Reversible Power Connector with Multiplexer Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power and data connector assemblies are not reversible, making them difficult to connect and disconnect, especially in hard-to-reach locations, and they often lack robustness and sealing provisions for harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
A reversible power and data connector assembly with multiple electrical contacts and a multiplexer system that automatically routes power and data regardless of connector orientation, utilizing pogo-style contacts and magnetic components for secure and easy connection, and integral sealing for weatherproofing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional non-reversible electrical connector is used, then the connector can maintain a stable connection in a fixed orientation, but it becomes difficult to connect and disconnect, especially in hard-to-reach locations
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs asymmetric contact arrangements where data contacts are positioned differently from power contacts, allowing the system to identify orientation automatically. This enables the connector to work in any physical orientation while maintaining proper signal routing through the multiplexer's orientation-dependent configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector system dynamically adapts to different orientations through the multiplexer, which automatically reconfigures the electrical connections based on detected orientation. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same physical connector to properly route signals regardless of how it is oriented during connection.
2Ease of operation
If a reversible connector design is implemented, then the connector can be connected in any orientation improving ease of operation, but the internal routing and contact arrangement becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The multiplexer serves multiple functions: it routes data signals, detects connector orientation, and automatically reconfigures electrical connections based on the detected orientation. This multi-functionality allows a single component to handle the complexity of reversible connector routing without requiring separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiplexer acts as an intermediary between the physical connector and the internal circuitry, absorbing the complexity of orientation-dependent routing. It mediates between the variable external connector orientation and the fixed internal circuit requirements, translating between the two through automatic reconfiguration.
3Reliability
If robust sealing provisions are added to protect against harsh environments, then the connector becomes more reliable and waterproof, but the connection mechanism becomes more complex and harder to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism is merged with the connector housing structure itself, creating an integrated waterproof enclosure. The gasket is integrated into the housing design rather than being a separate component, and the magnetic connection system is enclosed within the sealed housing, combining multiple functions into a unified structure that is both robust and manufacturable.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic connection system provides self-aligning and self-sealing functionality. When the connector halves are brought together, the magnetic force automatically draws them into proper alignment, ensuring the sealing surfaces mate correctly without requiring complex alignment features or manual adjustment during assembly.
4Strength
If magnetic components are used to hold the connector together securely, then the connection strength increases, but the connector may become too strong to disconnect easily
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded electrical contacts provide a counteracting force to the magnetic attraction. The springs are pre-loaded to exert a separating force that balances the magnetic holding force, allowing the connector to remain securely connected during normal use but enabling easy disconnection when force is applied to overcome the combined magnetic and spring forces.
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 assembly allows for easy and secure connection in any orientation, ensuring reliable power and data transfer in harsh environments and extending the connector's lifespan by being waterproof and robust.
Implementation Method 1
The first multiplexer is configured to: direct the first data input to a first bus and direct the second data input to a second bus, or direct the first data input to the second bus and direct the second data input to the first bus, depending whether a voltage is present at the selector.
Implementation Method 2
The connector assembly is very robust (e.g., because of the use of magnets)
Implementation Method 3
comes apart relatively easily (e.g., due to the spring-loaded, i.e., pogo-style, pin design)
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a first electrical connector and a first multiplexer. The first electrical connector has multiple electrical contacts including at least a first data contact, a second data contact, a first power contact and a second power contact. The first multiplexer has a first data input, a second data input and a selector. The first data input is coupled to the first data contact. The second data input is coupled to the second data contact. The selector is coupled to the first power contact or the second power contact. The first multiplexer is configured to; direct the first data input to a first bus and direct the second data input to a second bus, or direct the first data input to the second bus and direct the second data input to the first bus, depending whether a voltage is present at the selector.