Pass-Through Connector Self-Cleaning Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector systems are prone to contamination from dirt, mud, grease, and fluids, which can trap within the receptor connector and disrupt connections, making removal difficult and potentially damaging.
Innovation Solution
A pass-through connector system with a housing having a front and rear opening, where the plug's contact holder is configured to push contaminants out through the rear opening as it is loaded, utilizing a wiping surface to clear debris from the cavity walls, ensuring easy cleaning and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connectors are used in harsh environments, then connection functionality is achieved, but contaminants enter and trap within the receptacle connector
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of trying to prevent contaminants from entering the receptacle connector, the invention inverts the approach by allowing contaminants to enter and then using the plug insertion action to actively eject them through the rear opening. The receptacle is designed with a pass-through cavity that enables contaminants to be pushed out rather than trapped inside.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the contaminant removal function from separate cleaning operations and integrates it into the normal plug insertion process. The receptacle cavity is designed to allow contaminants to be extracted and ejected through the rear opening during routine connector mating.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional closed receptacle connectors are used, then connection stability is improved, but contaminant removal becomes difficult and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of designing a completely sealed receptacle and requiring separate cleaning operations, the invention inverts the approach by creating a controlled open system where contaminants can be easily ejected during normal operation. The pass-through cavity design allows contaminants to be removed during plug insertion rather than requiring separate cleaning steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle connector performs self-cleaning through the normal plug insertion process. The plug's contact holder acts as a wiping element that automatically removes contaminants during routine mating operations, eliminating the need for separate maintenance activities.
3Ease of operation
If tools are used to remove contaminants, then contaminant removal effectiveness is improved, but conductor damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system performs its own cleaning function using the plug insertion process itself. The contact holder of the plug serves as the cleaning element, wiping contaminants from the receptacle cavity during normal mating operations without requiring external tools that could damage conductors.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact holder of the plug acts as an intermediary element that performs the cleaning function. Rather than using separate cleaning tools that could damage conductors, the design uses the plug's own structural component to safely wipe and eject contaminants during normal operation.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the receptacle connector is sealed to prevent contaminant entry, then contamination resistance is improved, but contaminant removal capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of sealing the receptacle to prevent contaminant entry and accepting that contaminants will be trapped, the invention inverts the approach by designing an open pass-through system where contaminants are actively ejected during plug insertion. The rear opening enables contaminant removal rather than preventing entry.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle design transitions from a static sealed structure to a dynamic system where the plug insertion process actively manages contaminants. The pass-through cavity allows the system to adapt between preventing contaminant accumulation during operation and enabling easy removal when needed.
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 connector system effectively prevents contamination from entering and allows for quick and easy removal of contaminants, maintaining connection integrity and extending the lifespan of the connectors.
Implementation Method 1
The head has a wiping surface that engages the cavity walls. The head is configured to wipe along the walls and push contaminants from the cavity through the rear opening as the plug is loaded into the cavity.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector system includes a pass-through connector that includes a housing with a front and a rear opposite the front. The front of the housing has a front opening, and the rear of the housing has a rear opening. The housing also has a cavity between the front opening and the rear opening. The pass-through connector also includes conductors which are held by the housing in the cavity. The system also includes a plug that is received in the cavity through the front opening. The plug has a contact holder that holds plug conductors. The contact holder has a head that is received in the cavity, and the head is configured to push contaminants from the cavity through the rear opening as the plug is loaded into the cavity.