Flexible drive for connecting remote electrical contacts

Abstract

A connector installation device wherein a connector has a stationary connector element and another connector element that is movable along an engagement axis with the stationary connector element and mates therewith. An insertion cam is movable perpendicular to the engagement axis of the mating connector elements. An insertion drive mechanism is interconnected with the insertion cam and is movable along an installation axis perpendicularly to the engagement axis. A drive force applied to the insertion drive mechanism translates the insertion cam along the installation axis into contact with an insertion drive surface of the insertion cam. Pressure against the insertion drive surface translates the movable connector element along the engagement axis toward the stationary connector element. The gentle easing of the engagement of the moveable and stationary connector elements allows sufficient opportunity for guidance mechanisms on the connector housings to orient the male pins for insertion into corresponding female receptacles.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to remote insertion of connector pins, particularly employing flexible drive rods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many applications, including heavily packed computer cabinets and other equipment employing electrically interconnected circuit boards, are often configured for electrical connections to an interface board, such as a mother board, back plane, or another circuit board buried deep within the cabinet. Connections in such inaccessible locations generally require blind insertion of connectors on a back edge of the circuit board into mating connectors buried deep within the cabinet. Furthermore, access is generally provided only through a single opening in the cabinet opposite the connector interface. Thus, the board installer is faced with blindly aligning connectors on the circuit board with mating connectors on the back wall of the cabinet. Several methods are known for providing initial alignment of the board within the cabinet. For example, the cabinet wall is often provided with slots configured to accept an edge of the circuit board and align it within the cabinet. In another example, bayonet pins are provided on the back edge of the circuit board to mate with precision holes positioned in the back wall of the cabinet. Furthermore, the connector housings are usually formed with mating pins and slots or another lead-in mechanism to guide engagement when the connector elements are brought together.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In instances where known circuit board alignment mechanisms often provide proper mating of connectors, the alignment they provide may be too gross to safely mate connectors having large numbers of very delicate connections. Although the housings of such connectors are typically formed with corresponding guide pins or another lead in mechanism, an aggressive installation often does not provide sufficient opportunity for the slender male pins to properly align with their correspondingly narrow female receptacles. In such instances, the fragile pins generally require a gentle easing together of the mating connector elements for successful insertion of the slender male pins into the correspondingly narrow female ports to avoid bending and other damage. One or more of the male pins may fail to completely align with its female receptacle and become bent or completely crushed during installation. The connector installation device of the present invention provides the controlled force needed to gently and certainly engage connector elements, without damage.

The present invention provides a mechanism for gently urging counterpart male and female connector elements together. The present invention provides a connector installation device wherein a connector has a fixed or stationary connector element and another connector element that is movable along an engagement axis with the fixed connector element and mates with the fixed connector element.

According to one aspect of the invention, a connector installation device is provided, the installation device including a connector having a first positionally fixed connector element and a second connector element movable along a connector engagement axis and interconnecting with the positionally fixed connector element; and an insertion drive device engaged with the second connector element and moving the second connector element along the engagement axis, the insertion drive device having an externally-threaded rod engaged with a stationary internally-threaded member that is positionally fixed relative to the first positionally fixed connector element. The threaded rod is further formed as either a substantially rigid member or a substantially flexible threaded rod.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the flexible drive element is formed with a compressively wound helical coil springs threadedly engaged with internally threaded nuts matched thereto in diameter and pitch. The flexible drive elements are able to undergo directional changes that allow the drive torque to be input both spatially and dimensionally remotely from the respective insertion and extraction cams. Preferably, the flexible threaded rod following a curving path between a first drive input end and a second drive output end engaged with the second connector element.

In order to overcome helical buckling along an unsupported length of the flexible threaded rod, the invention further provides a tubular guide that directs either or both of straight and curving portions of the path of the flexible threaded rod.

