Rotational Cable Connector Tool for Tight-Space Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connecting and disconnecting cable connectors in crowded spaces is difficult due to congestion, which can lead to physical impossibility and cause downtime in complex electrical assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A tool comprising a backstop plate, overmold plate, and rotational means with a torque limiter, allowing for easy attachment and detachment of cable connectors through rotational manipulation, preventing excessive force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual cable connector manipulation is attempted in crowded spaces, then direct human access is required, but physical impossibility occurs due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized tool as an intermediary device between the operator and the cable connector. This tool includes a backstop plate that engages with the receptacle housing and an overmold plate that engages with the cable connector, allowing manipulation of connectors in spaces too confined for direct manual access while maintaining precise control over the connection process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a rotational mechanism that converts rotational motion into linear insertion/extraction motion. The rotational means, when rotated in different directions, causes the overmold plate to approach or recede from the backstop plate, enabling cable connector insertion and removal through a rotational dimension rather than requiring direct linear access to the congested space
2Productivity
If excessive force is applied during cable connector insertion, then connection may be achieved, but component damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a torque limiter in the rotational means that prevents rotation beyond a predetermined rotational limit. This limiter acts as a pre-established protective mechanism that stops the insertion process before excessive force can be applied to the cable connector or receptacle, cushioning against potential damage while still enabling efficient connection through controlled rotational motion
3Ease of operation
If multiple cable connectors are disconnected to create space, then access is improved, but network downtime occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The specialized tool serves as an intermediary that extends the operator's reach into congested cable management spaces without requiring the removal of surrounding connectors. By providing a mechanical interface that can engage and manipulate individual connectors in tight spaces, the tool eliminates the need to disconnect multiple cables to create working room, thereby preventing network downtime
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
Facilitates safe and efficient connection and disconnection of cable connectors in tight spaces, reducing downtime and potential damage to components.
Implementation Method 1
The rotational means passes through the rotational acceptor formed as part of the overmold plate and is rotatably attached to the backstop plate. The rotational means causes the overmold plate to approach the backstop plate upon application of a first spin direction of the rotational means and causes the overmold plate to recede from the backstop plate upon application of a second spin direction of the rotational means.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool to facilitate attachment and detachment of cable connectors. The tool includes a backstop plate for engaging a cable connector receptacle housing, an overmold plate for engaging a cable connector being insertibly connected into a cable connector receptacle, and a rotational means passing through a rotational acceptor formed as part of the overmold plate and rotatably attached to the backstop plate. The rotational means causes the overmold plate to approach the backstop plate upon application of a first spin direction of the rotational means and causing the overmold plate to recede from the backstop plate upon application of a second spin direction of the rotational means. The overmold plate approaching the backstop plate causes the engaged cable connector to be insertibly connected into the cable connector receptacle housing and the overmold plate receding from the backstop plate causes the engaged cable connector to be removed.