Multi-Paddle Connector Cleaner for Confined Spaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional connector cleaning devices face challenges in effectively reaching and cleaning angled or hard-to-reach areas, leading to inconsistent results and difficulty in accessing connectors located in confined spaces, such as those in automotive or watercraft systems.

Innovation Solution

A connector cleaner with an elongate shaft featuring multiple paddle elements, each with abrasive surfaces, allowing for simultaneous cleaning of opposing connector surfaces and providing a biasing mechanism to expand and contract an abrasion gap, along with an optional illumination source for improved visibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional cleaning devices are used, then simple connector surfaces can be cleaned, but angled or hard-to-reach areas cannot be effectively cleaned

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAbility to clean hard-to-reach areasVSAvoidCompatibility with various connector configurations

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning device is divided into multiple separate paddle elements (first paddle element, second paddle element, third paddle element) that can be independently positioned and oriented. Each paddle element can be adjusted to reach different angles and configurations, allowing the device to adapt to various connector types and hard-to-reach areas without requiring a completely different tool for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds spatial dimensionality to the cleaning approach by extending paddle elements at different angles and positions along the handle. The first paddle element extends at a first angle, the second at a second angle, and the third at a third angle, creating a three-dimensional cleaning capability that can access angled and confined spaces that conventional single-plane cleaners cannot reach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If connectors are disassembled for cleaning, then thorough cleaning can be achieved, but the process becomes tedious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCleaning consistencyVSAvoidTime required for cleaning process

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple cleaning functions are merged into a single device by incorporating multiple paddle elements with different orientations and abrasive configurations. This allows the user to clean various surfaces and angles of connectors in place without disassembly, combining what would otherwise require multiple separate cleaning operations and tool changes into one comprehensive cleaning action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device enables in-place cleaning of connectors while they remain installed in the system. The adjustable paddle elements can reach connectors in confined spaces and angle-specific configurations, allowing the connector to be cleaned in its installed position without requiring removal or disassembly, thus making the cleaning process self-contained and eliminating the tedious steps of disassembly and reassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If connectors are cleaned in place, then access to confined spaces is improved, but visibility and precision are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAccessibility to confined spacesVSAvoidVisibility of connector surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates an illumination source that acts as an intermediary to improve visibility of the connector surfaces being cleaned. The light source illuminates the work area, allowing the user to see connector details, corrosion, and cleaning progress even in confined or hard-to-reach locations, thereby compensating for the reduced natural visibility when working in tight spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables efficient removal of corrosion from connectors in difficult-to-reach locations, ensuring consistent cleaning and improved electrical conductivity without the need to disassemble components, while minimizing the risk of electrical shock through a nonconductive cover material.

Implementation Method 1

at least a portion of the first side surface of the first paddle element includes an abrasive element or portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Data Source

PatentUS10263376B1Connector cleaner

Publication Date: 2019.04.16 BROWN ALTON B

AI summary

A connector cleaner having an elongate portion of material extending from a first end portion to a second end portion; a first paddle element extending from the first end portion, and wherein at least a portion of a first side surface of the first paddle element includes an abrasive element or portion; a second paddle element extending from the first end portion, wherein at least a portion of a first side surface of the second paddle element includes an abrasive element or portion, and wherein the first side surface of the first paddle element is positioned adjacent the first side surface of the second paddle element; and a singular paddle element extending from the second end portion of the elongate portion of material, and wherein at least a portion of a first side surface of the singular paddle element includes an abrasive element or portion.