Panel Mount Connector With Biasing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication system connectors have limited mating depth ranges, leading to degraded electrical performance and risk of damage due to over-mating, and increasing size and cost with longer contacts.
Innovation Solution
A panel mount connector assembly with a biasing mechanism that exceeds the mating force, allowing the connector to move rearward when overloaded, providing a larger mating range and preventing damage while maintaining electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If connectors are designed with a larger mating depth range to accommodate system tolerances, then the mating adaptability is improved, but the risk of over-mating damage increases and electrical performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with movable characteristics through the biasing mechanism, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position within the cavity. The connector can move forward to accommodate mating variations and move rearward when over-mating force is detected, transforming a static rigid connection into a dynamic adaptive system that maintains reliability across varying mating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing mechanism acts as an intermediary between the rigid connector and the mating connector. It mediates the force interaction by providing a controlled forward biasing force that allows the connector to adapt to mating variations while protecting against over-mating damage through controlled rearward movement
2Adaptability or versatility
If longer electrical contacts are provided to increase the mating depth range, then the mating adaptability is improved, but the size and cost increase and electrical performance degrades due to electrical stubs
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using longer static electrical contacts, the invention uses a dynamic positioning system where the connector moves forward or rearward within the cavity based on mating conditions. This dynamic approach achieves extended mating depth range without requiring longer electrical contacts, thereby avoiding electrical stub formation and maintaining electrical performance
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the position parameter of the connector within the cavity rather than changing the length parameter of the electrical contacts. By controlling the connector's position through the biasing mechanism, the system achieves variable mating depth range while maintaining optimal electrical contact length, avoiding the electrical performance degradation caused by long overlapping areas
3Strength
If the connector is rigidly mounted to maximize structural stability, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the risk of damage from over-mating increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector transitions from a rigid fixed mounting to a dynamically movable mounting within the cavity. The biasing mechanism provides controlled movement capability, allowing the connector to maintain structural stability during normal operation while accommodating over-mating forces through controlled rearward movement, thereby reducing damage risk
4Reliability
If the biasing force is set high to maintain forward bias during mating, then the electrical connection reliability is improved, but the risk of preventing natural mating movement decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing force parameter is precisely calibrated to exceed the normal mating force while remaining below the threshold that would prevent natural mating movement. This parameter optimization allows the connector to maintain stable forward bias during mating (improving electrical connection reliability) while still allowing controlled rearward movement when the biasing force is exceeded (maintaining mating adaptability)
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 solution ensures robust and reliable electrical connections with a larger mating tolerance, preventing damage from over-mating and maintaining performance across varying system loads.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing mechanism has a biasing force exceeding a mating force with the mating connector such that the connector remains forward biased in the cavity during mating with the mating connector
Data Source
AI summary
A panel mount connector assembly includes a panel mount bracket having a cavity with a front opening. The assembly includes a connector movably received in the cavity holding contacts at a mating end and cables extending from a cable end. The assembly includes a biasing mechanism received in the cavity engaging the connector and forward biasing the connector in the cavity. The biasing mechanism has a biasing force exceeding a mating force with the mating connector such that the connector remains forward biased in the cavity during mating with the mating connector. The biasing mechanism allows the connector to move rearward when the biasing force is exceeded.