According other aspects of the invention, the movable connector element is formed with an insertion drive surface oriented relatively to the engagement axis. An insertion cam positioned proximately to the movable connector element includes an actuation surface facing and mating with the insertion drive surface of the moveable connector. An actuator tip at the end of the actuation surface is spaced away from the insertion drive surface of the movable connector element. The insertion cam is movable perpendicular to the engagement axis of the male and female connector elements. An insertion drive mechanism is interconnected with the insertion cam and is movable along an installation axis substantially perpendicularly to the engagement axis. A drive force applied to the insertion drive mechanism translates the insertion cam tip and actuation surface along the installation axis into contact with insertion drive surface of the insertion cam. Pressure of the insertion cam's actuation surface against the insertion drive surface of the movable connector translates the movable connector element along the engagement axis toward the fixed connector element. The gentle easing of the engagement of the moveable and fixed connector elements allows sufficient opportunity for guidance mechanisms on the connector housings to orient the pins for insertion into the corresponding female receptacles.

According to various aspects of the invention, the actuation surface is an inclined surface formed in a wedge-shaped insertion cam and engages a matchingly inclined insertion drive surface of the moveable connector element. Preferably, the insertion cam is slidingly engaged with a guide channel that supports the insertion cam and directs it along the installation axis.

According to another aspect of the invention, an extraction cam is provided to disengage the moveable connector element from the stationary connector element. Accordingly, an extraction drive surface is provided on the movable connector element facing but spaced away from the insertion drive surface. An extraction cam configured similarly to but oppositely from the insertion cam is driven by an extraction drive on an extraction axis parallel to but spaced away from the insertion axis. An inclined surface on the extraction cam engages the extraction drive surface and gently eases the movable connector element along the engagement axis away from the fixed connector element. The extraction cam is slidingly engaged with an extraction cam guide that supports the extraction cam and directs it along the extraction axis.

According to yet other aspects of the present invention, methods are provided that utilize the insertion and extraction drivers to alternately engage and disengage the fixed and mobile connector elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a flexible drive unit of the invention for connecting remote electrical contacts and an embodiment of the electrical contacts for use with the flexible drive;

FIG. 2A illustrates a connector having a movable connector element for mating with a stationary connector element and an actuator for engaging the connector elements according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2B illustrates a connector having a movable connector element for mating with a stationary connector element and an actuator for disengaging the connector elements according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3A illustrates an embodiment of the invention wherein a drive rod extends from within one of an insertion cam and an extraction cam toward a first stanchion in the direction of an input drive end of a respective actuator drive, wherein the drive rod is axially and rotationally fixed relative to a flexible threaded rod;

FIG. 3B is a section view of an actuator drive of the invention taken between a first and a second stanchion, wherein respective flexible threaded rods are terminated in a respective rotary drive input mechanism;

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the invention wherein a protective sheath formed around the flexible threaded rod terminates at the second stanchion;

FIG. 5A illustrates another embodiment of the actuator drive mechanism of the invention;

FIG. 5B illustrates one embodiment of the termination of both the flexible threaded rods and the flexible drive rods of the invention at respective rotary drive inputs;

FIG. 6A illustrates one embodiment of the mobile connector element of the invention, including first and second spaced apart inclined drive surfaces forming a truncated isosceles triangular cavity having its base facing toward the actuator;

FIG. 6B illustrates another embodiment of the mobile connector element of the invention, including a pair of spaced apart angular surfaces, each including a pair of intersecting surfaces, that together form a pair of cavities describing isosceles triangles intersecting and mutually truncating one another along an engagement axis between the stationary and mobile connector elements;

FIG. 7A illustrates one embodiment of the actuator of the invention that includes a cylindrical actuator cam slidingly engaged with a tubular insertion cam guide of the invention, wherein the cylindrical body of the actuator cam includes a conical actuation surface;

FIG. 7B illustrates another embodiment of the actuator of the invention that includes a cylindrical actuator cam slidingly engaged with a tubular insertion cam guide of the invention, wherein the cylindrical body of the actuator cam includes a curved actuation surface;

FIG. 8 illustrates the non-flexing actuator drive elements of the invention;

