Hermaphroditic Electrical Connector for Railroad Cars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors for freight railroad cars face issues with inconsistent disconnection forces, difficult latching mechanism activation, water ingress, and moisture absorption, leading to reduced performance and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The development of a 'hermaphroditic' electrical connector with a latch strike plate, O-rings, potting compounds, enhanced engagement seals, and a latching mechanism made from liquid crystal polymer to ensure consistent uncoupling forces, easy manual actuation, and water resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional electrical connector is used for freight railroad cars, then the connector can be manufactured and installed, but the disconnection force becomes inconsistent over time and the latching mechanism becomes difficult to activate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the latch strike plate, including its position, angle, and shape, to optimize the disconnection force characteristics. By changing these parameters, the connector maintains consistent uncoupling forces throughout its service life while keeping the latching mechanism easily activatable.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch strike plate is designed with an asymmetric geometry that creates a mechanical advantage during the disconnection process. The non-symmetric shape allows for controlled force distribution, enabling easy manual actuation while maintaining reliable connection during normal operation.
2Reliability
If a conventional electrical connector is used for freight railroad cars, then the connector can be manufactured and installed, but water ingress and moisture absorption occur leading to reduced performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates elastomeric seals and gaskets as flexible barrier elements between the connector housing and the environment. These flexible films prevent water and moisture ingress while accommodating thermal expansion and contraction of the connector components during operation in adverse weather conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector housing is constructed using composite materials that combine corrosion-resistant properties with moisture barrier characteristics. This composite structure provides inherent protection against moisture absorption and water ingress, maintaining electrical connection reliability in humid and wet environments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a hermaphroditic electrical connector design is used, then the connector can be connected at opposing ends of freight railroad cars, but the uncoupling force becomes inconsistent over the connector's life
Solution Approach 1:
The latch strike plate is pre-positioned and pre-oriented at specific angles during manufacturing to ensure consistent disconnection force characteristics from the first use. This preliminary setup of the geometric parameters prevents wear-induced variations in uncoupling force, maintaining consistent performance throughout the connector's operational life.
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 provides consistent uncoupling forces, easy manual operation, and prevents water ingress, maintaining performance and reliability throughout the connector's life.
Implementation Method 1
provides the electrical connector with consistent uncoupling forces during the entire life of the electrical connector
Implementation Method 2
O-rings; (b) potting compounds; and (c) enhanced engagement seals, that co-act to prevent or limit water ingress into the electrical connector
Implementation Method 3
The body of the electrical connector of the present disclosure is also made from a liquid crystal polymer in various embodiments to limit water absorption by the body of the electrical connector
Data Source
AI summary
An improved electrical connector including a latch strike plate, a body having a base, a receiver extending from the base and configured to receive the latch strike plate, an inserter extending from the base, a first electrical connection assembly extending through the body, a second electrical connection assembly extending through the body, an electrical linkage cable assembly connected to the base, the first electrical connection assembly, and the second electrical connection assembly, a latching mechanism partially positioned in the base and the inserter and partially extending from the base and the inserter, and a securing assembly extending in and from the base.