Movable Connector for Industrial I/O Device

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing industrial input/output devices with serial interfaces can be extracted at any time, causing interruptions in their operation.

Innovation Solution

An industrial input/output device with a movable connector system, comprising a first housing, a second housing, a circuit board, and a moving link, where the moving link controls the connection or disconnection of the first connector by moving along guiding grooves, allowing for secure operation without interruption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If series interface assembly method is used, then occupied space is reduced, but the device can be extracted at any time causing operation interruption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoccupied spaceVSAvoidoperation continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is designed with a movable link that can dynamically change its position between extended and retracted states. This dynamic mechanism allows the connector to be automatically locked in place during operation, preventing accidental extraction while maintaining the compact series assembly structure when not in use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A movable link is introduced as an intermediary component between the connector and the housing. This intermediate mechanism provides the locking function, ensuring that the connector remains securely connected during operation while still allowing for controlled extraction when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between compactness and operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If back plate assembly method is used, then assembly stability is improved, but occupied space increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly stabilityVSAvoidoccupied space
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The back plate component is completely removed from the assembly structure. Instead, the housing itself is designed to directly hold and secure the connector through the movable link mechanism, eliminating the need for a separate back plate while maintaining assembly stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The functions of the back plate (structural support and connector securing) are merged into the housing design. The housing now directly provides the structural framework and incorporates the movable link mechanism to secure the connector, thereby eliminating the separate back plate component and reducing overall occupied space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10365696B1Industrial input/output device with movable connector
Publication Date: 2019.07.30 MOXA INC
  • US10365696B1 patent drawing
  • US10365696B1 patent drawing
  • US10365696B1 patent drawing

AI summary

An industrial input/output device with movable connector is provided. The industrial input/output device with movable connector is controlled to make the first connector provide connection or not by moving a moving link thereof. Therefore, the technical effect of preventing the interruption of the operation of the industrial input/output device can be achieved.