FIG. 9A illustrates one mechanism for securing the drive relative to respective actuator cams according to one embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 9B illustrates another mechanism for securing the drive relative to respective actuator cams according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the flexible drive for connecting remote electrical contacts and an embodiment of the electrical connectors for use with the flexible drive. The invention is described, for exemplary purposes only, using an electrical connection of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,975,074, which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference. The invention is not intended to be limited in any way by the use of the description of the electrical connection of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,975,074. Rather, the invention is intended to generally encompass the remote installation of mobile connector elements into mating stationary connector elements. Electrical connector 10 A is shown in FIG. 1 having a first connector element 11 A mounted in a stationary position on an inaccessible surface of the computer or electrical cabinet. For example, stationary connector element 11 A is mounted on an electrical interface board, such as a mother board, back plane, or another circuit board of a computer system positioned oppositely from the access panel for installing circuit boards. Optionally, stationary connector element 11 A is mounted on the back plane of an electrical equipment cabinet. The present invention is applicable to either of these specific applications, or another suitable application requiring remote insertion of electrical or mechanical connectors in a difficult access area. A mating mobile connector element 11 B is mounted on the circuit board being installed in the cabinet.

Also illustrated in FIG. 1 is the flexible actuator unit 19 for remotely inserting electrical connectors. In a preferred embodiment, flexible actuator 19 includes two actuator drives, an insertion actuator 19 A and an extraction actuator 19 B. As will be described in greater detail below, insertion actuator 19 A and extraction actuator 19 B include respective threaded actuator drives 20 A and 20 B, which are each formed of a tightly wound helical coil tension spring. Each of flexible actuator drives 20 A, 20 B are threadedly engaged with a respective threaded member 22 , 23 , which is mounted on the circuit board to be installed. Threaded members 23 , 23 are, for example, a nut or an internal thread cut in a metal or plastic plate. Preferably, threaded element 22 , 23 is positioned by a stanchion 25 fixed on the circuit board. Threaded elements 22 , 23 are optionally threads cut in stanchion 25 . One or more internally threaded members 22 A through 22 N threadingly engage the coils of insertion actuator drive 20 A, while one or more threaded members 23 A through 23 N threadingly engage extraction actuator drive 20 B. As will be discussed below in detail, a rotational force applied to either actuator 19 A or 19 B causes the respective flexible actuator drive 20 A or 20 B to advance or retract along the longitudinal axis of respective threaded member 22 , 23 , thereby translating the applied rotational force into a linear force directed along the longitudinal axis of respective threaded member 22 and 23 .

Insertion actuator unit 19 A includes an insertion cam 24 . As will be discussed below in detail, insertion cam 24 is driven by insertion actuator drive 20 A to engage the electrical contacts of mobile connector element 11 B with mating contacts of stationary connector element 11 A. Extraction actuator drive 20 B drives extraction cam 26 of extraction actuator unit 19 B to disengage mobile connector element 11 B from stationary connector element 11 A. Optionally, one or more additional connectors 10 B through 10 N are similarly engaged and disengaged by respective ones of insertion actuator unit 19 A and extraction actuator unit 19 B.

FIG. 2A illustrates details of connector 10 and actuator cam assembly 30 . In FIG. 2A , stationary connector element 11 A is fixed relative to a mother board, back plane or wall of a computer or other electrical equipment enclosure or cabinet (not shown). Mating connector element 11 B, however, is mounted on the circuit board to be installed in a manner that permits electrical connector element 11 B a degree of mobility along an engagement axis 32 , while restricting motion in other directions or dimensions.

Mobile connector element 11 B is formed with a slot 34 having an opening configured as a cavity or slot with substantially parallel internal walls 36 , 38 oriented substantially perpendicularly relative to engagement axis 32 . Cam assembly 30 includes both insertion cam 24 and extraction cam 26 within an actuator guide 40 , which is formed as a linear cavity. According to preferred embodiments, actuator guide 40 is further at least partially subdivided by a bisecting wall 42 oriented substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis (not shown) of linear cavity 40 and centrally positioned within cavity 40 . Bisecting wall 42 defines, in combination with respective exterior walls 44 , 46 two substantially coextensive actuator guides 40 A and 40 B, which are formed as two substantially equally sized parallel linear cavities. Insertion cam 24 and extraction cam 26 are contained within respective actuator guides 40 A and 40 B. Insertion cam 24 is formed with two substantially parallel and spaced apart support surfaces 48 A and 50 A. An actuation surface 52 A is angularly inclined between support surfaces 48 A and 50 A, whereby insertion cam 24 is formed as a wedge-shaped element. Inclined actuation surface 52 A slopes from first support surface 50 A towards a second support surface 48 A and forms a preferably blunt point with support surface 48 A; the blunt point defining an actuator tip 53 A of insertion cam 24 . Furthermore, a cavity 54 A is formed in insertion cam 24 between support surfaces 48 A, 50 A. Means are provided at an end of insertion cam 24 opposite actuator tip 53 A for rotatably attaching insertion actuator drive element 20 A.

