Floating Connector Cartridge for Misalignment-Tolerant Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector assemblies suffer from damage due to misalignment and improper mating, leading to potential destruction of conductive elements and increased risk of cable squeeze.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge with a floating mechanism that allows electrical connectors to move in three axes, featuring guiding mechanisms and biasing assemblies to ensure precise alignment and prevent damage during mating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If electrical connectors are fixed rigidly in connector chambers, then manufacturing precision and assembly simplicity are improved, but misalignment damage and cable squeeze risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing rigid fixed connectors with floating connectors that can move dynamically in the X, Y, and Z axes. Each connector is equipped with a biasing assembly (spring mechanism) that allows it to float and self-align during mating, absorbing misalignment forces and preventing damage to conductive elements and cables.
2Reliability
If floating mechanisms are added to allow connector movement, then damage prevention and alignment tolerance are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the connector system into independent floating units, each with its own biasing assembly and guiding mechanisms. This modular approach isolates the complexity into individual connector modules rather than requiring a complex overall system, making each unit independently adjustable and replaceable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces floating movement in multiple dimensions (X, Y, and Z axes) to solve the alignment problem. The guiding mechanisms constrain movement to specific directions while allowing adjustment in other dimensions, adding degrees of freedom to accommodate misalignment without requiring overly complex positioning systems.
3Measurement precision
If guiding mechanisms are implemented for multi-axis movement, then mating precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding mechanisms work in conjunction with the floating biasing assemblies to dynamically guide connectors into precise alignment during the mating process. The guides provide constraint paths while the floating mechanism allows for self-adjustment, achieving high mating precision through a combination of constraint and freedom rather than rigid precision manufacturing.
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 ensures precise alignment and reduces the risk of connector damage and cable squeeze by allowing flexible movement of connectors, enhancing mating precision and reducing impact between adjacent connectors.
Implementation Method 1
at least one biasing assembly disposed behind each of the electrical connectors and pushing forwards the electrical connector in the mating axis
Data Source
AI summary
A cartridge includes: plural connector chambers arranged in a first axis; plural electrical connectors received in the connector chambers respectively, each of the electrical connectors having a mating axis, a connector housing, an array of conductive elements retained in the connector housing, and a mating guide immovably disposed on the connector housing; and at least one biasing assembly disposed behind each of the electrical connectors and pushing forwards the electrical connector in the mating axis, wherein the cartridge further includes plural guiding mechanisms each allowing a corresponding connector housing to move in the first axis and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis.