Rotary Connector Neutral State Recognition via Cable Mark
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary connectors face challenges in accurately recognizing the neutral state of the inner case, especially when multiple flat cables are involved, leading to complex manufacturing processes and cumbersome alignment procedures, which hinder efficient reattachment and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a sighting window and distinct marks on the reversing portions of the flat cables, where a prescribed mark is visible only when the inner case is in the neutral state, allowing for easy recognition and alignment, even with multiple cables, and differentiating marks for non-neutral states to indicate deviation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If aligning marks are provided on the outer case and inner case to indicate the neutral state, then the neutral state can be recognized, but the marks match even when the inner case rotates one time, making it difficult to return to the neutral state after large rotations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the neutral state indication into multiple independent elements: aligning marks on both cases and a distinct mark on the flat cable. This segmentation allows the system to provide more reliable neutral state recognition by combining multiple indicators rather than relying on a single mark that can be ambiguous after rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mark on the flat cable as an intermediary indicator between the outer case and inner case aligning marks. This intermediary mark serves as a reference point that remains valid regardless of rotation, helping users accurately determine the neutral state by aligning it with the sighting window and other marks.
2Measurement precision
If a sighting window is provided to sight the reversing portion of the flat cable in the neutral state, then the neutral state can be recognized, but when multiple flat cables are present, the reversing portion of other cables may also be sighted, causing false recognition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing marks at specific locations: the mark is placed on the flat cable at the reversing portion location, and the sighting window is positioned to sight this specific mark only when the inner case is in the neutral state. This localized marking approach ensures that only the relevant mark is visible at the correct orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses asymmetry in the positioning of the sighting window and the mark on the flat cable. The sighting window is located at a specific angular position on the inner case, and the mark on the flat cable is positioned to be visible through this window only when the inner case is in the neutral state. This asymmetric arrangement ensures that marks from other cables or positions are not visible, preventing false recognition.
3Measurement precision
If aligning marks and sighting of the reversing portion are required to be performed simultaneously, then accurate neutral state recognition is achieved, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple neutral state indication methods into a unified system: the aligning marks on the outer and inner cases are combined with the mark on the flat cable and the sighting window. This integration allows users to recognize the neutral state through a single comprehensive indicator system rather than performing separate alignment procedures, reducing time and complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Any one of the reversing portions of the flat cables is positioned in the sighting window when the inner case is in the neutral state. A prescribed mark is attached to the reversing portion which is positioned in the sighting window when the inner case is in the neutral state. Thus, it can be determined that the inner case is in the neutral state when the prescribed mark is attached to the reversing portion sighted through the sighting window.