Power Line Connector Resilient Retaining Ring Vibration Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maintaining coupling between power line connectors is challenging due to forces like vibration and temperature changes, which cause misalignment and disconnection in data centers.
Innovation Solution
A power line connector apparatus featuring a groove in the outer casing and a resilient retaining ring that compresses against the inner walls of the electrical contact housing, providing friction and stability through a rib structure to maintain the connection between the connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple connector design is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of maintaining coupling under vibration and temperature changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a resilient retaining ring made of flexible material that can deform elastically. This ring acts as a flexible element that maintains continuous contact pressure between the connector components, allowing the connector to accommodate vibration and thermal expansion while maintaining reliable coupling. The flexible nature of the retaining ring enables it to absorb mechanical stresses without compromising the electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes elastic deformation as a key parameter change mechanism. The retaining ring is designed to undergo controlled elastic deformation when subjected to external forces such as vibration or thermal stress. This parameter change allows the connector to dynamically adapt to varying conditions while maintaining coupling integrity, resolving the contradiction between simple design and reliable coupling maintenance.
2Reliability
If a resilient retaining ring is added to improve coupling stability, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connector into distinct functional segments: the outer casing, the electrical contact housing, and the resilient retaining ring. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together as a system. The retaining ring is positioned in a groove and interacts with ribs on the electrical contact housing, creating modular functional units that improve reliability without requiring complete redesign of the entire connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient retaining ring is nested within the groove of the outer casing and interacts with the rib structure of the electrical contact housing. This nested arrangement allows the retaining ring to be integrated into the existing connector structure without adding significant external complexity. The ring fits within the groove and engages with the rib, creating a compact configuration that maintains coupling stability while minimizing increase in device complexity.
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 effectively maintains a secure and stable electrical connection between power line connectors, preventing disconnection due to external forces and ensuring reliable power delivery.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient retaining ring located at least partially within the recessed space of the groove, the retaining ring compressing against the inner walls of the electrical contact housing
Implementation Method 2
the retaining ring uncompressing within the recessed space of the rib as the first power line connector is fully inserted into the electrical contact housing
Data Source
AI summary
A power line connector apparatus and a method of coupling a first power line connector to a second power line connector are provided. Embodiments include a first power line connector comprising an outer casing that includes a groove that forms a recessed space annularly around the outer casing, the groove opening radially outward from the outer casing; a second power line connector comprising an electrical contact housing including a rib that forms a recessed space annularly along the inner walls of the electrical contact housing; and a resilient retaining ring located at least partially within the recessed space of the groove, the ring compressing against the inner walls of the electrical contact housing as the first connector is inserted into the electrical contact housing of the second connector, the ring uncompressing within the recessed space of the rib as the first connector is fully inserted into the housing.