Optical Pin Alignment Detection for Connector Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic apparatuses face challenges in ensuring accurate connection of detachable modules to racks due to the inability to visually confirm connector alignment, leading to potential positional deviations and poor connections caused by bent pins, which existing solutions fail to detect effectively.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a connector module with light emitting and receiving units that emit light between pins and receptacles to detect any abnormalities, such as bent pins, and trigger an alarm if the light is not received properly, ensuring correct alignment and preventing incorrect connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If guide pins and guide holes are provided to ensure correct connector alignment, then connection positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components and restricted board wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the guide pins and guide holes from the connector structure, extracting the problematic components that caused complexity while maintaining alignment accuracy through alternative means (visual confirmation capability)
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies visual indicators (such as colored markings or transparent portions) to the connector components to enable visual confirmation of alignment and connection state, replacing the mechanical guide pin system with an optical/visual detection method
2Device complexity
If conventional connection methods are used without visual confirmation, then device complexity is reduced, but connection reliability deteriorates due to undetected bent pins and positional deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the visual indicators provide immediate feedback to the operator about the connection state, allowing real-time verification of proper alignment and detection of bent pins before final connection is completed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables preliminary detection of alignment issues and bent pins through visual confirmation before the connectors are fully engaged, allowing corrective action to be taken before poor connection occurs
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 allows for the detection of pin abnormalities before connection, preventing incorrect insertion and ensuring reliable electrical connections by alerting operators to bent pins, thus enhancing the reliability and safety of the connection process.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting unit which emits light from one to the other of a pair of pin and receptacle of the first and second connectors
Implementation Method 2
a light receiving unit which is provided at either one of the pin side and the receptacle side and outputs detection output indicating if the emitted light has been normally received
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus wherein at least one detachable module is inserted into a rack and the module is connected with the rack by male/female connector, wherein it is made possible to detect any bending of pins of the male connector before the module is mounted in the rack and therefore incomplete mounting of the module to the rack can be prevented. A light source with high linearity is provided at each of the pins at the male connector side, while conversely a light receiving unit of light is provided at each of the receptacles at the female connector side. Before connection of the connectors, if all receiving units receive light, normality of the pins is detected. Instead of providing the light receiving units at the female connector side, providing a reflecting part at the female connector side and providing a light receiving unit at the male connector side is possible.