Insertion cam 24 is sized to slidingly fit within linear cavity 40 A for motion along longitudinal axis 64 A of cavity 40 A without excessive lateral or side play. Insertion cam 24 is rotatably connected to insertion actuator drive 20 A in a manner substantially restricting separation between insertion actuator drive 20 A and insertion cam 24 . For example, a passage 62 A is formed between cavity 54 A and a driven end 56 A. A drive wire or rod 72 A fixed relative to insertion actuator drive 20 A extends through passage 62 A into cavity 54 A within insertion cam 24 . Drive rod 72 A is fixed therein against relative axial motion between insertion actuator drive 20 A and insertion cam 24 , while retaining rotational freedom relative to insertion cam 24 . Relative axial motion between insertion actuator drive 20 A and insertion cam 24 is restricted by, for example, expanding the diameter of drive rod 72 A within cavity 54 A. According to one embodiment of the invention, a metallic ferrule 74 A, for example, a bronze ferrule, is fixed to drive rod 72 A within cavity 54 A. For example, ferrule 74 A is mechanically bonded to drive rod 72 A by any of staking, welding, soldering, adhesive bonding, or another suitable mechanical fixing method. Preferably, rotation of drive rod 72 A relative to stanchion 25 is eased by a bushing or bearing 73 A.

Insertion cam 24 assembled to insertion actuator drive 20 A as described is installed in linear cavity 40 A of cam assembly 30 . Preferably, support surfaces 48 A and 50 A of insertion cam 24 are spaced apart a predetermined distance corresponding to distance D between drive surfaces 36 , 38 , which define the interior walls of slot 34 in mobile connector element 11 B. The correspondence between the thickness of insertion cam 24 and distance D between drive surfaces 36 , 38 is such that complete insertion of cam 24 into slot 34 ensures that mobile connector element 11 B is moved laterally from a predetermined disengaged position adjacent to but spaced-away from stationary connector elements 11 A to completely engage stationary connector element 11 A.

Operationally, when the circuit board is installed within the computer or electrical cabinet, stationary connector element 11 A is mounted on a plane at the back of the cabinet with its engagement surface projecting toward the seated position of the circuit board adjacent to the edge of the circuit board. Mobile connector element 11 B is disposed in a first position set slightly away from interconnection with stationary connector element 11 A when the circuit board is seated. When mobile connector element 11 B is in its first pre-engagement position, cam assembly 30 is fixed to the circuit board adjacent to mobile connector element 11 B, such that longitudinal axis 64 of linear actuator guide 40 A is substantially parallel to a linear actuation and extraction axis 80 . Axis 80 is defined as an axis perpendicular to engagement axis 32 and bisecting slot 34 of mobile connector element 11 B parallel to interior drive surfaces 36 , 38 thereof. Linear actuator guide 40 A of actuator cam assembly 30 is disposed parallel to axis 80 and offset along engagement axis 32 toward stationary connector element 11 A. Linear cavity 40 A slightly overlaps slot 34 of mobile connector element 11 B, such that an interior wall of linear actuator guide 40 A, as defined by a wall of interior partition wall 42 , is slightly offset from interior cavity drive surface 36 of slot 34 toward interior cavity drive surface 38 . Insertion cam 24 is positioned within linear actuator guide 40 A of actuator cam assembly 30 , such that inclined actuation surface 52 A faces toward first interior drive surface 36 of slot 34 and stationary connector element 11 A, with actuator tip 53 A positioned adjacent to the opening in slot 34 .

