Keyed Electronic Modules for Polarity-Safe Orientation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional polarity-dependent circuit elements are installed with improper mechanical orientation, which can lead to malfunction and operational issues, especially in mission critical systems, as they are not orientation agnostic and can cause latent issues.
Innovation Solution
Electronic device modules are designed with keying and keying to facilitate the installation of polarity-dependent circuit elements in the correct orientation, preventing improper installation by allowing connection in one orientation and restricting it in the opposite, ensuring safe and reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If polarity-dependent circuit elements are installed without orientation restrictions, then installation ease is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to improper orientation causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with asymmetric keying features including a keyway and corresponding key that permit insertion only in the correct rotational orientation. This asymmetric mechanical structure prevents improper installation of polarity-dependent circuit elements while maintaining ease of installation through a simple plug-and-play interface, thereby resolving the contradiction between installation ease and system reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If orientation agnostic design is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to keying mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs asymmetric keying (keyway and key) that enables orientation adaptability by allowing the connector to be inserted in only the correct rotational orientation. This simple asymmetric feature provides robust orientation guidance without requiring complex active sensing or adjustment mechanisms, thus achieving adaptability while minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The keying mechanism provides self-service orientation guidance during installation. The asymmetric keyway and key automatically guide the connector into the correct orientation without requiring external alignment tools, manual adjustment, or complex control systems, thereby achieving orientation adaptability with minimal increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of the presently disclosed technology provide electronic device modules which can promote fail-safe installation for polarity-dependent circuit elements, and other electronic circuit elements. In some implementations, the electronic device modules may be orientation agnostic about one or more axes.