Self-Guiding Panel Connector for Cable-Free Moisture Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current connectors for printed electrics in aviation and similar fields require a free floating substrate tail for connection, which cannot be properly stowed and incurs stress, and do not provide a secure moisture seal.
Innovation Solution
A self-guiding electric connector with a deformable main body and conductive layers that sandwiches between two planar panels, using pressure-sensitive materials and magnets for secure connection and moisture sealing, eliminating the need for a free floating cable and allowing easy panel integration with power and data buses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a free floating substrate tail is used to connect panel to power and data bus, then electrical connection is enabled, but the substrate cannot be properly stowed and incurs stress
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into a rigid portion (for structural support and magnet mounting) and a flexible portion (for electrical connection and deformation). This segmentation allows the rigid part to provide stable magnetic attachment while the flexible part accommodates panel thickness variations and enables proper stowage without stress accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic structure with both rigid and flexible portions. The flexible portion can deform under magnetic pressure to adapt to different panel thicknesses and enable proper stowage, while the rigid portion maintains stable electrical connection and magnetic attachment.
2Reliability
If magnets are used to press panels together for connection, then stable electrical connection is achieved, but moisture seal may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A seal element is introduced as an intermediary component between the magnets and the panel surfaces. This seal element prevents moisture penetration while allowing the magnets to press the panels together for stable electrical connection. The seal element acts as a mediator that resolves the conflict between magnetic pressure and moisture protection.
3Ease of operation
If separate connectors are incorporated for each connection, then electrical connection is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions (electrical connection, magnetic attachment, moisture sealing, and adaptation to panel thickness) are merged into a single integrated connector structure. This eliminates the need for separate connectors and additional components like installation lids, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
4Manufacturing precision
If connector is designed for specific panel thickness, then connection precision is improved, but adaptability to different panels is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into rigid and flexible portions, where the flexible portion can deform to adapt to different panel thicknesses. This segmentation allows the connector to maintain precise electrical connection (through the rigid portion) while accommodating various panel thicknesses (through the flexible portion's deformation).
Solution Approach 2:
The connector's physical parameters (specifically the flexible portion's shape and position) change in response to different panel thicknesses. The flexible portion deforms under magnetic pressure to achieve optimal contact, allowing the same connector design to work across a range of panel thicknesses without sacrificing connection precision.
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 a stable, moisture-sealed electrical connection between panels without additional installation costs, allowing for easy connection and maintenance, and supports a wide range of panel thicknesses with a universal connector concept.
Implementation Method 1
When the two panels are pressed together, e.g. by two magnets, the flexible layer will be pressed on both sides against the electrical tracks to ensure a stable connection. Additionally, through the magnetic pressure, the humidity and moisture seal is tightened.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a connector for enabling an electrical connection between principal surfaces of two planar panels by being sandwiched between the two planar panels. The connector comprises a deformable main body having a first elongated cuboid shape and having, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first elongated cuboid shape, a first rectangular cross-section, and a conductive layer fully enclosing the circumference of the first rectangular cross-section along a portion of the longitudinal direction of the deformable main body.