Rotational force provided at insertion actuator drive 20 A is converted by engagement with threaded member 22 A into linear force directed along longitudinal axis 64 A of actuator guide 40 A by means of drive rod 72 A, which presses against a surface of insertion cam 24 opposite actuator tip 53 A. Initially, actuator tip 53 A is situated outside of slot 34 of mobile connector element 11 B adjacent to first insertion drive surface 36 . The overlap between actuator guide 40 A and slot 34 permits actuator tip 53 A of insertion cam 24 to enter slot 34 and engage first insertion drive surface 36 of slot 34 at a point adjacent to cam assembly 30 . Initial rotational force applied to insertion actuator drive 20 A is converted into linear translational force at drive rod 72 A that moves actuator tip 53 A of insertion cam 24 into slot 34 of mobile connector element 11 B and into contact with first insertion drive surface 36 thereof. Sustained rotational force applied to insertion actuator drive 20 A is converted into a relatively smooth, continuous linear translational force at drive rod 72 A, which continues to move insertion cam 24 linearly along longitudinal axis 64 of linear actuator guide 40 A. Continued linear motion of insertion cam 24 increasingly engages inclined actuation surface 52 A with first insertion drive surface 36 . The pressure of the inclined actuation surface 52 A against first insertion drive surface 36 is supported by insertion cam support surfaces 48 A, 50 A against respective interior support surfaces 82 A and 84 A within linear actuator guide 40 A. Actuator guide 40 A thus supports against insertion cam 24 pushing mobile connector element 11 B away from stationary connector element 11 A. Mobile connector element 11 B, having no translational constraints along engagement axis 32 , is thus urged by interaction with insertion cam 24 to move along engagement axis 32 toward stationary connector element 11 A. Preferably, one or more insertion guides (not shown) formed in mating connector elements 11 A and 11 B guide the final interconnection of the connector elements along engagement axis 32 , as is well-known in the art. Furthermore, male pins and female ports within respective connector halves 11 A and 11 B are formed with mating insertion guides, such as chamfers or rounds and countersinks, which are well-known in the art. The degree of incline provided on inclined actuation surface 52 A determines the rate at which mobile connector element 11 B is inserted into stationary connector element 11 A. Preferably, inclined actuation surface 52 A is inclined at a minimal slope, for example an angle less than 30 degrees, that gently urges insertion of male pins into female receptacles. However, the invention is alternately practiced with inclined actuation surface 52 A of insertion cam 24 inclined at greater angles.

One or more additional cam supports 86 , 88 are stationary actuator guides mounted on the circuit board at opposing openings of slot 34 in mobile connector element 11 B. Additional actuator guides or cam supports 86 , 88 provide continued support against twisting or lateral motion of insertion cam 24 as drive tip 53 A and insertion cam 24 leave the confines of linear cavity 40 A, thus losing the restraint of support surfaces 48 A, 50 A with respect to respective interior support surfaces 82 A, 84 A. A first cam support 86 provides continued support to insertion cam 24 at a first or entry end of slot 34 , while second insertion can support 88 engages actuator tip 53 A and lends physical support to continued linear motion of insertion cam 24 along longitudinal axis 64 A beyond first connector element 11 B. According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, additional connectors 10 B through 10 N are disposed along the edge of the circuit board in series with connector 10 A. According to such configurations, continued rotational force exerted on insertion actuator drive 20 A drives insertion cam 24 linearly along longitudinal axis 64 A into engagement with a slot 34 in a next mobile connector element 11 B positioned along the edge of the circuit board adjacent to first mobile connector clement 11 B.

Additional insertion cam supports 86 , 88 positioned along a circuit board relative to each of additional connectors 10 B through 10 N provide continued directional guidance for insertion cam 24 along longitudinal axis 64 A. Additional supports 86 , 88 also provide a reaction surface that supports insertion cam 24 when inclined actuation surface 52 A engages insertion drive surface 36 of subsequent mobile connector elements 11 B.

