Rotating Equipotential Connector with Elastic Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current equipotential bonding methods in aeronautics are time-consuming, require manual execution, and suffer from reproducibility issues, necessitating a more efficient and reliable connection solution.
Innovation Solution
An electrical equipotential connection device featuring a connector with elastic tabs and a socket that allows for quick and secure connection and disconnection, utilizing a rotating mechanism with recesses and disconnection tracks for stable locking and controlled disengagement, enabling rapid, safe, and reproducible equipotential connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual metallization operations are used for equipotential bonding, then connection safety can be achieved, but connection time is excessively long (10-15 minutes per connection)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (sanding, brushing, grease application, screwing) with a mechanical connector system featuring elastic tabs that automatically engage with recesses in the socket. The elastic tabs provide automatic electrical contact and mechanical locking when the connector is plugged into the socket, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual metallization steps while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design enables self-servicing through automatic engagement mechanisms. The elastic tabs automatically deform and engage with the recesses when the connector is inserted, creating both electrical contact and mechanical locking without requiring manual intervention for each connection step. This self-service mechanism dramatically reduces connection time while ensuring consistent, safe connections.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual equipotential bonding operations are performed, then connections can be made, but reproducibility is poor due to random execution variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the equipotential bonding function into distinct modular components: a connector with elastic tabs and a socket with recesses. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately with precise tolerances, ensuring that every connection is identical and reproducible. The standardized interface eliminates variations caused by manual execution differences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the connection system from manual, variable operations to a mechanical system with fixed geometric parameters. The elastic tab dimensions, recess positions, and engagement forces are all controlled parameters that ensure consistent, reproducible connections every time, regardless of who performs the connection or environmental conditions.
3Reliability
If traditional connection methods are used, then equipotential bonding can be achieved, but the process requires specific equipment and products that increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate operations and equipment requirements into a single integrated connector-socket system. The electrical connection, mechanical locking, and structural attachment functions are combined into one plugging action. This eliminates the need for separate sanding equipment, grease applicators, and fastening tools, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining bonding effectiveness.
4Adaptability or versatility
If equipotential connections are made during final aircraft assembly, then integration is achieved, but production costs and time are increased due to constrained operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary action by allowing sockets to be pre-installed on structural components during earlier manufacturing stages, before final aircraft assembly. The standardized connector-socket interface ensures that pre-installed sockets will work perfectly with connectors attached later, enabling parallel production processes and eliminating time-consuming operations during constrained final assembly operations.
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
Significantly reduces connection time, enhances safety and stability against vibrations, and facilitates automation, allowing for upstream relocation of operations in the manufacturing process, thereby reducing production costs and simplifying final assembly.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic tab; at least two recesses designed to cooperate with said at least one elastic tab; a stable locking position in which the elastic tab is engaged in the recess
Implementation Method 2
an unlocking position in which the elastic tab is elastically deformed and is disposed on the disconnection track
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical equipotential connection device having: a connector (1) that includes: a first electrical connector element (2); at least one resilient tab (4); a socket (9) that includes: a contact surface (12); a second electrical connector element (20); at least one housing (14) suitable for cooperating with the at least one resilient tab (4); a disconnection track (17) adjacent to the housing (14) and extending substantially parallel to the insertion direction (21). The connector (1) is rotatable with respect to the base (9), about the insertion direction (21), between: a stable locking position in which the resilient tab (4) is inserted into the housing (14); an unlocking position in which the resilient tab (4) is resiliently deformed and disposed on the disconnection track (17).