Interface Assembly with Tongue and Groove Electrical Connection

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing orthopedic systems face challenges with mechanical and electrical interfaces, including contamination susceptibility, cable-related issues, and complex assembly processes, which affect the reliability and ease of use in prosthetic and orthotic devices.

Innovation Solution

An interface assembly featuring a tongue and groove mechanism with integrated electrical contact elements that establish a sealed, mechanically fixed, and secure electrical connection, eliminating the need for cables and simplifying assembly, while incorporating a locking device for precise alignment and secure hold.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If plugs or sliding contacts are used for electrical interface, then electrical connection is established, but susceptibility to contamination and risk of detachment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the mechanical interface (tongue and groove) with the electrical interface (contact elements) into a single integrated connection system. The contact elements are arranged on the tongue and in the groove, so that mechanical joining and electrical connection occur simultaneously through the same engagement action, eliminating separate electrical connectors that would be susceptible to contamination and detachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tongue and groove structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical form-fit fixing, blocks perpendicular movement, and simultaneously establishes electrical connection through the integrated contact elements. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate electrical connectors, reducing contamination risk and improving reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Use of energy by moving object

If cables are laid across interface for electrical connection, then electrical signals and energy are transmitted, but bending stresses and alternating loads are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the electrical connection function from the cable system and integrates it directly into the mechanical interface structure. Contact elements are embedded in the tongue and groove, allowing electrical transmission without external cables that would be subjected to bending stresses and alternating loads

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical connection path is merged with the mechanical connection path. The same tongue-groove engagement that provides mechanical strength also establishes the electrical connection, eliminating cables from the interface area and removing them from exposure to mechanical stresses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If screws are used for mechanical fixing of interface components, then form-fit fixing is achieved, but assembly complexity and adjustment time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the mechanical fixing function with the electrical connection function into a single simultaneous action. As the tongue is inserted into the groove, both mechanical form-fit fixing and electrical contact establishment occur together, eliminating separate screwing operations and reducing assembly time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The contact elements are pre-positioned on the tongue and in the groove during manufacturing, so that when the components are joined, the electrical connection is automatically established without requiring additional adjustment or assembly steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If separate mechanical and electrical interfaces are provided, then functional requirements are met, but device complexity and installation space increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the electrical interface within the mechanical interface structure. Contact elements are arranged on the tongue and in the groove, allowing both mechanical and electrical functions to be achieved through a single unified structure rather than separate components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tongue-groove assembly serves as both the mechanical connector and the electrical connector. This multi-functional design reduces the overall number of components required at the interface, simplifying the device structure while maintaining all necessary functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20230253734A1Interface assembly

Publication Date: 2023.08.10

AI summary

The invention relates to an interface assembly comprising a first interface component (10) and a second interface component (20) with a sliding guide (30) for mechanically securing the interface components (10, 20) to one another, wherein a tongue (12) projecting from abase (11) is situated on one of the interface components (10) and a groove (22) located in abase (21) is situated on the other interface component (20), the tongue and groove having corresponding cross-sections, wherein the tongue (12) and the groove (22) interlockingly secure the interface components (10, 20) to one another and block a movement perpendicular to the bases and perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the tongue (12) and groove (22), wherein electrical contact elements (15, 25) are situated on the tongue (12) and in the groove (22) and establish an electrical connection when the interface components (10, 20) are joined.