Spring-Biased Hinge Tool for Disconnecting SMP Connectors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools lack an efficient method to disconnect sub-miniature push-on (SMP) connectors from circuit boards without damaging the connectors or the circuit board, especially when a significant force is required to break the connection.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a hinge mechanism and a spring bias system that allows the handles to move closer together while the notches move farther apart, applying at least eleven pounds of force to disconnect the SMP connector from the receptacle connector, utilizing a lever and base arm configuration to ensure secure engagement and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a tool is designed to apply significant force (at least eleven pounds) to disconnect SMP connectors, then the connector disconnection capability is improved, but the risk of damage to the connector or circuit board increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool introduces intermediary elements (notches engaging grooves, support contacting circuit board edge) that mediate the force application process. These intermediaries distribute and control the force, allowing eleven pounds of disconnection force to be applied while minimizing direct stress concentration that could cause damage to the connector or circuit board.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool changes the physical parameters of force application by using a lever mechanism with hinge bias. The spring-loaded hinge system transforms user input force into controlled eleven-pound output force at the connector, adjusting the force parameter to be sufficient for disconnection while remaining safe for the components.
2Device complexity
If the handles are positioned closer together for compact tool design, then the device complexity is reduced, but the notches cannot move far enough apart to apply sufficient force
Solution Approach 1:
The tool employs dynamic elements including a movable lever arm pivoting on a hinge and a spring-loaded hinge mechanism. This dynamic structure allows the notches to move apart sufficiently to generate eleven pounds of force while keeping the handles relatively close together, resolving the contradiction between compact design and force generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever mechanism transforms the spatial relationship between handles and notches by introducing rotational motion around a hinge axis. This dimensional transformation allows small handle movement to produce large notch separation, enabling sufficient disconnection force with minimal handle spacing.
3Force
If a spring-biased hinge mechanism is used to amplify force, then the disconnection capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded hinge mechanism is self-biasing, automatically generating the force multiplication needed for connector disconnection without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems. The spring provides continuous bias force that works with user input to achieve the required eleven pounds of disconnection force, improving force capability while limiting complexity growth.
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 tool effectively disconnects SMP connectors from circuit boards with a mechanical advantage, ensuring reliable removal of cables while minimizing the risk of damage to the connectors or the board, and can be made using various materials including metal produced by 3D printing.
Implementation Method 1
A spring biases the hinge so that, when the tool is not in use, the first handle and the second handle are farther apart than are the first notch and the second notch
Implementation Method 2
The lever is configured to engage a connector that is connected to the circuit board such that pivoting the lever causes the connector to disconnect from the circuit board
Data Source
AI summary
An example tool for disconnecting a connector from a circuit board includes: a first arm having first handle and a first notch, where the first notch is for engaging a first connector connected to the circuit board; and a second arm having a second handle and a second notch, where the second notch is for engaging a second connector connected to a cable. A hinge connects the first arm to the second arm. The hinge is biased so that, when the tool is not in use, the first handle and the second handle are farther apart than are the first notch and the second notch.