Moveable Cover Shielding Electrical Contacts in Connector Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The repeated coupling and decoupling of device connectors leads to structural degradation and interference issues, as the contacts are prone to being struck or displaced, causing deterioration of the connection interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A device connector assembly with a moveable cover that overlays the electrical contacts, allowing the cover to flex inward when force is applied, preventing interference until proper mating occurs, thus shielding the contacts and maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the connector contacts are exposed for mating, then the ease of operation is improved, but the structural integrity deteriorates due to repeated striking and displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed to be moveable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically respond to insertion forces. When a connector is inserted, the cover moves to accommodate the insertion and then returns to its protective position, providing both ease of operation and structural protection through dynamic adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The moveable cover acts as an intermediary between the exposed contacts and external forces. It mediates the interaction by absorbing and redirecting insertion forces away from the fragile contacts, allowing the contacts to remain exposed for mating while being protected from damaging strikes and displacement.
2Ease of operation
If the contacts are fully exposed, then the accessibility for mating is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to contact interference and degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The cover transitions between static protective position and dynamic open position, allowing contacts to be accessible during mating while maintaining protection during non-use. This dynamic behavior ensures reliability by preventing contact interference while maintaining accessibility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is positioned in advance to protect the contacts before mating occurs. During the mating process, the cover moves to allow access, and after mating, it returns to the protective position, ensuring contacts are prepared and protected in advance rather than being exposed continuously.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed protective cover is used, then the structural integrity is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to misalignment during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable cover adapts its position based on insertion forces, allowing it to move aside during connector insertion to accommodate alignment variations, then return to its protective position. This eliminates the misalignment issues associated with fixed covers while maintaining protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The moveable cover is designed to preemptively respond to insertion forces by moving in the direction of the force, preventing misalignment and striking issues that would occur with a fixed cover. It anticipates and accommodates potential alignment problems before they can damage the contacts.
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 solution effectively prevents contact interference and degradation by ensuring proper alignment and mating of connectors, enhancing the durability and reliability of the connection interfaces.
Implementation Method 1
the cover can be at least partially moveable inwards towards the set of contacts when force is applied to the façade
Data Source
AI summary
A device is described having a body and a connector assembly. The connector assembly is positioned at one end of the body and includes a set of contacts and a cover having a façade. The cover also has a set of openings to enable at least a portion of the set of contacts to be exposed on the façade. The cover is at least partially moveable inwards towards the set of contacts when force is applied to the façade.