Floating Connector Housing With Oblique Guides for Misalignment Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector devices cannot absorb positional deviation in a direction parallel to the connection direction between mating connectors.
Innovation Solution
A connector device with a movable member having a guide portion that guides the connection of housings while allowing relative displacement in a direction orthogonal to the connection direction, enabling absorption of positional deviation in a direction parallel to the connection direction through guide grooves and cam pins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a spring member is used to absorb positional deviation in orthogonal directions, then two-dimensional positional deviation is absorbed, but positional deviation in the connection direction cannot be absorbed
Solution Approach 1:
The movable member is designed to move dynamically between a connection start position and a connection completion position in a direction orthogonal to the connection direction. This dynamic movement allows the connector to adapt to positional deviations while maintaining connection functionality, resolving the limitation of static spring members that could only absorb deviation in orthogonal directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces movement in a third dimension (orthogonal direction) to solve a two-dimensional positioning problem. By allowing the movable member to shift position orthogonally to the connection direction, the system can compensate for positional deviations in the connection direction through geometric relationships, effectively adding a dimensional degree of freedom to absorb multi-directional misalignment.
2Ease of operation
If the movable member is formed with a guide portion extending in an oblique direction, then connection guidance is provided, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The movable member integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides connection guidance through the oblique guide portion, absorbs positional deviation through orthogonal movement, and enables the connection between housings. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate guidance mechanisms, overall simplifying the device despite the oblique geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide portion extends in an oblique direction rather than strictly parallel or perpendicular to the connection direction. This angular orientation creates a geometric pathway that naturally guides the connection process while accommodating positional deviations, using angular geometry to simplify the interaction between mating components.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector device includes a first housing fixed to a first base member, a second housing relatively displaceable with respect to a second base member, and a movable member mounted in the second base member and movable between a connection start position and a connection completion position in a direction orthogonal to a connection direction. The movable member includes first guide grooves and second guide grooves extending in a direction oblique to the connection direction. In the process of bringing the both base members closer, the both guide grooves connect the both housings while moving the movable member from the connection start position to the connection completion position. The both housings in a connection completed state are integrally relatively displaceable in a direction parallel to the connection direction with respect to the second base member in a state where the movable member reaches the connection completion position.