Floating Cable Connector Mounting for Panel Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face issues with connector misalignment leading to damage and reduced signal integrity due to mechanical loading and the need for special tools for mounting, which increases complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly with a frame and mounting assembly that allows limited floating movement and rearward compression, using a shaft, biasing member, and support element to align and secure the connector relative to a panel, accommodating misalignment and preventing damage during mating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical assist devices are used to plug the server card into the chassis, then the mating operation can be assisted, but damage to the electrical connector may occur
Solution Approach 1:
A lever mechanism is introduced as an intermediary device between the operator and the connector. The lever provides mechanical advantage to facilitate the mating operation while distributing the force to prevent damage to the connector components.
2Reliability
If electrical connectors are mounted in a rack with special tools or mounting hardware, then proper mounting is achieved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector housing incorporates self-aligning features including a locating opening that receives a shaft, and a biasing member that automatically positions the connector during mounting. These features enable the connector to self-align and secure itself without requiring special tools or complex mounting hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure includes a shaft that can move within a locating opening, and a biasing member that provides dynamic adjustment capability. This allows the connector to float and self-align during installation, simplifying the mounting process while ensuring proper positioning.
3Manufacturing precision
If connectors are rigidly fixed to the panel, then positioning is precise, but misalignment damage cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is mounted with a shaft that can move within a locating opening, and a biasing member that allows the connector to float and self-align. This dynamic mounting structure accommodates misalignment while maintaining precise positioning during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member is pre-loaded to provide a cushioning force that absorbs misalignment stresses before they can damage the connector. This allows the connector to accommodate positioning variations without suffering damage.
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 proper alignment and secure mounting of connectors, reducing damage and maintaining signal integrity while simplifying the installation process without specialized tools.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing member forward biasing the cable connector and is compressible in a rearward compression direction parallel to the mating direction to allow the connector holder and the cable connector to move rearward relative to the panel
Implementation Method 2
The shaft configured to be received in a locating opening, wherein the shaft is undersized relative to the locating opening to allow a limited amount of floating movement in the locating opening in a float direction perpendicular to the mating direction
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly includes a connector holder having a frame holding a cable connector in a connector chamber. The cable connector includes a connector housing holding contact assemblies. The connector assembly includes a mounting assembly for mounting the connector holder to a panel. The mounting assembly includes a shaft, a biasing member operably coupled between the connector holder and the shaft, and a support element configured to be operably coupled between the shaft and the panel to support the shaft relative to the panel. The shaft is received in a locating opening and is undersized relative to the locating opening to allow a limited amount of floating movement in the locating opening in a float direction perpendicular to the mating direction to allow the connector holder and the cable connector to move relative to the panel.