Non-rigid Blind Mate Connector Self-Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional rigid connectors used in missile systems are difficult to align within compact bays, result in slow data rates, and suffer from high damage rates due to bad disconnects during launch, particularly with umbilical connectors.

Innovation Solution

A non-rigid blind mate connector system utilizing magnets, ball bearings, push-pin or banana plug electrical connections, and non-penetrating fiber optic connections to enable self-alignment and reduce damage, while providing faster data communication and protection from electromagnetic interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If rigid connectors are used, then structural strength is improved, but alignment difficulty and damage rate increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector strengthVSAvoidalignment ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connector transitions from a rigid fixed-connection design to a dynamic magnetic attraction design where connectors are drawn together through magnetic force during engagement, allowing for self-alignment while maintaining connection strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical rigid pin-and-receptacle engagement with a magnetic field-based attraction system, eliminating the need for precise mechanical alignment while maintaining secure connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Stability of the object's composition

If rigid penetrative connectors are used, then connection stability is improved, but data transmission speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoiddata transmission speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical pin-based mechanical connectors with optical fiber connectors that transmit data as light signals, dramatically increasing transmission speed while maintaining connection stability through the magnetic coupling system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If penetrative electrical pins are used, then electrical connection is established, but connector damage rate increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidconnector damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces vulnerable penetrative electrical pins with a combination of magnetic attraction for mechanical coupling and fiber optic connectors for data transmission, eliminating the damage-prone penetrative connection mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental connection parameter from mechanical penetration to magnetic attraction, transforming the engagement mechanism from a forceful insertive action to a gentle attractive force that prevents damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Volume of moving object

If compact missile bay design is implemented, then space efficiency is improved, but connector alignment becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemissile bay volumeVSAvoidconnector alignment ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic attraction system allows connectors to dynamically self-align during engagement, compensating for the limited space and reduced maneuverability in compact missile bay environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

By replacing precision mechanical alignment requirements with magnetic field-based attraction, the system enables reliable connector engagement within the constrained space of compact missile bays

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 non-rigid connector system reduces damage from loose connectors, facilitates faster data communication, and offers protection from electromagnetic interference, improving the reliability and efficiency of missile system connections.

Implementation Method 1

The second connector includes a second plurality of magnets configured to mate with the first plurality of magnets of the first connector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11287579B2Non-rigid blind mate connector system

Publication Date: 2022.03.29 LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP

AI summary

In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first connector portion and a second connector portion. The first connector portion includes a first magnet, an electrical pin, and a first fiber optic connector. The second connector portion is configured to form a non-rigid connection to the first connector portion. The second connector portion includes a second magnet configured to mate with the first magnet of the first connector portion, an electrical contact configured to mate with the electrical pin of the first connector portion, and a second fiber optic connector configured to mate with the first fiber optic connector of the first connector portion.