An ability to disengage previously engaged connector elements 11 A and 11 B without damaging the delicate connector pins is also desirable. Before disengaging mobile connector elements 11 B from connector elements 11 A, insertion cam 24 is retracted into cam assembly 30 . A reversing rotational force is applied to insertion actuator drive 20 A that threadedly retracts insertion actuator drive 20 A through threaded member 22 A, pulling with it drive rod 72 A. Ferrule 74 A fixed to drive 72 A and entrapped within cavity 54 A necessarily pulls insertion cam 24 back along longitudinal axis 64 A through cavities 34 of each of the one or more mobile connector elements 11 B and into cam assembly 30 . Preferably, driven end 56 A of insertion cam 24 includes a chamfer, bevel, or round to ease passage of cam supports 86 , 88 and re-entry into slot 34 of each moveable connector element 11 B.

FIG. 2A also illustrates the extraction actuator drive 20 B transmitting a linear translational extraction force to an extraction cam 26 via a second drive rod 72 B. Rotation of drive rod 72 B relative to stanchion 25 is preferably eased by bushing or bearing 73 B.

FIG. 2B illustrates the extraction of mobile connector elements 11 B from engagement with stationary connector elements 11 A along respective engagement axes 32 . Actuator cam assembly 30 includes a second linear actuator guide 40 B defined by internal support surfaces 82 B and 84 B, which in turn define a longitudinal axis 64 B. Preferably, linear actuator guide 40 B shares interior partition wall 42 with linear actuator guide 40 A, as described above. Extraction cam 26 of actuator 19 B is configured similarly to insertion cam 24 , having an inclined actuator surface 52 B configured similarly to inclined actuator surface 52 A and facing oppositely from inclined actuator surface 52 A. Extraction cam 26 further includes an actuator tip 53 B formed oppositely from a driven end 56 B. Actuator tip 53 B, like actuator tip 53 A of insertion cam 24 , is formed as the tip of wedge-shaped extraction cam 26 . Similarly to insertion cam 24 , extraction cam 26 includes spaced apart substantially parallel surfaces 48 B and 50 B coinciding with respective internal support surfaces 82 B and 84 B that cause extraction cam 26 to move in a substantially straight line parallel with longitudinal axis 64 B of actuator guide 40 B, substantially without either lateral or rotational motion. Spaced apart surfaces 48 B and 50 B of extraction cam 26 are joined at actuator tip 53 B by an inclined actuator surface 52 B sloping from a first surface 50 B of extraction cam 26 adjacent to external wall 46 and toward a second surface 48 B of extraction cam 26 adjacent to interior partition wall 42 . Inclined actuator surface 52 B thus faces away from inclined actuator surface 52 A of insertion cam 24 .

Prior to activation of extraction cam 26 , while mobile connector element 11 B is engaged with stationary connector 11 A, linear actuator guide 40 B is situated adjacent to and slightly overlapping with slot 34 of mobile connector element 11 B. Actuator tip 53 B of extraction cam 26 is positioned adjacent to second drive surface 38 of mobile connector element 11 B, with inclined actuation surface 52 B within the gap defined by the overlap between actuator guide 40 B and slot 34 and facing toward second extraction drive surface 38 . The rotational drive force applied to extraction drive member 20 B and translated into a linear force by engagement with threaded member 23 B acts along drive rod 72 B in line with longitudinal axis 64 B. Drive rod 72 B pushes against an inner surface of cavity 54 B formed within extraction cam 26 to move extraction cam 26 along linear actuator guide 40 B and into slot 34 of mobile connector element 11 B adjacent to extraction drive surface 38 . As extraction cam 26 moves into slot 34 , extraction actuator tip 53 B engages extraction drive surface 38 and exerts a disengagement force thereon. The slope or inclination of inclined actuation surface 52 B increasingly engages extraction drive surface 38 as extraction cam 26 is driven deeper into slot 34 as a function of continued rotational force applied to extraction actuation drive 20 B. The slope or inclination of inclined actuation surface 52 B translates the linear drive force exerted along longitudinal axis 34 B by drive rod 72 B into a linear disengagement force acting in a direction parallel to engagement axis 32 and oppositely from stationary connector element 11 A.

Parallel surfaces 48 B, 50 B defining the body of extraction cam 26 are spaced apart a predetermined distance corresponding to distance D separating first and second drive surfaces 36 , 38 of mobile connector element 11 B, such that complete insertion of extraction cam 26 within slot 34 results in complete disengagement of mobile connector element 11 B from stationary connector element 11 A.

