Rotatable Connector Adapter for Orientation-Independent Fitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connector structures require precise alignment of pins and female terminals, leading to poor fitting workability.
Innovation Solution
A connector structure with an adapter that allows for rotational displacement between the connector and adapter housings, featuring intermediate contacts that elastically contact terminal surfaces, and a locking mechanism to prevent disengagement, enabling orientation-independent fitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pins and female terminals are arranged side-by-side in parallel, then electrical connection is achieved, but orientation adjustment is required reducing fitting workability
Solution Approach 1:
An adapter is introduced as an intermediary component between the connector and the opposing connector. The adapter includes intermediate contacts that can elastically contact different surfaces (center terminal portion or outer terminal portion) depending on the orientation, thereby enabling electrical connection regardless of the connector's orientation relative to the opposing connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact surfaces are designed with different geometries (protruding portion of center terminal portion versus outer peripheral surface of outer terminal portion). The intermediate contacts can adaptively change which surface they contact based on the relative orientation, effectively changing the contact parameter to maintain electrical connection across different orientations.
2Ease of operation
If adapter housing and connector housing are made displaceable rotationally, then orientation-independent fitting is achieved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter housing and connector housing are designed with rotational displacement capability rather than being fixed in a single orientation. This dynamic design allows the housings to rotate relative to each other during fitting, enabling the intermediate contacts to find the appropriate contact surfaces regardless of the initial orientation of the connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact system is segmented into multiple independent contact paths: the first intermediate contact can contact the center terminal portion, while the second intermediate contact can contact the outer terminal portion. This segmentation allows each contact path to function independently based on orientation, reducing the need for complex alignment mechanisms.
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
Improves fitting workability by allowing connectors to be aligned regardless of orientation, facilitating easy assembly and secure connection.
Implementation Method 1
a first contact piece portion to elastically contact the outer peripheral surface of the protruding portion of the center terminal portion
Implementation Method 2
a third contact piece portion to elastically contact the outer peripheral surface of the outer terminal portion
Data Source
AI summary
A connector structure (CS) includes an adapter (1) to be fitted to an opposing connector (100) that includes opposing terminals (102, 103) in parallel with each other and a connector (2) to be fitted to the adapter (1) in a fitting direction (X1). The connector includes a connector housing (3), a center terminal (4), and an outer terminal (5). The center terminal (4) includes a center terminal portion (40) with a central axis (C1) extending in the fitting direction. The outer terminal (5) includes a cylindrical outer terminal portion (50) that concentrically encloses the center terminal portion (40). The adapter (1) includes an adapter housing (7), a first intermediate contact (8), and a second intermediate contact (9). The adapter housing (7) and the connector housing (3) are rotatable relative to each other about the central axis (C1). The first intermediate contact (8) includes a first contact piece portion (81) to come into contact with an outer peripheral surface (40b) of a protruding portion (40a) of the center terminal portion (40) and a second contact piece portion to come into contact with one of the opposing terminals. The second intermediate contact (9) includes a third contact piece portion (91) to come into contact with an outer peripheral surface (50a) of the outer terminal portion (50) and a fourth contact piece portion (92) to come into contact with one of the opposing terminals.