Twist-Lock Connector Assembly for High-Speed Contact Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light fixture systems face challenges in integrating high-speed data communication due to issues with contact mating sequences and tolerance stack-ups, leading to short circuits and poor data transmission performance.
Innovation Solution
A twist-lock connector system is developed, featuring first and second high-speed electrical connectors that are electrically connected to facilitate high-speed data transfer between twist-lock connectors, while a biasing member ensures proper alignment and mating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If high-speed electrical connectors are integrated into the rotate-to-mate interface, then data communication capability is improved, but the risk of short circuits and mating errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by designing the twist-lock mechanism to automatically establish the correct mating sequence before electrical contact is made. The mechanical structure is configured so that high-speed contacts are engaged only after the connector halves are properly aligned and positioned, preventing premature or incorrect contact that would cause short circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the twist-lock mechanical interface as an intermediary that mediates between the physical connection and electrical contact. The twisting motion serves as a controlled intermediate step that guides the connectors into proper alignment and ensures that contacts are made in the correct sequence, acting as a protective mechanism against mating errors.
2Loss of information
If fine pitch high-speed contacts are used, then data transmission speed is improved, but tolerance control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies equipotentiality by designing the connector structure to create a self-aligning mechanism where the mating surfaces are guided into a common reference plane. The housing features and contact arrangements are configured to naturally equalize positional variations, reducing the impact of manufacturing tolerances on the fine-pitch contacts without requiring extremely tight control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrical contacts are positioned on flexible portions of circuit board, then connector flexibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent directly applies the principle of flexible shells and thin films by positioning electrical contacts on flexible portions of the circuit board. This allows the circuit board to bend and flex during the twisting operation, accommodating the rotational movement required for mate-to-mate connection while maintaining electrical connectivity throughout the motion sequence.
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 system enables reliable high-speed data communication between light fixture components, preventing short circuits and ensuring proper electrical performance by controlling the mating sequence and tolerance of the high-speed contacts.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing member is coupled to the first high speed electrical connector to bias the first high speed electrical connector to the home position
Data Source
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AI summary
A twist-lock connector system includes a first twist-lock connector (112) including a first connector housing (140) holding first twist-lock contacts (116) at a first rotate-to-mate interface. The first twist-lock connector includes a first high speed electrical connector (300). The first high speed electrical connector is movable relative to the first connector housing between a home position and a rotated position. The first twist-lock connector includes a biasing member (360) coupled to the first high speed electrical connector to bias the first high speed electrical connector to the home position. The twist-lock connector system includes a second twist-lock connector (110) having a second connector housing (170) holding second twist-lock contacts (114) and a second high speed electrical connector (200) at a mating interface (118).