Multipolar Connector With Flexible Membrane Seal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multipolar connectors require precise angular alignment of components for connection, which is inconvenient, especially in environments with limited visibility or quick connection requirements, and lack sufficient fluid-tightness for use in harsh conditions.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a flexible membrane with axially mounted contacts that provide a seal through deformation and physicochemical bonding, allowing for independent movement and rotation, and incorporating a locking system to prevent unplugging, enabling connection without prior orientation and ensuring reliability in adverse environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If precise angular alignment is required for connector connection, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs asymmetrical construction with a keyed interface where the plug contains a protrusion and the socket contains a corresponding recess. This asymmetric design allows the connector to accept connections in multiple angular orientations (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) while still ensuring reliable contact engagement, thereby improving ease of operation without sacrificing connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the user to precisely align the connector components before connection, the design inverts the approach by allowing the connector to self-align through its asymmetrical keyed interface. The protrusion and recess automatically guide the components into proper engagement orientation, eliminating the need for precise pre-alignment while maintaining reliable contact
2Reliability
If traditional sealing methods are used in connectors, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but reliability in harsh environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates a flexible membrane made of elastomeric material that acts as a sealing element. This membrane is integrated into the contact block and deforms to create a fluid-tight seal between the plug and socket components. The flexible membrane provides reliable sealing in harsh environments (dust, water, ice) while adding minimal structural complexity to the overall connector design
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 connector allows for easy and reliable connection without prior alignment, maintaining signal transmission in harsh conditions, such as with pressurized fluids and dust, while preventing fluid and particle ingress, and ensuring secure attachment.
Implementation Method 1
the compression of the membrane allows this seal to be provided at the interface between said membrane and the contacts through the deformation of the membrane during compression
Implementation Method 2
the aim is to obtain the adhesion of the membrane and of the contacts by a bond of the physicochemical type, for example, a gluing or other equivalent means, such as surface treatments
Data Source
AI summary
Connector comprising a substantially cylindrical base and a plug connectable to the base in a detachable manner, in which connector a plurality of contacts are mounted in a contact block. The block comprises a flexible membrane through which the contacts extend, the compression of the membrane allowing the sealing at the interface between said membrane and the contacts to be ensured.