Parallel Linear Bearing De-mating Tool for Connector Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
De-mating multi-pin electrical connector assemblies with tubular shells poses challenges due to the interference fit, leading to potential damage to the connectors and risk of injury to technicians, as existing methods require manual rocking that can cause bent pins, damaged sockets, and hand injuries.
Innovation Solution
A de-mating apparatus featuring a first and second component with parallel linear bearings that allow the arms to move perpendicularly, applying a biasing force to de-mate the connectors evenly without rocking, and including contact surfaces and raised edges to match the shape of the tubular shells and flanges, ensuring secure engagement and safe disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual rocking action is used to de-mate connectors, then the retaining force of interference fit can be overcome, but bent pins, damaged sockets, and hand injuries occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a de-mating apparatus as an intermediary tool between the technician and the connector assembly. The apparatus includes engagement members that interface with the connector shells and apply controlled separating forces, eliminating the need for technicians to directly manipulate the connectors with their hands. This mediator prevents both connector damage and hand injuries while overcoming the interference fit retaining force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual rocking mechanical action with a controlled mechanical system. The de-mating apparatus uses linear bearings to guide separation movement and spring members to provide controlled forcing, substituting the uncontrolled manual rocking motion with a precise mechanical system that applies force in the correct direction without causing damage.
2Ease of operation
If manual rocking action is used to de-mate connectors, then the retaining force of interference fit can be overcome, but hand and finger injuries occur
Solution Approach 1:
The de-mating apparatus serves as a protective intermediary that absorbs the harmful effects of the interference fit retaining force. The engagement members and structural components of the apparatus are designed to withstand the forcing required to separate the connectors, protecting the technician's hands from exposure to sharp edges and high forces while enabling the de-mating operation.
3Reliability
If interference fit is used to secure connectors, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but difficult de-mating operation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic principles to the de-mating process by using spring members that can progressively store and release energy during the separation operation. The linear bearings provide dynamic guidance that allows controlled movement from the engaged to disengaged state. This dynamic system makes the difficult de-mating operation manageable while maintaining the static interference fit for reliable connection during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The de-mating apparatus acts as a mediator that bridges the gap between the high retaining force of the interference fit and the operator's capability. The engagement members interface with the connector shells and translate the operator's input force into effective separating force, making the difficult de-mating operation achievable without requiring excessive manual effort.
4Device complexity
If manual de-mating method is used, then no additional equipment is needed, but connector damage and injury risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The de-mating apparatus is segmented into distinct functional components: engagement members that interface with the connectors, linear bearings that guide separation movement, spring members that provide forcing, and a handle for operator input. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while keeping the overall device relatively simple. The modular design achieves reliable connector protection without requiring overly complex equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
A de-mating apparatus includes a first component, a second component and a pair of parallel linear bearings. The first component includes a first pair of arms, each of the first pair of arms including a first lift surface. The second component includes a second pair of arms, each of the second pair of arms including a second lift surface. The second lift surfaces are parallel to the first lift surfaces. The linear bearings connect the first component to the second component such that the first pair of arms may move perpendicularly to the first lift surfaces between at least a first position adjacent to the second pair of arms and a second position apart from the second pair of arms to de-mate an electrical connector assembly. A bearing plane defined by the pair of linear bearings does not intersect the first pair of arms.