Hermaphroditic Electrical Connector with Segmented Engagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical connectors require gender-specific contacts, which necessitate specialized connectors and precise alignment for connection, limiting their interchangeability and flexibility in connecting electronic devices.

Innovation Solution

The development of a gender-neutral electrical connector assembly featuring a housing with rows of electrical contacts and engagement surfaces that allow for interchangeable and secure mating of connectors, utilizing hermaphroditic terminals and engagement tabs to prevent relative movement and ensure reliable connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If gender-specific contacts are used, then specialized connectors can be designed for specific connection needs, but connector interchangeability and flexibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector interchangeabilityVSAvoidspecialized connector configurations

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connector is designed with gender-neutral contacts that can mate with identical connectors, eliminating the need for separate male and female connectors. Each connector can function as both male and female, allowing any connector to connect with any other connector of the same type, thereby improving interchangeability and reducing the need for specialized configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If precise alignment is required for connection, then connection reliability can be improved, but ease of operation and alignment speed are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidalignment ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connector incorporates asymmetric alignment features including alignment pins on one connector that mate with corresponding alignment recesses on the other connector. These features provide self-alignment during the mating process, ensuring precise positioning and reliable electrical contact while allowing the connectors to be easily brought together without complex alignment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Stability of the object's composition

If engagement surfaces are positioned between contact rows, then relative movement is restricted and connection stability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidengagement surface positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connector design separates the engagement functions into distinct elements: alignment pins for positioning, engagement surfaces for securing the connection, and contact rows for electrical connection. The engagement surfaces are positioned between the rows of contacts, creating a stable mechanical connection that prevents relative movement while maintaining manufacturability through clear functional segmentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8277241B2Hermaphroditic electrical connector

Publication Date: 2012.10.02 GIGAMON INC

AI summary

The disclosure describes an electrical connector assembly having first and second electrical connectors configured for mating. Each connector includes a housing that supports a plurality of electrical contacts. The contacts are arranged in first and second rows, and define a first terminal end extending from the housing and configured to connect with an electrical component, and a second hermaphroditic terminal end extending from the housing.