Pivot Attachment for Modular Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular devices face challenges in proper alignment of components during attachment, which can lead to malfunction and damage of electrical connector pins if not aligned correctly, requiring efficient and precise alignment methods for secure and easy assembly and disassembly.
Innovation Solution
The use of a pivot member as a common axis of rotation for modular units, allowing for rotational alignment and independent attachment/removal of individual units, with mating points and connectors designed to align securely when rotated into contact, assisted by shrouds and housing geometries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If modular units are attached without proper alignment, then attachment speed is improved, but connector damage risk increases and malfunction occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot member is pre-positioned in the first modular unit, and the mating points on subsequent modular units are pre-configured to engage with this pivot. When attaching, the user simply needs to align the mating point with the pivot and rotate, rather than manually aligning multiple connectors. This preliminary positioning of the pivot member enables quick attachment while ensuring proper alignment is achieved through the guided rotational motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot member acts as an intermediary element that mediates the attachment process between modular units. Instead of directly aligning multiple connectors (electrical, mechanical, etc.), the pivot member serves as a single intermediate reference point that, when engaged, automatically ensures proper alignment of all connected components through its rotational guidance.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional alignment methods are used, then connector alignment precision is improved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment process is segmented into two distinct phases: (1) rapid engagement of the pivot member with the mating point, and (2) controlled rotational motion to achieve final alignment. This segmentation allows the bulk of the alignment work to be done automatically through the rotation mechanism, while manual intervention is only needed for the initial engagement, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from linear alignment (moving components directly toward each other) to rotational alignment (engaging via pivot point and rotating into position). By changing the dimension of the attachment motion from translational to rotational, the system achieves precise alignment through the arc of rotation guided by the pivot member, rather than requiring precise linear positioning.
3Ease of operation
If modular units are designed for easy removal, then ease of operation is improved, but structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism transitions from a static connection to a dynamic one, where the pivot member allows controlled rotational movement. During operation, the modular units are securely held in their attached positions by the engagement of mating points with the pivot. For removal, the user simply reverses the rotational motion, and the spring-loaded electrical connectors automatically disengage. This dynamic design provides both ease of operation and structural stability during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded electrical connectors are designed to self-disengage when the rotational attachment is reversed. As the mating point rotates away from the pivot member, the spring force automatically pulls the connectors apart without requiring additional manual intervention. This self-service mechanism simplifies the removal operation while maintaining secure connection during attached state.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular device and method are disclosed. The modular device includes individual modular units. A first modular unit includes a pivot member and a connector and a second modular unit includes a matching connector and a first mating point. The first mating point is configured to fit a portion of the pivot member. A third modular unit may also be included, where the third modular unit has a second mating point which is configured to fit another portion of the pivot member. The matched connectors align and connect when the second modular unit is rotated about the pivot member into contact with the first modular unit. The third modular unit can also be rotated about the same pivot member with or without the second modular unit connected. The second and third modular units can be rotated independently and/or removed independently.