Modular Connector Assembly for Adjustable Pin Count
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional male and female connectors require replacement when the number of pins needs to be increased, leading to complex manufacturing processes and high costs, as well as limited compatibility with circuit boards.
Innovation Solution
An expandable connector assembly that allows unit male and female connectors to be assembled successively to increase the number of pins, improving compatibility and reducing manufacturing costs by allowing easy adjustment of pin count without replacing existing connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional male and female connectors are used with predetermined pin numbers, then manufacturing process is simplified, but adaptability to different pin requirements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple unit connectors, each with a predetermined number of pins. These unit connectors can be assembled in series to create connectors with different total pin counts, allowing adaptability to various pin requirements while maintaining standardized manufacturing of individual units.
Solution Approach 2:
The unit connectors are designed with universal coupling structures that allow them to be interconnected in different configurations. A single type of unit connector can serve multiple functions by being assembled in different quantities and arrangements, eliminating the need to manufacture different connector types for different pin counts.
2Quantity of substance
If the number of pins is increased by replacing entire male and female connectors, then pin count requirement is met, but manufacturing cost and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing and replacing entire connectors when pin count needs to change, the connector is segmented into reusable unit connectors. Only the number of unit connectors assembled needs to change, not the entire connector, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector configuration becomes dynamic and adjustable. Unit connectors can be added or removed from the assembly based on the required pin count, allowing the connector to adapt to different specifications without requiring complete remanufacturing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If unit male and female connectors are assembled successively to increase pin count, then adaptability improves, but connector assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is segmented into standardized unit connectors with identical coupling interfaces. This segmentation allows flexible assembly configurations while maintaining simplicity in each individual unit's design, balancing adaptability with assembly straightforwardness.
Solution Approach 2:
All unit connectors use the same homogeneous design and coupling mechanism. This uniformity simplifies the assembly process despite the increased number of components, as each unit connects in the same way, reducing the complexity that would otherwise arise from heterogeneous connector types.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a connector assembly. The connector assembly includes a plurality of female connectors respectively having a predetermined number of pins, and at least one male connector having a plug terminal contacting the pin and coupled with the plurality of female connectors. The plurality of female connectors are provided to be assembled with each other along one direction.