Self-Aligning Connector Assembly for Launch-Stable Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional self-aligning connectors are prone to inadvertent movement during high force events, such as spacecraft launches, and require increased connection forces when used with heavier or more robust connectors, which can lead to misalignment issues and binding failures.
Innovation Solution
A self-aligning connector assembly that includes an alignment adapter and cage system with radially extending alignment posts and detents, along with a biasing member, which allows for misalignment during connection while preventing inadvertent movement by engaging the alignment posts with the end plate, thereby reducing the reliance on biasing force during high force events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a self-aligning mechanism is provided to allow misalignment between connectors, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability of the connector position deteriorates during high force events
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment adapter is designed to be movable between a first position (spaced from end plate, permitting connector movement for self-alignment) and a second position (engaged against end plate, preventing inadvertent movement). This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt between two operational states: alignment mode and stability mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameter of the alignment adapter relative to the end plate. In the first position, the adapter is spaced apart allowing misalignment compensation; in the second position, the adapter is engaged against the end plate to prevent movement during high force events like launch.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the alignment adapter is spaced apart from the end plate to permit movement, then the self-aligning functionality is improved, but the connector stability during high force events deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically reconfigures the alignment adapter's position relative to the end plate. During connection operations, the adapter is in the first position (spaced apart) to enable self-alignment. During high force events, the adapter moves to the second position (engaged against end plate) to ensure stability and prevent inadvertent movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment adapter is pre-configured to move to the engaged position against the end plate before high force events occur, such as before spacecraft launch. This preliminary action ensures the connector is secured against movement when reliability is critical.
3Ease of operation
If a biasing member is used to urge the alignment adapter toward aligned position, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member automatically urges the alignment adapter toward the aligned position without requiring external control or additional complex mechanisms. The connector's own insertion motion activates the biasing member, which then self-regulates the alignment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex control system for alignment is extracted and replaced with a simple biasing member that provides automatic alignment through elastic force, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
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 effectively captures and retains the connector in place during high force events, allowing for the use of heavier connectors with low connection forces and preventing misalignment, while reducing frictional and mating forces, thus enhancing stability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member disposed between alignment adapter and the alignment cage, wherein the biasing member is configured to urge the alignment adapter toward an aligned position relative to the alignment cage
Data Source
AI summary
A self-aligning connector assembly includes a connector frame, a connector, and an alignment adapter. The connector frame includes an end plate. The connector extends from the connector frame and is configured to engage with a mating connector. The alignment adapter is coupled to the connector. The alignment adapter is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the alignment adapter is spaced apart from the end plate and permits the connector to move relative to the connector frame. In the second position, the alignment adapter is engaged against the end plate and prevents movement of the connector relative to the connector frame.