Test Adapter With Interchangeable Connector Socket

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional testing devices for connectors, such as USB and RJ45 connectors, face high mechanical stress and maintenance challenges due to frequent use, leading to potential defects in the socket components, which can be costly and inefficient to replace.

Innovation Solution

A test adapter with an unsoldered and interchangeable connector socket that can be easily replaced, featuring a contact module and a fastening module for secure electrical contact and mechanical fastening, allowing for tool-free assembly and reducing the need for high-quality sockets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a high-quality and stable socket is used in the test device to withstand high mechanical loads, then the reliability and durability of the test device is improved, but the cost and complexity of the test device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedurability of socketVSAvoidcomplexity of test device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The test device is divided into two functional parts: a durable test device body with a stable socket, and a replaceable test adapter with a sacrificial connector socket. This segmentation allows the expensive, complex test device to maintain its reliability while the simple, replaceable adapter absorbs the mechanical wear and replacement costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector socket in the test adapter is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component. Instead of protecting the expensive test device socket from wear, the design accepts that the adapter socket will degrade and can be simply replaced by plugging in a new adapter, eliminating the need for costly repairs or maintenance of the test device itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If a high-quality and stable socket is used in the test device to withstand high mechanical loads, then the reliability and durability of the test device is improved, but the cost of replacement and maintenance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedurability of socketVSAvoidcost of replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The test device is divided into two functional parts: a durable test device body with a stable socket, and a replaceable test adapter with a sacrificial connector socket. This segmentation allows the expensive, complex test device to maintain its reliability while the simple, replaceable adapter absorbs the mechanical wear and replacement costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector socket in the test adapter is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component. Instead of protecting the expensive test device socket from wear, the design accepts that the adapter socket will degrade and can be simply replaced by plugging in a new adapter, eliminating the need for costly repairs or maintenance of the test device itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If the connector socket is soldered or bonded to the test adapter, then the electrical contact reliability is improved, but the ease of replacement of the connector socket deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical contact reliabilityVSAvoidease of replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The test adapter is designed to be self-contained with the connector socket permanently attached through a simple press-fit connection. When the socket needs replacement, the entire adapter is replaced as a single unit without requiring disassembly, soldering, or bonding operations. The adapter itself 'services' the connection need, eliminating complex assembly requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The connector socket and test adapter are combined into a single replaceable unit through a press-fit connection. This merging ensures reliable electrical contact while maintaining ease of replacement, as the entire combined unit can be simply plugged into and removed from the test device without requiring separation or complex assembly/disassembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of repair

If the connector socket is unsoldered and interchangeably mounted on the test adapter, then the ease of replacement is improved, but the electrical contact reliability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of replacementVSAvoidelectrical contact reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector socket and test adapter are combined into a single replaceable unit through a press-fit connection. This merging ensures reliable electrical contact while maintaining ease of replacement, as the entire combined unit can be simply plugged into and removed from the test device without requiring separation or complex assembly/disassembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The test adapter is designed to be self-contained with the connector socket permanently attached through a simple press-fit connection. When the socket needs replacement, the entire adapter is replaced as a single unit without requiring disassembly, soldering, or bonding operations. The adapter itself 'services' the connection need, eliminating complex assembly requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3716414B1Test adapter and method
Publication Date: 2022.08.24 YAMAICHI ELECTRONICS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • EP3716414B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3716414B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3716414B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A test adapter (1) for testing a connector (100), in particular a USB connector and/or an RJ45 connector, has a connector socket (40) with electrical socket terminals (41) for electrically contacting the connector (100) and a test output (60) with electrical test terminals (62) for electrically contacting a test device for the connector (100). The socket terminals (41) of the connector socket (40) are electrically connected to the test terminals (62) of the test output (60). The connector socket (40) is mounted on the test adapter (1) without soldering, bonding, or interchangeability.