Rotating Electrical Connector Assembly With Self-Return Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector assemblies face challenges in returning to their original position after rotating to mate with a mating connector.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector assembly with a connector rotating unit that includes a movable post and an elastic member, where the elastic member drives the movable post to rotate the connector back to its original position using a restoring force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the electrical connector is made rotatable to mate with a mating connector, then the adaptability is improved, but the difficulty of returning to the original position increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member is pre-configured to exert a restoring force that automatically returns the connector to its original position after rotation. This preliminary anti-action counteracts the rotational displacement, ensuring the connector returns to its initial state without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member enables the connector to self-return to its original position through its restoring force. The system serves itself by automatically resetting the connector after rotation, eliminating the need for external assistance to return to the initial state.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotating mechanism is added to allow the connector to rotate, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a rotating body for rotation, a movable post constrained by an arc-shaped limiting groove to define rotation limits, and an elastic member to provide restoring force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with simple structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism uses dynamic elements including the rotatable connector, the movable post that moves along the arc-shaped groove, and the elastic member that dynamically adjusts to provide restoring force. These dynamic components enable rotation while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 automatically returns to its original position, enhancing user experience and ensuring reliable connection through the use of a movable post and elastic member.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member mated with the movable post; one end of the elastic member is fixed relative to the housing, and another end of the elastic member is connected to the movable post; the elastic member is configured to drive the movable post by a restoring force of the elastic member
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector assembly includes a housing and a connector rotating unit. The connector rotating unit is rotatable relative to the housing under the action of an external force. The connector rotating unit includes a rotating body, a movable post and an electrical connector. The electrical connector assembly also includes an arc-shaped limiting groove mated with the movable post and an elastic member mated with the movable post. One end of the elastic member is fixed relative to the housing, and another end of the elastic member is connected with the movable post. The movable post is movable in the arc-shaped limiting groove. The elastic member is configured to rotate the connector rotating unit back to an original position after the connector rotating unit is rotated.