Floating Connector Assembly Alignment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face challenges in aligning exterior electrical connectors with corresponding apertures in removable covers, affecting aesthetics and user access, especially as connectors shrink in size.
Innovation Solution
A floating connector assembly with a compliant coupling mechanism that includes alignment pins and sleeves, allowing the connector panel to move parallel to the housing and align with apertures in the cover, ensuring proper alignment and accessibility of connectors regardless of the cover's attachment status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the cover is fitted over the same surface as the electrical connectors, then the device has a compact structure, but the alignment between connectors and cover apertures becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces alignment pins as intermediary elements that mediate between the cover and the connector assembly. These pins protrude from the cover and engage with corresponding alignment features on the connector frame, serving as a mechanical intermediary that ensures precise alignment without requiring direct alignment between the cover apertures and connectors
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment pins are pre-positioned on the cover before the connector assembly is installed. This preliminary positioning establishes the correct alignment reference in advance, allowing the connector assembly to be accurately positioned relative to the cover apertures during assembly
2Volume of moving object
If electrical connectors reduce in size, then the device becomes more compact, but alignment with cover apertures becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment pins serve as scaled intermediary elements that are proportionally adapted to smaller connector sizes. Even as connectors shrink in volume, the alignment pins provide a mechanical reference that maintains alignment precision, allowing compact connectors to remain accurately positioned relative to cover apertures
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment mechanism uses asymmetric features such as keyed alignment openings or non-circular pin profiles that provide unique orientation references. This asymmetry ensures that even miniature connectors can be aligned with precise angular and positional orientation relative to the cover apertures
3Stability of the object's composition
If the connector is fixed rigidly to the housing, then the connector position is stable, but alignment with cover apertures cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is designed with dynamic characteristics through compliant couplings that allow controlled movement. The connector can shift position within a certain range to accommodate variations in cover positioning, while still maintaining stable electrical connections. This dynamic capability enables alignment adjustment without compromising connection stability
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant coupling mechanism allows the connector position parameters to change within acceptable tolerances. The coupling absorbs positional variations by allowing small movements in the connector assembly, effectively changing the position parameters to maintain alignment with cover apertures while preserving stable electrical contact
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a housing having a front wall and a floating connector assembly coupled to the front wall. The connector assembly includes a panel and a connector. The connector includes a frame attached to the panel and defines first and second alignment openings. A sleeve extends from the frame and extends through the front wall. A removable cover for the electronic device includes first and second connector alignment pins that align with the first and second alignment openings to align the connector sleeve with a connector aperture defined by the cover. The first and second connector alignment pins and the first and second alignment openings can each include tapered portions to move the connector assembly into alignment with the connector aperture as the cover is attached with the housing.