Protected Electrical Connector with Wiper Sealing Against Contamination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
End-user device connectors are vulnerable to damage from environmental elements such as dust, moisture, and vibrations, leading to failures, malfunctions, and intermittent connectivity due to contamination and physical stress.
Innovation Solution
The development of self-protective and self-cleaning electrical connectors with wiper mechanisms that displace or absorb contaminants during insertion and removal, featuring retractable slide covers and radial seals to prevent ingress and ensure reliable electrical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If EUD connectors are exposed to environmental elements for charging and data transfer, then connectivity and functionality are enabled, but the connectors become susceptible to damage from dust, moisture, vibrations, and high g-loading environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a retractable cover that automatically closes to protect the connector before environmental damage can occur. The cover is positioned in advance to shield the electrical contacts from dust, moisture, and other contaminants, preventing contamination rather than addressing it after insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible shells and thin films through the use of a retractable cover made from resilient material that can flex open to allow connector insertion and then flex closed to protect the connector. This flexible barrier effectively seals the connector from environmental elements while maintaining operational access.
2Volume of moving object
If connectors are designed to be compact for EUDs, then device portability is improved, but the connectors lack robustness against harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by placing the connector within a protective housing that contains a retractable cover. The cover nests within the housing structure, allowing the compact connector assembly to provide both protection and operational access without significantly increasing the overall volume of the connector component.
3Weight of moving object
If connectors are made light-duty for typical EUD use, then device weight is reduced, but the connectors fail under harsh conditions such as vibrations and high g-loading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing a protective cover that shields the light-duty connector from harsh environmental conditions before damage can occur. The cover acts as a buffer against vibrations, moisture, and contaminants, allowing the connector to withstand harsher conditions than its light-duty construction would normally permit.
4Ease of operation
If connectors are exposed for easy access, then user convenience is improved, but contamination from dust and moisture causes failures and intermittent connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using a retractable cover that can dynamically transition between open and closed positions. The cover is accessible when needed for connection and automatically closes to prevent contaminant ingress, providing both user convenience and protection against harmful environmental factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible shells and thin films through the retractable cover made from resilient material that flexes open for access and closes to form a protective barrier against dust and moisture, effectively preventing contaminant ingress while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An electro-mechanical connection apparatus. The apparatus includes a connection base configured to mechanically support an external device, and a first connection device operably connected to the connection base, wherein the first connection device is configured to operably connect with a second connection device associated with the external device. The first connection device includes a first electrical contact configured to establish an electrical connection with a second electrical contact of the external device, wherein the first electrical contact establishes the electrical connection with the second electrical contact while the connection base mechanically supports the external device.