Modular Connector With Spring Contacts For Ribbon Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial control and monitoring networks face challenges in reliably establishing connections, maintaining continuity when devices are decoupled, providing additional power, and mitigating noise induced by power conductors in data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A modular connector with a lower body and spring connectors that includes insulation displacement members and a crimping mechanism to ensure conductive paths are maintained when devices are decoupled, allowing for separate power and signal conductors to minimize noise interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If power and data are transmitted on the same cable, then network functionality is improved, but electrical noise and interference between conductors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector provides separate positioning for power conductors and signal conductors within the housing, creating distinct electrical zones that minimize electromagnetic interference while maintaining the ability to transmit both power and data through the same cable assembly
2Ease of operation
If devices are quickly connected and disconnected from the network, then operational flexibility is improved, but maintaining electrical continuity becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Spring-loaded contact members maintain constant electrical contact with the conductors, ensuring continuous electrical connection even when devices are quickly connected or disconnected. The spring force compensates for wear and positional variations, keeping the circuit closed throughout the operation cycle
3Power
If additional power is supplied to installed networks, then system capability is improved, but complexity of power management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector housing includes multiple conductor positions that can accommodate both power-carrying conductors and signal conductors in a unified structure. This allows additional power to be supplied through the same connector interface used for data transmission, eliminating the need for separate power connection mechanisms
4Object-affected harmful factors
If separate power and signal conductors are positioned to mitigate noise, then noise reduction is improved, but connector complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector housing is divided into distinct sections for power conductors and signal conductors, with physical separation and orientation designed to minimize electromagnetic coupling. This segmented arrangement reduces noise interference while maintaining a relatively simple overall connector structure
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
The modular connector enables quick and reliable connection establishment, maintains conductivity when devices are removed, provides additional power, and effectively reduces noise interference between conductors, ensuring stable operation in industrial networks.
Implementation Method 1
Each spring connector is electrically connected to one of a plurality of insulation displacement members, and each member of an opposing pair of spring connectors is in contact with the other and provides a conductive path when unmated
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed embodiments relate generally to a modular connector for a multi-conductor ribbon cable provided for power and data transmission to a network of devices. The modular connector is coupled to the conductors in the ribbon cable by insulation displacement members. When the connector is attached to the ribbon cable and disconnected from a device a continuous circuit path is provided and when connected to a device configurable circuit paths are provided.