Orthogonal Connector Drive Unit for Limited Space Fitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector drive units cannot fit or remove connectors when there is insufficient working space in the fitting/removing direction, making it impossible to mount printed circuit boards or connect objects.
Innovation Solution
The object fitting/removing drive unit includes an operation member with a holding frame, a coupling member, an inner frame that moves within an outer frame, and driving force-transferring means, allowing the operation member to be guided orthogonally for fitting, even with limited space, and an abnormal fitting-prevention structure to prevent misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the connector drive unit uses a conventional structure with operation frames sliding in the fitting/removing direction, then the connectors can be fitted and removed, but it requires sufficient working space in the fitting/removing direction which is not available in compact designs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the movement direction from the fitting/removing direction (length dimension) to the width direction by introducing an L-shaped guide path. The operation frame moves horizontally along the guide groove and then vertically to achieve connector fitting, transforming a linear movement problem into a two-dimensional path problem, thereby solving the space constraint in the fitting/removing direction
Solution Approach 2:
The guide groove acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between the limited space constraint and the required movement path. By providing a predetermined L-shaped path, the guide groove enables the operation frame to achieve the necessary displacement for connector fitting without requiring sufficient working space in the direct fitting/removing direction
2Volume of moving object
If the operation frame is moved along an L-shaped path to fit connectors in limited space, then working space requirement is reduced, but the structure becomes more complex with guide grooves and orthogonal movement mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the guiding function and the movement function into a single integrated structure. The guide groove is formed directly on the operation frame-accommodating body, combining the support structure and the path guidance into one component, thereby reducing overall structural complexity despite the L-shaped movement path
Solution Approach 2:
The operation frame-accommodating body serves multiple functions: it supports the operation frame, provides the L-shaped guide groove for movement control, and accommodates the connector fitting mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate guiding components, simplifying the overall structure while enabling the complex L-shaped movement path
Data Source
AI summary
An object fitting/removing drive unit capable of fitting objects to each other, even if there is not enough working space in a fitting/removing direction of one object. Operation members holding cable connectors are accommodated in an inner frame in a manner movable in the fitting/removing direction. The inner frame is movably supported by outer frames along a direction orthogonal to the fitting/removing direction between initial and fitting-completed positions. A coupling member engaged with header connectors is movably supported by the outer frames along a direction orthogonal to the fitting/removing direction. When the inner frame is moved from the initial position to the fitting-completed position by being pressed by the coupling member, the outer frames guide the operation members toward the header connectors to fit the cable connectors and the header connectors to each other. A drive force transferring unit transfers driving force in the orthogonal direction.