Protective Connector Free-Moving Mating Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems for farm equipment lack effective protection for circuitry during connector mating, which can lead to damage from applied forces and reduce the longevity of the wireless communication units.
Innovation Solution
A protective connector with a mechanically free-moving mating coupling structure that encases the core assembly, allowing forces to be absorbed without applying pressure to the circuitry, combined with a wireless drive unit that enables communication with portable devices and directly couples with farm equipment circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mating coupling structure is fixed to the core assembly structure, then the connector provides stable structural support, but forces applied during mating are transmitted to the circuitry causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two independent parts: the core assembly structure housing the circuitry and the mating coupling structure. The mating coupling structure is made mechanically free-moving with respect to the core assembly structure, allowing it to absorb mating forces independently while the core assembly remains protected. This segmentation prevents force transmission to the circuitry while maintaining structural integrity.
2Reliability
If the mating coupling structure is made free-moving to protect circuitry, then circuitry is protected from mating forces, but the connector loses structural stability
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the mating coupling structure from the core assembly structure, the patent allows the mating coupling to move freely and absorb forces while the core assembly remains stable and protected. The segmentation creates independent functional zones that resolve the stability-protection contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanically free-moving mating coupling structure acts as an intermediary that absorbs and dissipates mating forces before they can reach the core assembly. This intermediary layer protects the stable core assembly from external forces while maintaining the overall connector functionality.
3Productivity
If forces are applied directly to mate the connector, then mating is achieved quickly and efficiently, but the circuitry experiences mechanical stress and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation of the connector into independent mating and core components allows rapid mating of the coupling structures without transmitting forces to the core assembly. This enables efficient connectivity while protecting the circuitry from mechanical stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The free-moving mating coupling structure serves as a force-absorbing intermediary that enables quick mating operations. It dissipates applied forces through its mechanical freedom, preventing stress transmission to the circuitry while maintaining fast connection capability.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
A protective connector includes a core assembly structure, mating pins and a mating coupling structure. The core assembly structure has circuitry mounted therein. The mating coupling structure substantially encases the core assembly structure and mates with another connector such that the mating pins of the protective connector are electrically coupled to pins of the other connector. The mating coupling structure is mechanically free-moving with respect to the core assembly structure such that forces applied to the mating coupling structure to mate the protective connector to the other connector are not applied to the circuitry within the core assembly structure.