Self-Aware Connector Alignment and Access Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current connector technologies face issues with damage due to misalignment and improper force distribution, leading to damage of high-performance components, and lack intelligence to secure connections or protect against unauthorized access.

Innovation Solution

The development of an intelligent connection mechanism that autonomously aligns and connects physical elements using an algorithmic approach, incorporating coding and attractor forces to facilitate secure connections without user intervention, and includes security protocols to prevent unauthorized access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual connection methods are used, then users can control the connection process, but misalignment and improper force distribution cause damage to high-performance connectors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector integrityVSAvoidmanual alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connector performs self-alignment and self-connection through integrated guide pins and alignment features that automatically position mating connectors correctly without requiring manual alignment by the user, eliminating misalignment damage while maintaining connection reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment with automated alignment mechanisms including guide pins, alignment keys, and precision-machined mating surfaces that automatically position connectors correctly during the connection process, removing human error from the equation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If standardized connectors are used, then compatibility is improved, but lack of intelligence allows theft of information and unauthorized access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector compatibilityVSAvoidsecurity protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector incorporates sensors and intelligence that detect the presence, type, and authorization status of mating connectors, providing feedback to the system to enable or disable connections based on security policies, preventing unauthorized access while maintaining compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The connector's electrical contacts are dynamically enabled or disabled based on real-time detection of authorized versus unauthorized connectors, allowing the system to adapt connection permissions dynamically rather than using fixed static connection capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If more pins and finer granularity are added to connectors, then performance is improved, but susceptibility to damage from misalignment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector performanceVSAvoidmisalignment damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is segmented into distinct functional zones including robust guide pins for alignment, intermediate structural elements for force distribution, and delicate electrical contacts for high-performance signaling, allowing each segment to perform its specific function while protecting vulnerable components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector design includes built-in compliance features, flexible cables, and force-distributing structural elements that cushion and absorb misalignment forces before they reach the delicate high-performance pins and electrical contacts, preventing damage while enabling higher pin counts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Extent of automation

If autonomous connection mechanism is implemented, then user intervention is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection autonomyVSAvoidconnector intelligence

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the autonomous connection control logic directly into the connector hardware itself, combining sensing elements, control circuitry, and actuation mechanisms within the connector assembly, eliminating the need for separate external control systems and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution enables secure, efficient, and damage-free connections, reducing human error and enhancing security by automatically aligning and connecting components while preventing unauthorized access through intelligent control of the connection process.

Implementation Method 1

The connector is magnetized such that the connector is attracted to a mating connector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The coding mechanism can be made programmable, hence, allowing intelligent management of connection types

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic coding: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 3

A hardware based security mechanism may be controlled by certain coding protocols

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic coding: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11822678B1Autonomous and self-aware connection mechanism

Publication Date: 2023.11.21 ENORCOM CORP

AI summary

Disclosed herein are self-aware, self-modifying, autonomous connection mechanisms. Exemplifying intelligent systems introduce some of the embodiments of the autonomous connection mechanism techniques.