Floating Connector Structure for Tolerance Alignment Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors lack a mechanism for quick and stable connection with force feedback, especially in environments where there are manufacturing or installation tolerances between components, leading to unstable connections and misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A floating connector design that includes a housing, a pipe, a base allowing longitudinal movement, and second floating springs for lateral and vertical flexibility, along with an indicator for force feedback through a switch mechanism to ensure stable connection and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fixed connection structure is used, then manufacturing precision can be maintained, but adaptability to installation tolerances deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a floating connection structure where the housing can move longitudinally relative to the base along the insertion direction. This dynamic mechanism allows the connector to adapt to installation tolerances by automatically adjusting its position, while maintaining reliable connection when properly inserted.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector changes its positional parameter by allowing the housing to float between a first longitudinal position (disengaged state) and a second longitudinal position (engaged state). This parameter change enables the system to adapt to varying installation conditions while maintaining connection precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a floating connection mechanism is added, then adaptability to installation tolerances improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into functionally independent segments: a base mounted to the first item, a housing containing the pipe, and floating springs. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while simplifying the overall design and assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
Floating springs are introduced as intermediary elements between the housing and the base. These springs mediate the connection by providing both the floating mechanism for adaptability and the force feedback for connection confirmation, without requiring complex mechanical structures.
3Reliability
If force feedback mechanism is implemented, then connection stability improves, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
An indicator mechanism provides force feedback to the user during insertion. When the housing reaches the second longitudinal position (properly engaged), the indicator changes state to confirm successful connection. This feedback loop ensures reliable connection while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive user guidance.
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
Enables quick and stable connections by accommodating tolerances through floating mechanisms and provides force feedback to ensure secure alignment and connection, enhancing usability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a first floating spring disposed between the base and the housing, and biasing the housing towards the second longitudinal position relative to the base
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of second floating springs arranged between an inner wall of the housing and an outer wall of the pipe along the lateral direction and the vertical direction, so as to allow a lateral floating, a vertical floating or a tilting floating of the pipe
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a connector. The connecter includes a housing; a pipe at least partially disposed in the housing; and a base mounted to a first item and disposed to the housing to allow the housing to float between a first longitudinal position and a second longitudinal position relative to the base, such that the pipe is connected to a second item in a floating manner along the longitudinal direction.