Cam supports 86 , 88 are configured with a thickness measured parallel to engagement axis 32 that is substantially identical to the thickness of interior partition wall 42 of cam assembly 30 . Therefore, each of cam supports 86 , 88 provides support and guidance for extraction cam 26 to maintain the motion of extraction cam 26 along longitudinal axis 64 B. As extraction cam 26 exits the confines of actuator guide 40 B, cam supports 86 , 88 prevent both lateral and rotational motion of extraction cam 26 , as discussed above in connection with insertion cam 24 . In an embodiment of the invention including multiple connectors 10 A through 10 N arranged along the edge of the circuit board, as described above, continued rotational force applied at extraction actuator drive 20 B causes continued linear motion of extraction cam 26 along longitudinal axis 64 B, whereby extraction cam 26 engages a next initially engaged mobile connector element 11 B of a next connector 10 B. The interaction of inclined actuation surface 52 B with second extraction drive surface 38 gently eases the pins of one of connector elements 11 A, 11 B out of engagement with the female receptacles of the other connector element 11 A, 11 B by pushing with a steady pressure against second extraction drive surface 38 . Mobile connector element 11 B is thereby slowly and gently eased along engagement axis 32 away from stationary connector element 11 A.

FIGS. 1 and 2 further illustrate the optional curving nature of insertion actuator drive 20 A and extraction actuator drive 20 B, wherein each undergoes a directional change. As described above in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2 , each of insertion actuator drive 20 A and extraction actuator drive 20 B includes a respective externally threaded, elongated member or rod 98 A and 98 B threadedly engaged with a respective internally threaded member 22 and 23 . In a preferred embodiment, internally threaded members 22 , 23 are hex nuts of a standard diameter and thread pitch that comply with one of the well-known and commercially useful machine thread standards. Optionally, threaded members 22 , 23 are internal threads cut into the body of a block or plate, such as stanchion 25 . Insertion and extraction drive elements 20 A and 20 B include tightly coiled helical springs 98 A, 98 B, the coils of which define a diameter and pitch substantially corresponding to the threads of respective threaded member 22 , 23 . As is generally known, a tightly coiled helical tension spring generally forms a substantially straight tubular structure that is inherently flexible or bendable as a function of such factors as: the stiffness of the wire, the wire diameter, and diameters of the individual coils. Threaded members 22 and 23 are preferably positioned downstream from a directional change in respective insertion drive element 20 A and extraction drive element 20 B. Threaded members 22 and 23 are also preferably positioned relatively near cam assembly 30 which houses both insertion cam 24 and extraction cam 26 . In other words, directional changes occur between the rotational drive input for respective drive elements 20 A and 20 B and respective threaded members 22 and 23 . In such a configuration, a rotational drive force applied to either insertion actuator drive 20 A or extraction actuator drive 20 B interacts with respective threaded member 22 , 23 to pull respective helical coil spring 98 A, 98 B through the directional change. Alternatively, threaded member 22 , 23 is located between the rotational drive input point and the directional change, whereby the rotational input force interacts with threaded member 22 , 23 to pull a straight section of helical coil spring 98 A, 98 B into the curvature and push it through the curvature. As illustrated, more than one internally threaded member 22 , 23 is optionally used with respective insertion and extraction drive elements 20 A, 20 B. Accordingly, threaded members 22 , 23 are positioned at the entrance to and exit from the directional change, whereby helical coil spring 98 A, 98 B is both pushed into and pulled through the change in direction.

