Serial Bus Receptacle With Adjustable External Clamp
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current serial communication bus connectors, such as USB connectors, provide insufficient retention force for industrial applications, leading to unreliable connections due to flexible locking mechanisms and susceptibility to vibrations, and often require modifications to peripherals or dedicated ends.
Innovation Solution
A serial bus receptacle with internal retention springs and an external clamp adjustable via a clamping mechanism, using threaded fasteners or nuts, to enhance the retention force of the springs and secure the plug, allowing for standard peripherals to be used in harsh industrial environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If standard USB connectors are used, then ease of operation and compatibility with standard peripherals are maintained, but retention force is insufficient for industrial applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where an external clamp is positioned over the receptacle housing, and internal retention springs are nested within the receptacle. The external clamp engages with the housing to provide additional retention force, while the internal springs provide baseline retention. This nested arrangement allows standard USB plugs to be retained without modification while adding industrial-grade retention capability.
2Ease of operation
If flexible locking mechanisms are used, then ease of insertion and removal is improved, but reliability in harsh industrial environments deteriorates due to susceptibility to vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the retention function into two independent components: internal retention springs that provide baseline retention and facilitate easy insertion/removal, and an external adjustable clamp that provides vibration-resistant retention for harsh environments. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic retention system where the external clamp can be adjusted along the housing to accommodate different plug positions and retention requirements. The clamp's position can be modified to maintain optimal retention force, and the system transitions from a static fixed-retention design to a dynamic adjustable-retention design that adapts to environmental conditions.
3Force
If locking cams and locking sleeves are used, then retention force is improved, but device complexity increases and standard peripherals cannot be connected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal retention system where the external clamp and internal springs work together to provide retention for both standard USB peripherals and industrial applications. The clamp is designed to engage with the housing in a manner that does not interfere with standard plug insertion, making the system compatible with universal connectors while providing enhanced retention capability.
4Force
If rigid plastic collars are used, then retention force is improved, but adaptability to different environments deteriorates due to susceptibility to loosening under vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite retention system combining metallic or rigid external clamp components with spring elements, rather than relying solely on plastic collars. The external clamp provides rigid vibration-resistant retention, while the internal springs provide flexible baseline retention. This composite approach leverages the strengths of different materials to achieve both high retention force and vibration resistance.
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 provides a robust and reliable connection by augmenting the retention force of internal springs, ensuring secure plug retention even in industrial environments with vibrations, while allowing the use of standard peripherals without the need for modifications.
Implementation Method 1
The receptacle may include one or more internal retention springs that are internal to the serial bus receptacle. The one or more internal retention springs are configured to grip a male serial bus plug with a retention force when the male serial bus plug is inserted into the serial bus receptacle.
Implementation Method 2
The clamping adjustment mechanism may include one or more threaded fasteners and a corresponding one or more threaded inserts. The clamp may be configured to close in response to the one or more threaded fasteners being threaded into the corresponding one or more threaded inserts.
Implementation Method 3
when the clamp is adjusted via a clamping adjustment mechanism, the clamp may constrain the one or more internal retention springs and augment the retention force of the one or more internal retention springs
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for communicatively coupling a serial communication plug to a serial communication bus. The system may include a housing. The housing may include a receptacle that is configured to communicatively couple to a bus. The receptacle may include one or more internal retention springs situated inside the receptacle. The one or more internal retention springs may be configured to grip a male plug with a retention force, when the male plug is inserted into the receptacle. The housing may include or may be coupled to a clamp where the clamp is external to the receptacle. When the male plug is inserted into the receptacle, the clamp may be adjustable via a clamp adjustment mechanism to constrain the one or more internal retention springs, thus augmenting the retention force and further securing the male plug in the receptacle.