Multi-Layer Longitudinal Connectors for Weight Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional connectors are heavy, difficult to manufacture, and unsuitable for complex parts with multiple layers, as they require numerous pins for individual wire connections, making them cumbersome and hard to replace.

Innovation Solution

The connectors feature longitudinally extending portions that mate with receiving connector portions, reducing the cross-sectional size and weight, allowing for multiple connections in minimal space and simplifying manufacturing and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional connectors with numerous pins are used, then multiple wire connections can be established, but the connector becomes heavy and difficult to manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultiple wire connectionsVSAvoidconnector weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into multiple layers, with each layer containing a subset of the total pins. This segmentation allows the connector to maintain multiple connection capabilities while reducing the weight of any single connector unit, as connectors can be selectively installed only where needed in the multi-layer structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector design transitions from a conventional single-plane pin arrangement to a multi-layer three-dimensional structure. Pins are distributed across multiple layers (e.g., first layer, second layer, third layer), enabling multiple wire connections to be established in vertical space rather than requiring all pins to be in a single horizontal plane, thereby reducing overall connector footprint and weight

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional connectors with numerous pins are used, then multiple wire connections can be established, but the connector complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultiple wire connectionsVSAvoidconnector structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into multiple layers, with each layer containing a subset of the total pins. This segmentation allows the connector to maintain multiple connection capabilities while reducing the weight of any single connector unit, as connectors can be selectively installed only where needed in the multi-layer structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector design transitions from a conventional single-plane pin arrangement to a multi-layer three-dimensional structure. Pins are distributed across multiple layers (e.g., first layer, second layer, third layer), enabling multiple wire connections to be established in vertical space rather than requiring all pins to be in a single horizontal plane, thereby reducing overall connector footprint and weight

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If conventional connectors are used, then connections can be established, but the connector profile and space requirement increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection establishmentVSAvoidconnector cross-sectional area
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The connector design transitions from a conventional single-plane pin arrangement to a multi-layer three-dimensional structure. Pins are distributed across multiple layers (e.g., first layer, second layer, third layer), enabling multiple wire connections to be established in vertical space rather than requiring all pins to be in a single horizontal plane, thereby reducing overall connector footprint and weight

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Reliability

If conventional connectors are used, then connections can be established, but the wiring system weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection establishmentVSAvoidwiring system weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into multiple layers, with each layer containing a subset of the total pins. This segmentation allows the connector to maintain multiple connection capabilities while reducing the weight of any single connector unit, as connectors can be selectively installed only where needed in the multi-layer structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector design transitions from a conventional single-plane pin arrangement to a multi-layer three-dimensional structure. Pins are distributed across multiple layers (e.g., first layer, second layer, third layer), enabling multiple wire connections to be established in vertical space rather than requiring all pins to be in a single horizontal plane, thereby reducing overall connector footprint and weight

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS7892039B2Connector usable with multiple layered connections and method of use thereof
Publication Date: 2011.02.22 GKN AEROSPACE SERVICES STRUCTURES LLC
  • US7892039B2 patent drawing
  • US7892039B2 patent drawing
  • US7892039B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Various connectors are provided that allow establishment of one or more connections in minimal space. Numerous pins of typical radial pin related art connectors are replaced with longitudinally extending connector portions that are able to matingly engage a receiving connector portion. The connectors ease the initial manufacture of parts in which they are used, and allows the part to be more easily maintained, lighten the wiring system or harnessing system for the final product in which the part is incorporated over conventional connectors, and typically permit the harness and wiring system for the product to fit within an allotted envelope for size, weight, and other limitations.