Floating Multipole Connector Alignment for Misaligned Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical multipole connector arrangements face challenges in ensuring proper alignment and secure connection, especially when connectors are misaligned during the mating process.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an electrical multipole connector arrangement where at least one connector is supported in a floating manner, enabled by an elastic or spring-loaded support, allowing for compensation of misalignment during the mating process. This floating support is provided by tapered springs or platforms, which restrict movement and guide the connector into a predefined position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If connectors are rigidly fixed in position, then alignment precision is improved, but adaptability to misalignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with a floating support mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment during the mating process. The elastic or spring-loaded support enables the connector to move and adapt its position, transforming a static rigid structure into a dynamic system that can compensate for misalignment while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support mechanism changes the physical state of the connector from fixed to movable by introducing elastic or spring-loaded elements. This parameter change allows the connector to adjust its position and orientation, enabling it to accommodate misalignment while maintaining proper terminal engagement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If floating support is introduced to compensate misalignment, then adaptability to misalignment is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire connector system complex and adjustable, the invention applies the floating support mechanism only to specific parts of the connector that require adjustment. This localized application of complexity allows misalignment compensation while keeping the rest of the system simple and straightforward.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic or spring-loaded support mechanism is designed to automatically adjust and compensate for misalignment without requiring external control or complex actuation systems. The mechanism self-regulates during the mating process, eliminating the need for additional control electronics or complex mechanical systems.
3Ease of operation
If tapered protrusion or recess is used to guide alignment, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered protrusion or recess is designed to provide gradual guidance and alignment during the mating process. The taper acts as a cushioning feature that absorbs misalignment errors and guides the connectors into proper alignment, reducing the impact of manufacturing tolerances while maintaining ease of operation.
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
This solution effectively ensures secure and reliable connections even when connectors are slightly misaligned, by allowing for compensation and alignment during the mating process, thus enhancing the robustness and reliability of the connector arrangement.
Implementation Method 1
the floating support of the connector is provided by an elastic or spring-loaded support of the connector
Implementation Method 2
the spring-loaded support is provided by at least one tapered spring
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
The invention relates to an Electrical multipole connector arrangement for connecting at least three terminals (TRM) of a first (CNF) connector (CNC) to an equivalent number of terminals (TRM) of a second (CNS) connector (CNC), when both connectors (CNC) are plugged into each other, wherein the first (CNF) connector (CNC) has a recess (RCS), and the second (CNS) connector (CNC) has a protrusion (PRT), both of which interlock when plugged in, wherein at least either the protrusion (PRT) or the recess (RCS) or both are so tapered (TPS) that even if both connectors (CNC) are to some extent misaligned during the beginning of the mating process, the protrusion (PRT) meets the recess (RCS). It is proposed, that at least one of both connectors (CNC) is supported (SPT) in a floating manner to enable compensation of a misalignment during the mating process.