accurate alignment between connectors is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces elastic structures that change their physical state (from relaxed to compressed) during the docking process. These elastic structures dynamically adjust the spacing between rails, transforming the rigid fixed-spacing design into a flexible system that can adapt to tolerance variations while maintaining accurate connector alignment.
2Device complexity
If fixed rails are used to guide the electronics module, then structural simplicity is maintained, but resistance to shock and vibration is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static fixed rail structure into a dynamic system with elastic structures that can deform and absorb external forces. The elastic structures enable the rail spacing to adjust dynamically under shock or vibration loads, maintaining connector alignment and preventing damage while preserving overall structural simplicity.
3Ease of manufacture
If rigid rail spacing is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but mechanical tolerance problems increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed rigid spacing with adjustable spacing enabled by elastic structures. This allows the system to accommodate manufacturing tolerances in rail positioning by dynamically adjusting the effective spacing during docking, maintaining connection accuracy without requiring extremely precise manufacturing of the rail positions themselves.
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
This solution ensures more accurate docking, reduces the risk of damage during installation and from vibrations, and minimizes mechanical tolerance problems, enhancing the reliability and accuracy of the connection.
Implementation Method 1
A first elastic structure is located on the first rail. The first elastic structure has a first engagement portion extending into the elongated guide slot of the first rail. A second elastic structure is located on the second rail. The second elastic structure has a second engagement portion extending into the elongated guide slot of the second rail.
Data Source
AI summary
A docking system for facilitating a connection of an electronics module to a mating connector comprises first and second rails. Each rail has an elongated guide slot for receiving a corresponding guide portion of the electronics module during sliding movement of the electronics module toward the mating connector. A first elastic structure is located on the first rail. The first elastic structure has a first engagement portion extending into the elongated guide slot of the first rail. A second elastic structure is located on the second rail. The second elastic structure has a second engagement portion extending into the elongated guide slot of the second rail. The first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are configured to engage the guide portions of the electronics module and to resist movement of the guide portions in a direction generally perpendicular to the sliding movement of the electronics module.