Propagating Pin Corrections via Connector Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pin corrections in medium to high density connectors often require costly and labor-intensive manual modifications, necessitating a more efficient method for propagation.
Innovation Solution
Bending a connector on a first mating device using a pin bender and mating it with an unmodified second device to propagate the pin correction, thereby bending a corresponding connector and enabling or disabling software features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual labor is used to propagate pin corrections, then pin corrections can be made on medium to high density connectors, but time and cost become costly to a business
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a pin bender tool to create a bent connector on a first mating device, then uses this bent connector as a template or copy to propagate the same bend to corresponding connectors on second and subsequent mating devices through repeated mating operations. This copying approach eliminates the need for manual labor on each device, significantly reducing time and cost while maintaining consistent pin correction quality across all devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service propagation where the first mating device with the bent connector automatically serves as the tool to bend corresponding connectors on subsequent mating devices. The mating operation itself performs the correction function, eliminating the need for external manual intervention on each device. The system uses itself (the bent connector) to propagate the correction to other devices.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual labor is used to propagate pin corrections, then pin corrections can be made on medium to high density connectors, but cost becomes costly to a business
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a master bent connector on one device and uses it as a template to propagate the same geometric correction to multiple other devices through mating operations. This single copying action from one bent connector to multiple devices eliminates repetitive manual labor costs while ensuring consistent correction quality, directly reducing manufacturing costs for pin corrections across medium to high density connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the first mating device with the bent connector serve multiple functions: it is both the object being corrected and the tool used to correct subsequent devices. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate correction tools or manual operations for each device, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining precision across all corrected connectors.
3Productivity
If automated propagation method is used, then time and cost are reduced, but device complexity increases due to mating operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the inherent mating functionality of connectors as the propagation mechanism itself. The standard mating operation between male and female connectors performs the pin correction function automatically without requiring additional complex equipment. This self-service approach achieves high productivity by using the existing connector design to propagate corrections, avoiding the need for specialized automated bending machines or complex external tooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the mating operation as an intermediary mechanism to transfer the bend from one connector to another. Rather than directly bending each connector individually, the mating operation serves as a mediator that automatically replicates the bend geometry from the first device to subsequent devices. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall process compared to direct manual bending of each connector while maintaining high propagation efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method reduces the time and cost associated with pin corrections by automating the propagation process, allowing for efficient modification and enabling/disabling software functions based on physical connector states.
Implementation Method 1
bending one of a plurality of connectors of a first mating device
Implementation Method 2
mating the first mating device having the bent connector with an unmodified second mating device; wherein the mating of the first mating device and the unmodified second mating device bends a connector corresponding to the bent connector
Data Source
AI summary
Propagating pin corrections through physically mating devices including bending one of a plurality of connectors of a first mating device; and mating the first mating device having the bent connector with an unmodified second mating device; wherein the mating of the first mating device and the unmodified second mating device bends a connector corresponding to the bent connector of the first mating device.