Electro-Mechanical Quick Connector for Combined Access and Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools require separate mechanical and electrical functions for tasks like accessing munition fuze settings, leading to increased operational complexity and risk of incomplete tasks.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional electro-mechanical tool with a handheld housing, electro-mechanical head, and electrical cable, featuring a tool subassembly and electrical connector that allows for both mechanical operations (like removing access covers) and electrical connections (for power and data transfer) in a single device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate tools are used for mechanical tasks and electrical tasks, then each tool can be specialized for its function, but the operational complexity increases and the risk of incomplete tasks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a mechanical tool subassembly (with bit for removing access covers) and an electrical connector (for power and data transfer) into a single electro-mechanical tool. This merging eliminates the need for separate mechanical and electrical tools, reducing operational complexity while ensuring both functions are performed reliably on the munition.
Solution Approach 2:
The electro-mechanical tool is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a mechanical tool for removing access covers and as an electrical connector for transferring power and data parameters. This universal design allows a single tool to perform multiple previously separate functions, improving task completion reliability without increasing operational complexity.
2Productivity
If multiple separate tools are required for munition preparation, then each tool can be optimized for its specific function, but the time required to complete operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging mechanical and electrical functions into one tool, the patent eliminates the time required to switch between separate tools during munition preparation. The operator performs both mechanical access cover removal and electrical parameter transfer in a single continuous operation, significantly reducing total task completion time and improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is designed with the electrical connector and mechanical tool subassembly integrated beforehand, allowing the operator to prepare the munition for launch in a streamlined sequence without interruption. This preliminary integration of functions enables continuous operation without the time loss associated with tool changes or repositioning.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different tools are used for mechanical and electrical operations, then functional specialization is achieved, but the risk that one or both tasks cannot be completed increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges mechanical and electrical functions into a single integrated tool, ensuring that both functions are performed on the same munition platform. This integration eliminates the risk that one tool fails while another succeeds, as both functions are now coupled in a single tool that must succeed or fail together, thereby improving overall task completion reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electro-mechanical tool provides universal functionality by incorporating both mechanical tool capabilities (bit for access cover removal) and electrical connector capabilities (power and data transfer). This multi-functionality ensures adaptability to various munition types while maintaining reliable completion of both mechanical and electrical tasks through a single integrated system.
Data Source
AI summary
An electro-mechanical tool includes a handheld housing, an electrical cable, and an electro-mechanical head. The electro-mechanical head includes an electrical connector and a tool subassembly. The electrical connector includes pins, each pin connected to a lead of the electrical cable. The tool subassembly includes a bit attached to a cap, which is distally located relative to the electrical connector.