Floating Connector Modules for Accurate High-Speed Terminal Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed connector systems often experience misalignment of modules during mating, which prevents proper mating of terminals and hinders efficient data transfer.
Innovation Solution
The high-speed connector system incorporates a male and female connector design with modules that utilize a ball joint mechanism, allowing the modules to float relative to the connectors. This design includes rounded nubs on the module walls that engage with the connector walls, enabling the modules to align and rotate for proper mating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If modules are rigidly fixed in connectors, then manufacturing precision is improved, but alignment accuracy during mating deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The module is designed with a ball joint mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment during mating. The rounded nub on the module engages with a corresponding cavity in the connector, enabling the module to rotate and align itself automatically during the mating process, transitioning from a static fixed position to a dynamic self-aligning position.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball joint mechanism enables the module to self-align during mating without external intervention. The rounded nub naturally rotates within the cavity until the correct alignment is achieved, allowing the system to correct its own positioning errors automatically.
2Measurement precision
If modules are allowed to float relative to connectors, then alignment accuracy during mating is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of complex active alignment mechanisms, the patent uses a simple ball joint with a rounded nub and cavity that provides dynamic self-alignment. This passive mechanical design allows the module to float and rotate freely during mating, achieving alignment through natural mechanical interaction rather than controlled actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball joint mechanism is self-aligning and requires no external control systems, sensors, or actuators. The rounded nub automatically finds its correct position within the cavity through rotation during mating, eliminating the need for complex alignment control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A high-speed connector system includes a male connector and a female connector which are configured to be coupled together. Each connector includes a housing and a module. Each housing houses a plurality of electrical terminals in terminal receiving passageways and has walls defining a module receiving passage in which the module is seated. Each module is configured to receive an electrical terminal, and has a plurality of rounded nubs on walls forming the module which are engaged with walls forming the module receiving passage. The nubs space the module from the walls of the module receiving passage and form a ball joint to allow floating of the module relative to the housing.