User Configurable Connector With Elastomeric Retainer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors require specialized equipment for replacement and customization, leading to inefficiencies and additional costs, especially when only a single contact needs to be replaced or customized for specific applications.
Innovation Solution
A user-configurable connector design featuring a connector body with keyways, elastomeric retainers, and a backshell that applies pressure to increase friction, allowing users to customize and replace contacts without specialized tools, ensuring secure connections and disconnections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a connector is customized for a particular application with specific pin configurations, then the connector can prevent mismatched connections and ensure proper signal/power routing, but the connector requires specialized equipment for replacement and customization
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into modular components: a connector body, removable contacts, and an elastomeric retainer. This segmentation allows individual contacts to be replaced without replacing the entire connector assembly, eliminating the need for specialized replacement equipment while maintaining custom pin configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric retainer provides a dynamic, flexible retention mechanism that allows contacts to be easily inserted and removed by hand. The elastic material deforms to accommodate contact insertion and returns to its original shape to secure the contact, enabling tool-free customization and replacement operations.
2Strength
If a connector is designed with fixed contacts that require specialized tools for replacement, then the connector maintains structural integrity, but the replacement process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the connector into a body, retainer, and removable contacts, the design maintains structural integrity of the connector body while allowing rapid replacement of individual contacts. The elastomeric retainer secures contacts during operation but allows easy removal when needed, reducing replacement time from hours to minutes.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric retainer provides self-retention of contacts through its elastic properties, securing contacts firmly during normal operation without additional fastening mechanisms. For replacement, the user simply pulls the contact out of the retainer, which naturally releases due to its elastic deformation, enabling tool-free maintenance.
3Reliability
If a connector uses traditional retention mechanisms requiring dedicated tools, then the contacts are securely held, but the connector cannot be easily customized or modified by users
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric retainer uses the dynamic properties of elastic materials to provide secure contact retention during operation while allowing easy user customization. The material's ability to deform and recover enables both firm holding of contacts and simple manual insertion/removal, making the connector both reliable and user-customizable without requiring specialized tools or manufacturing processes.
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
Enables users to customize and maintain connectors without specialized equipment, reducing waste and costs by allowing individual contact replacement and secure mating with complementary connectors.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric retainer having a plurality of apertures and at least one outer surface
Implementation Method 2
said pressure resulting in an increase in friction between each one of said plurality of apertures in said elastomeric retainer and each one of said plurality of contacts
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A system and method is provided for assembling and/or customizing a connector. Preferred embodiments of the present invention operate in accordance with a connector that includes a plurality of removable contacts, and a connector body that can be customized to mate with a corresponding, and similarly configured connector. In one embodiment of the present invention, a contact is connected to a wire and inserted into an aperture in a retainer. The retainer is then inserted into a connector body, thereby resulting in an increase in friction between the retainer and the contact, and a backshell is attached to the connector body. At least one key is placed in at least one keyway on the connector body, resulting in a user-programmable connector. The connector is then mated with a corresponding connector that is similarly configured. The connectors are then secured using either a latch or lanyard mechanism.