Genderless Module Connectors With Elastic Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing module connection systems face challenges in efficiently connecting modules of different capacities and sizes, leading to unstable electrical connections and limited flexibility in assembly, particularly due to the lack of genderless coupling and limited degree of freedom in module configuration.
Innovation Solution
A module connection system utilizing connectors with varying numbers of terminals, allowing for genderless coupling and flexible configuration, where the number of terminals increases with module capacity, enabling efficient electrical and mechanical connections between modules of different capacities and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If connectors with fixed terminal arrangements are used, then assembly is simplified, but electrical connection stability deteriorates when bending force is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The connector terminals are designed with elastic elements that allow dynamic adjustment. When bending force is applied to the connected modules, the elastic terminals can deform to maintain contact pressure, ensuring stable electrical connection while allowing assembly simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design changes the physical state of terminals by incorporating elastic materials and spring mechanisms. This allows the terminal contact pressure to be dynamically adjusted in response to external forces, maintaining reliable electrical connection under varying mechanical conditions.
2Ease of operation
If male and female coupling members are used, then directional connection is achieved, but assembly ease deteriorates due to directionality requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design uses asymmetric terminal arrangements within a symmetric coupling interface. The external coupling structure allows genderless connection from any rotation position, while the internal terminal layout provides proper electrical connection only at specific orientations, achieving both ease of assembly and correct wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed to serve multiple functions: mechanical coupling, electrical connection, and rotational positioning. The universal coupling interface allows connection without gender distinction, while internal features guide proper alignment, eliminating the need for separate male and female components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If limited terminal configurations are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to modules of different capacities deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector terminals are segmented into functional groups (power, signal, ground) that can be selectively activated. This allows the same connector structure to adapt to different module capacities by enabling or disabling specific terminal groups, providing versatility without increasing base complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design includes more terminals than any single module type requires, but uses selective activation of terminal subsets. This excessive terminal provision enables adaptability to various module capacities while maintaining a standardized connector form factor.
Data Source
AI summary
A module connection system is configured by connecting a plurality of modules by means of connectors. The modules include a base module, a first module and a second module, and the connectors include a first connector and a second connector. The base module transmits power and signals provided from a driving source, the first module is electrically/mechanically connected to the base module by means of the first connector, and the second module is electrically/mechanically connected to the first module by means of the second connector. The first connector includes a larger number of connection terminals in comparison to the second connector in order to transmit power and signals from the base module to the second module and simultaneously supply power and signals required for the first module.