Rotating Connector Interface for Vibration-Resistant Sensor Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector interfaces for external sensors in vehicles are prone to degradation due to loose connections, vibrations, and physical disturbances during transportation, leading to unreliable data acquisition in harsh environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A connector interface with circumferential slots and rotating external connectors that apply a compressive force between conductors, ensuring a resilient connection despite loose attachments or vibrations, and allowing for sequenced or continuous connection of conductors for power and signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional fixed connector interface is used, then the connection structure is simple, but the connection reliability degrades under vibrations and loose attachments
Solution Approach 1:
The connector interface transitions from a static fixed-position connection to a dynamic rotating connection. The external connector can rotate within the connector interface, allowing the conductors to sweep across and make contact with multiple conductor contacts. This dynamic motion enables the connection to accommodate vibrations and loose attachments while maintaining reliable electrical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a rotational dimension to the traditional linear insertion connection. Instead of only moving the connector in and out, the external connector can also rotate around its axis. This rotational degree of freedom allows the conductors to engage with conductor contacts at different angular positions, providing multiple contact opportunities and improving reliability under adverse conditions.
2Reliability
If multiple conductors are connected simultaneously, then the connection speed is fast, but the data integrity may be compromised under harsh conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating external connector performs preliminary scanning and engagement actions before establishing the final stable connection. As the connector rotates, the conductors make preliminary contact with conductor contacts, allowing for sequential engagement and verification of connections. This preliminary action ensures that all necessary electrical contacts are established before data transmission begins, maintaining data integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation mechanism enables continuous engagement and re-engagement of conductors with conductor contacts. Rather than a single static connection event, the rotating connector continuously sweeps the conductors across the contact surface, ensuring continuous electrical contact even during vibrations or movements. This continuity maintains reliable data transmission throughout the connection lifecycle.
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 solution provides a reliable and durable connection that maintains data integrity even under harsh conditions, such as high humidity and temperature variations, ensuring consistent sensor data acquisition during vehicle transportation.
Implementation Method 1
rotation of the external connector causes the one or more flanges to slide within the one or more circumferential slots into a retained position of the external connector, in which one or more second conductors of the external connector, having a fixed disposition relative to the one or more flanges, are connected to the one or more first conductors
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects discussed herein include an electronic device and an associated connector interface. The electronic device comprises an enclosure that defines an internal volume, a plurality of external surfaces, and a recess from an external surface of the plurality of external surfaces. The recess has circumferential slot(s) extending to the external surface and that receive flange(s) of an external connector. The electronic device further comprises a connector interface connected with one or more electronic components disposed in the internal volume. The connector interface comprises first conductor(s) that are exposed at the recess. While the flange(s) are received in the circumferential slot(s), rotation of the external connector causes the flange(s) to slide within the circumferential slot(s) into a retained position, in which second conductor(s) of the external connector, having a fixed disposition relative to the flange(s), are connected to the first conductor(s).