Impedance Assembly for Electrical Connector Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current connector systems fail to ensure proper installation of cable assemblies, as the stud may miss the aperture of the lug, leading to improper alignment and connection with devices.
Innovation Solution
An impedance assembly with displaceable impedance members is integrated into the cable termination device, such as an elbow, which impedes the passage of the stud unless the lug is properly positioned, ensuring correct alignment by sliding along a guide member or being urged by the lug towards the inner wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the connector system allows free insertion of the stud, then the installation process is simple and fast, but the stud may miss the aperture of the lug resulting in improper alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The impedance member acts as an intermediary element between the stud and the aperture. It temporarily blocks the insertion path and only allows passage when the lug is properly positioned, thus mediating between the simple insertion action and the precise alignment requirement
Solution Approach 2:
The impedance member provides preliminary resistance to stud insertion. By opposing the insertion motion until proper alignment is achieved, it prevents improper installation while maintaining operational simplicity
2Manufacturing precision
If impedance members are added to ensure proper alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The impedance member is designed as a flexible, displaceable element rather than a rigid complex structure. This flexibility allows it to provide the necessary alignment control while maintaining a simple, compact form factor that minimizes overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The impedance member is automatically displaced by the lug itself during insertion. The system uses the installation action to activate the alignment mechanism, eliminating the need for separate control systems or additional actuation mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
An impedance assembly is provided for a termination device, disconnectable connector, or other type of joint for an electrical connection, such as an elbow, to facilitate preventing improper installation. More specifically, an impedance assembly can include an obstruction member that help prevent the insertion of a stud into a female device, such as a bushing, unless the stud is properly inserted through the aperture of the lug of the cable assembly. The obstruction member can include a flexible and/or displaceable member that can be displaced by the lug of the cable assembly. Alternatively, an impedance assembly can prevent the rotation of a female member which rotates to receive the stud of a male device. The impedance assembly can include an element that is received in a cavity, groove, etc. of the female member for preventing the rotation of the female member unless the element is removed therefrom. For example, the element can be removed from the cavity, groove, etc. upon the displacement of a displaceable member operatively connected to the element, thus permitting the female member to rotate.