Self-Aligning Connector Arrangement for Inaccessible Automotive Dampers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-aligning electrical connector arrangements are inadequate for environments inaccessible to human sight and reach, where visual and tactile alignment is impossible, making it difficult to correctly align and connect plug and socket connectors.
Innovation Solution
A connector arrangement where the socket connector is rotatably arranged in a housing with a funnel-shaped guideway that automatically aligns with the plug connector upon insertion, ensuring correct mating regardless of initial positions, and includes a connector position assurance mechanism for secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional electrical connector arrangements are used, then the connectors can be connected in only one orientation to allow proper mating, but the alignment and connection become impossible or extremely difficult in environments inaccessible to human sight and reach
Solution Approach 1:
The connector arrangement performs self-alignment through the interaction between the funnel-shaped opening and guide element, eliminating the need for human visual or tactile intervention. The system serves itself by automatically orienting and aligning the connectors during insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The funnel-shaped opening is pre-configured with inclined surfaces that automatically guide the guide element into the correct orientation upon approach, performing the alignment action before the connectors reach their final mated position.
2Ease of operation
If manual alignment methods are used, then the connectors can be connected with proper orientation, but the process becomes impractical in locations hardly accessible to human reach
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment function is segmented into distinct components: the funnel-shaped opening in the socket connector and the corresponding guide element in the plug connector. This separation allows each component to be optimized for its specific alignment task.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide element acts as an intermediary between the plug connector and socket connector, mediating the alignment process by engaging with the funnel-shaped opening to guide the connectors into proper orientation during insertion.
3Extent of automation
If the socket connector is fixed in position, then the structure is simpler, but the guide element cannot automatically rotate the socket connector into correct orientation upon insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The socket connector is designed with rotational freedom within its housing, transitioning from a fixed state to a dynamically adjustable state during insertion. The connector automatically rotates to the correct orientation as the guide element engages with the funnel-shaped opening.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3d
Figure 4a~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a connector arrangement comprising a plug connector (10) and a socket connector (20), in particular a connector arrangement for an electronically adjustable damper of an automobile. Thee socket connector (20) is rotatably arrangable in a socket connector housing (21) and comprises an outer casing (22) comprising at least one guideway (24) formed therein for the reception of a corresponding guide element (12) of the plug connector (10), whereby the guideway (24) has a funnel shaped opening (25) for the reception of the guide element (12), so that upon insertion of the plug connector (10) into the socket connector (20), the guide element (12) is enabled upon contacting portions of said funnel shaped opening (25) to rotate the socket connector (20) into a correctly aligned orientation with regard to the plug connector (10).