Reconfigurable Modular Electrical Connector with Angled Pins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors are limited to fixed configurations, making them incompatible with electrical components having different connecting member configurations, lacking flexibility to connect multiple components with varying configurations.
Innovation Solution
A modular electrical connector system comprising detachable endcaps, elongate rails, and connector modules with angled pins, allowing for reconfiguration by selective insertion and removal of modules to accommodate different electrical components, enabling connections at various angles and configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed configuration of connecting members is used in electrical connectors, then the connector structure is simple and reliable, but the connector cannot connect to electrical components with different configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple independent connector modules, each with a specific configuration of connecting members. These modules can be selectively assembled into the frame to match different electrical component configurations, allowing the same frame to accommodate various connector types without increasing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure is designed with universal compatibility to accept different connector modules. The standardized interface between the frame and modules allows a single frame to serve multiple functions by simply changing the inserted module, thereby achieving adaptability without requiring multiple specialized connector designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If connector modules are made separable and reconfigurable, then flexibility to connect different components is improved, but the ease of operation and assembly is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system transitions from a static fixed configuration to a dynamic reconfigurable system. The connector modules are designed to be easily inserted into and removed from the frame through a simple snap-fit or sliding mechanism, allowing users to reconfigure the connector by simply swapping modules without complex tools or procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
Different connector modules are pre-configured with specific arrangements of connecting members to match different electrical component types. This preliminary preparation allows users to simply select and insert the appropriate pre-configured module rather than assembling connectors from individual components, maintaining ease of operation while achieving reconfigurability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If connecting members are arranged at angles to each other, then compatibility with perpendicular electrical components is achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting members incorporate an arcuate bend with a specific radius and angle (e.g., 90 degrees) to change the orientation from the plane of the first electrical component to the plane of the second electrical component. This geometric parameter change allows perpendicular connections while the bend is formed through standard manufacturing processes that can achieve the required precision efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
Re-configurable electrical connector including a pair of endcaps, a pair of elongate rails, each removably attached at one end to one of the endcaps, and connector modules arranged between the endcaps and including one or more male or female connecting members adapted to electrically connect at a first end to one electrical component or part thereof and at a second, opposite end to another electrical component or part thereof. Each connector module includes connecting members adapted to electrically connect at a first end to a first electrical component or part thereof and at a second, opposite end to a second electrical component or part thereof, and a bend between the first and second ends such that a plane in which the first end of the connecting member is situated is not parallel to a plane in which the second end of the connecting member is situated.