Hermaphroditic Electrical Connector with Mating Assist
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connection systems with mating assist devices are costly and limited in configuration flexibility due to specialized features on each connector, requiring separate molds and machines for production and restricting installation options.
Innovation Solution
A hermaphroditic connection system where both connectors have identical housings, allowing a mating assist device to be mounted on either, engaging catch features to provide a mechanical advantage for mating, thus reducing insertion forces and enabling flexible configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If specialized features are added to connectors for mating assist device mounting, then mating operation is eased, but manufacturing cost increases and configuration flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector housing is designed with universal mounting features that can accommodate the mating assist device on either connector type (plug or receptacle). The mounting features are integrated into the housing structure in a way that allows selective attachment of the mating assist device to either connector, eliminating the need for specialized features on only one connector type.
2Ease of operation
If specialized features are added to connectors for mating assist device mounting, then mating operation is eased, but configuration flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting features are designed to be universally applicable on both plug and receptacle connectors, allowing the mating assist device to be selectively mounted on either connector based on installation requirements. This universal design enables configuration flexibility while maintaining ease of mating operation.
3Ease of operation
If two different connector shapes are produced instead of one hermaphroditic shape, then mating assist device can be mounted, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While the connectors maintain asymmetric functional features for mating (plug and receptacle interfaces), the housing structures are designed with symmetric mounting capabilities. The mounting features are positioned and configured on both connector types to allow the mating assist device to be attached to either one, reducing the need for completely different connector shapes.
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 system reduces manufacturing costs and provides greater configuration flexibility by allowing the mating assist device to be selectively mounted on either connector, addressing the limitations of specialized connectors and enhancing ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
The mating assist devices are configured to provide a mechanical advantage, such as by converting rotational movement into linear movement of the connectors along a mating axis
Implementation Method 2
The lever defines cam slots configured to receive the mating protrusions therein during a mating operation to linearly pull the mating housing towards the housing as the lever is pivoted relative to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A connection system includes a first electrical connector, a second electrical connector, and a mating assist device. The first electrical connector includes a first housing that has a mating end. The second electrical connector includes a second housing that has a mating end. The second housing is a duplicate of the first housing. The mating end of the first housing is configured to mate to the mating end of the second housing during a mating operation. The mating assist device is mounted to the first housing and is configured to engage catch features protruding from an outer surface of the second housing. The mating assist device is configured to be rotated or pivoted relative to both the first and second housings to linearly pull the second electrical connector towards the first electrical connector during the mating operation via the catch features.