Female Connector Assembly With Multi-Axis Blind-Mating Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing self-adaptive structure for the female terminal of blind mating connectors has a narrow adjustment range, leading to potential connection failures and malfunctions due to manufacturing or installation errors.
Innovation Solution
A female terminal assembly with a centering structure and an elastic device that allows for adjustable alignment and movement in multiple directions, including perpendicular and parallel to the insertion direction, using a compression spring and locking screw rod for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single elastic structure is installed at the female terminal for self-adaptive connection, then the structure complexity is reduced, but the self-adaptive adjustment range becomes narrow leading to connection failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the elastic structure into two independent components: a centering structure for lateral adjustment (perpendicular to insertion direction) and an elastic device for axial adjustment (parallel to insertion direction). This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one direction of adjustment, achieving comprehensive six-degree-of-freedom adaptability while keeping individual component designs simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal adjustment system where the centering structure and elastic device work together to provide multi-directional adaptability. The centering structure handles lateral misalignments while the elastic device handles axial misalignments and impact damping, creating a multi-functional system that addresses all common connection errors.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the female terminal is made rigid for stable connection, then the connection stability is improved, but the self-adaptive adjustment capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic elements (elastic device with compression spring, flexible centering structure) that allow the female terminal assembly to adapt its rigidity during the connection process. The structure is flexible during insertion to accommodate misalignments, then becomes stable once connected, achieving both adaptability and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the rigidity parameter of the female terminal assembly dynamically through the elastic device. During insertion, the compression spring allows axial movement and absorption of impact forces. After connection, the system transitions to a stable state, achieving parameter change from flexible to rigid.
3Device complexity
If the centering structure and elastic device are integrated into a single component, then the device complexity is reduced, but the female terminal port may tilt during position adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning and damping functions into separate components: the centering structure handles lateral positioning while the elastic device handles axial damping. This separation prevents interference between functions and eliminates the tilting problem that would occur with integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a connecting seat as an intermediary component that couples the female terminal, centering structure, and elastic device. This mediator coordinates the actions of the centering structure and elastic device, ensuring they work together without causing tilting while maintaining functional independence.
4Device complexity
If no elastic device is provided for axial movement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the impact force during insertion cannot be damped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a compression spring-based elastic device in advance to cushion the impact force that occurs during insertion. The spring is pre-configured to absorb axial impact forces before they can cause damage, providing beforehand cushioning against the harmful impact effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful impact force into beneficial elastic deformation of the compression spring. The impact energy that would otherwise damage components is transformed into spring compression, which then releases energy to maintain stable connection, turning harm into benefit.
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
Enhances the self-adaptive adjustment range, ensuring reliable and stable connections by preventing tilting and damping impact forces, thereby improving insertion reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the centering structure can be elastically deformed when the female terminal is subjected to a force perpendicular to the insertion direction
Implementation Method 2
connected to the connecting seat by an elastic device that is elastically deformable in the insertion direction, so that, when the female terminal is subjected to a backward force in the insertion direction, the elastic device is elastically deformed to move the connecting seat relative to the mounting seat in the insertion direction
Implementation Method 3
the elastic device includes a compression spring, which is abutted between the connection seat and the mounting seat
Data Source
AI summary
A female end assembly is provided, including a female end used to mate, by means of plugging, with a male end forwards in a plugging direction; a connecting seat. The female end and the connecting seat are connected by centering structures, such that when the female end is subjected to an acting force perpendicular to the plugging direction, the centering structures can elastically deform to move the female end relative to the connecting seat in a direction perpendicular to the plugging direction; and a mounting seat, the connecting seat and the mounting seat are connected by means of elastic devices capable of elastically deforming in the plugging direction, such that when the female end is subjected to a backward acting force in the plugging direction, the elastic devices can elastically deform to make the connecting seat move relative to the mounting seat in plugging direction.