Floating Connector Alignment in Rotating Inverter Connection Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing electrical connection box design causes burden and potential damage to connectors when they are connected, as the mounting body rotates relative to the connection box body, leading to an inclined connection state.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus unit features a connection structure where the second frame member rotates towards the first frame member, utilizing engaging portions and floating connectors to avoid burden on the connectors, with the engaging position acting as a pivot point, ensuring the connectors connect without stress and are securely fixed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the mounting body rotates relative to the connection box body to connect connectors, then the connection structure is simplified and miniaturized, but the connectors are subjected to burden and potential damage due to inclined connection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection structureVSAvoidconnector durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the connector body movable relative to the mounting body through a sliding mechanism. The connector can dynamically adjust its position along the sliding direction during the rotation process, allowing it to maintain proper alignment and avoid inclined connection even as the mounting body rotates. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by enabling both rotation-based connection and proper connector alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a sliding mechanism as an intermediary element between the connector and the mounting body. This sliding mechanism acts as a mediator that absorbs the misalignment caused by rotation, allowing the connector to slide and adjust its position to maintain proper connection orientation. The intermediary sliding mechanism enables the system to achieve both rotation-based connection simplification and connector protection from damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If the mounting body rotates relative to the connection box body, then the connection structure is simplified, but the connectors experience inclined connection state causing burden

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection structureVSAvoidconnector stress
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding mechanism enables the connector to dynamically adjust its position during rotation, maintaining proper alignment and avoiding inclined connection. This dynamic capability simplifies the overall connection structure while preventing stress on the connector, as the connector can freely slide to accommodate the rotation without experiencing forced inclined connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the positional parameter of the connector by allowing it to slide along a specific direction. This parameter change enables the connector to maintain optimal connection orientation throughout the rotation process, thereby simplifying the connection structure while avoiding the generation of stress or pressure on the connector components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If the connector is fixed during rotation, then the connection structure is stable, but the inclined connection causes damage to the connector

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidconnector integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by making the connector dynamically adjustable through a sliding mechanism rather than completely fixed. The connector can slide to maintain proper alignment during rotation, ensuring both connection stability and connector integrity. The sliding mechanism provides just enough freedom of movement to prevent damage while maintaining stable connection throughout the rotation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The sliding mechanism acts as a cushioning element that prevents the inclined connection damage before it can occur. By allowing the connector to slide and adjust its position in advance during the rotation process, the mechanism cushions against the misalignment forces that would otherwise cause damage, thereby maintaining both connection stability and connector integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP3209100B1Connection structure and apparatus unit
Publication Date: 2021.06.23 OMRON CORP
  • EP3209100B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3209100B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3209100B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

The present invention provides a connection structure and an apparatus unit that can avoid damage to connectors when the connectors are caused to be connected to each other. Through rotation of a first option unit (30) towards an inverter body (10), the connection structure connects a first connector (12) disposed in the inverter body (10) and a second connector (32) disposed in the first option unit (30), and the first connector (12) and the second connector (32) are floating connectors.