Rotatable Connector Coding Assembly for Selective Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector coding systems are complex and require multiple interchangeable parts, making it difficult to modify compatibility between connectors.
Innovation Solution
A coding system using rotatable envelopes and locking mechanisms on connectors, allowing easy reconfiguration of compatibility by rotating and locking parts into predefined positions, without requiring structural modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a coding system uses multiple interchangeable parts to modify connector compatibility, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the coding system adjustable through rotation. The first and second parts can be rotated to different angular positions around the connection axis, dynamically changing the alignment between protrusions and recesses. This allows the same physical components to provide different coding configurations without requiring multiple interchangeable parts, thus improving adaptability while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the coding function into two independent rotatable components (first part on first connector, second part on second connector). Each part has its own protrusions that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows flexible combination of coding patterns while using a single set of standardized parts, reducing the need for multiple interchangeable components
2Adaptability or versatility
If a coding system uses multiple interchangeable parts to modify connector compatibility, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to risk of misplacement
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic rotation mechanism allows users to easily reconfigure connector compatibility by simply rotating parts to desired angular positions. The locking mechanism secures the parts in place once positioned, eliminating the risk of misplacement during operation. This provides both adaptability and ease of operation without requiring multiple interchangeable parts that could be misplaced
3Manufacturing precision
If a coding system uses fixed machined surfaces, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains manufacturing precision through precisely machined protrusions and recesses on the rotatable parts. However, it overcomes the fixed nature of traditional coding systems by allowing these precisely manufactured features to be positioned at different angular orientations through rotation. This combines the precision of fixed machined surfaces with the adaptability of adjustable positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the angular dimension to the traditional linear coding system. Instead of only providing fixed coding positions along a linear path, the rotatable parts introduce rotational freedom, allowing protrusions and recesses to align at multiple angular positions. This dimensional expansion provides adaptability while maintaining the precision of machined features
Data Source
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AI summary
Assembly (10) comprising: - a first connector (12), and a second connector (14) movable in axial translation relative to the first connector, - a first part (16) fixed on the first connector, and a first envelope (18) movable in axial rotation relative to the first part between a first plurality of positions, - a first locking member (20) blocking the first envelope, - a second part (22) fixed on the second connector, and a second envelope (24) movable in axial rotation relative to the second part between a second plurality of positions, - a second locking member (26) blocking the second envelope, the first envelope, the first part, the second envelope, and the second part having shapes realizing a coding allowing the connection only if the position of the first envelope corresponds to the position of the second envelope.