Floating Connector Ring Biasing for Compact Electrical Contact

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing floating electrical connectors are complex and costly, often requiring multiple biasing washers and components that complicate manufacturing and increase space requirements.

Innovation Solution

A simplified floating electrical connector design featuring a mounting component and a mating component with a floating ring, utilizing elastic biasing elements that are fixed to one component, allowing for a more compact and cost-effective structure by eliminating the need for additional parts like a collar bolt.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple biasing washers and components are used to ensure reliable electrical contact, then contact reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical contact reliabilityVSAvoidconnector structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple biasing washers and biasing components into a single integrated elastic biasing element. This element simultaneously provides the biasing force and structural support that previously required separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining contact reliability through its elastic properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic biasing element serves multiple functions: it provides biasing force to maintain electrical contact, acts as a structural component defining the gap, and replaces the need for separate collar bolts and washers. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of parts while ensuring reliable electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If multiple biasing components are used to maintain electrical contact, then contact stability is improved, but manufacturing cost and production complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical contact stabilityVSAvoidconnector manufacturing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple manufacturing steps and components into a single elastic biasing element that can be produced as one piece. This reduces assembly operations and manufacturing complexity while maintaining contact stability through the element's inherent elastic properties that ensure consistent biasing force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic biasing element is designed to automatically maintain electrical contact through its own elastic deformation without requiring additional adjustment mechanisms or multiple components. The element self-regulates the contact pressure, simplifying manufacturing while ensuring stable electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If traditional biasing components are used, then electrical connection is maintained, but space requirements and connector size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidconnector volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic biasing element is positioned within the gap between the floating ring and bearing, utilizing the existing space efficiently. The element nests within the available volume without requiring additional external space, maintaining reliable electrical connection while minimizing connector size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic biasing element functions as a flexible component that deforms within the available gap space to maintain contact pressure. This flexible approach allows the connector to maintain reliable electrical connection without requiring large dimensional tolerances or additional space for rigid biasing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 design achieves a more compact and cost-effective electrical connection with reduced manufacturing complexity and potential for space savings, while ensuring reliable electrical contact between components.

Implementation Method 1

at least one elastic biasing element... The biasing element(s) bias the floating ring against the bearing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250385469A1Floating connector

Publication Date: 2025.12.18 ODU GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

A floating electrical connector (1) comprising a mounting component (3) and a mating component (2) that is movable relatively to the mounting component (3). One component of the group of components comprising the mating component (2) and the mounting component (3) has a bearing (12) and at least one elastic biasing element (16). The other component of the group of components comprising the mating component (2) and the mounting component (3) has a floating ring (14) that extends into a gap between the biasing element(s) (16) and the bearing (12). The biasing element(s) (16) bias the floating ring (14) against the bearing (12). The biasing elements(s) (16) are tongue(s) fixed to the one component.