Preferably, helical coil spring 98 A, 98 B is wound with a diameter slightly less than the diameter of respective threaded member 22 , 23 and having a slightly coarser thread pitch as defined by the pitch of the individual coils. Each of helical coil springs 98 A, 98 B are tightly wound tension springs with adjacent coils compressed against one another with an initial compressive force. Windings are wound in a direction relative to respective threaded member 22 , 23 such that a rotational force applied to advance helical spring 98 A, 98 B through the threaded member tends to increasingly compress adjacent coils against one another. The increased axial compression in turn tends to cause the spring diameter to increase to fill the slightly larger diameter of the threaded member, while the slight shortening of pitch causes the thread pitch defined by the coils to more precisely match the thread pitch of respective threaded member 22 , 23 . The increased diameter and shortened thread pitch results in more complete engagement of the threads of the coil spring with the threads of respective threaded member 22 , 23 . More complete engagement allows a greater conversion of torque developed in the helical spring into linear force directed along the longitudinal axis of the helical spring. Thus, a greater linear translational force is developed at respective drive rod 72 A and 72 B. In contrast, an opposite or retractive rotational force applied to a respective one of insertion drive element 20 A and extraction drive element 20 B tends to stretch the respective helical coil, separating the individual coils and tilting them slightly relative to the longitudinal axis of the helical spring. This stretching of the helical spring is avoided by use of a compressively wound spring. The compressive force between adjacent coils retains the threaded configuration sufficiently to move helical spring 98 A, 98 B through respective threaded member 22 , 23 . Thus, extraction of either insertion cam 24 or extraction cam 26 is accomplished similarly to insertion.

As is generally well known, a helical tension spring tends to twist or rotate out of plane when a torque is applied against a rotational resistance such that the pitch of the coils is reduced, a phenomenon also known as “helical buckling.” Such a situation is described above in connection with a rotational force applied to the helical coil spring turning it into a respective threaded member 22 , 23 . This tendency to buckle or twist out of plane tends to be exaggerated at a directional change, i.e., a curve or bend. Therefore, a preferred embodiment of the invention provides spatially fixed stanchion 25 formed with respective channel or guide 90 A and 90 B for each of insertion drive element 20 A and extraction drive element 20 B, respectively. Respective guides 90 A, 90 B define the curvature of the directional change in respective drive elements 20 A and 20 B. Each guide 90 preferably substantially encompasses respective helical coil spring 98 A, 98 B, thereby constraining it to remain within predetermined confines. Preferably, the curvature of guides 90 is defined by the shape taken by respective helical coil spring 98 A, 98 B in its relaxed or unloaded condition, i.e., with no torque applied.

FIG. 1 further illustrates two relatively spatially fixed stanchions 92 and 94 . Stanchions 92 and 94 provide support for insertion actuator drive elements 20 A and 20 B and define the configuration of actuator drive 20 on the circuit board. Insertion drive element 20 A and extraction drive element 20 B include respective flexible threaded rods 98 A and 98 B, which extend from adjacent to respective drive ends 56 A and 56 B of respective insertion cam 24 and extraction cam 26 through respective channel guides 90 A and 90 B toward an accessible portion of the circuit board. As discussed in further detail below, each of flexible threaded rods 98 A and 98 B are preferably guided and supported by respective tubular guides 102 A and 102 B at least between channel guides 90 and first stanchion 92 . Tubular guides 102 A, 102 B substantially constrain flexible threaded rods 98 A, 98 B to maintain their straight tubular shape, and restrict their tendency to buckle or twist out of plane by shortening their unsupported columnar length. Accordingly, tubular guides 102 are configured to fit closely about the outer diameter of respective flexible rods 98 . Each of tubular guides 102 is in turn positionally constrained relative to the circuit board by a mechanical interconnection with each of guide 90 and first stanchion 92 . According to one embodiment of the invention, drive rods 72 are axially and/or rotationally fixed relative to flexible threaded rods 98 such that advancing or retracting flexible threaded rods 98 relative to respective threaded members 22 , 23 similarly advances or retracts respective insertion cam 24 and extraction cam 26 .

FIG. 3A illustrates an embodiment of the invention wherein drive rods 72 extend from within respective cavity 54 A, 54 B of insertion cam 24 and extraction cam 26 toward the drive input end of actuator drive 20 , ending in the vicinity of first stanchion 92 . Drive rods 72 are axially and rotationally fixed relative to respective flexible threaded rods 98 by mechanical bonding. According to one embodiment, a ferrule 104 A and 104 B is swaged onto a respective one of drive rod 72 A and 72 B at or near its end. Ferrules 104 are in turn mechanically bonded to flexible threaded rods 98 by, for example, soldering, welding, adhesive bonding, swaging, or another suitable mechanical fixing or attaching technique. Between first stanchion 92 and second stanchion 94 , flexible threaded rods 98 A and 98 B are stiffened against buckling by internal support rods 106 A and 106 B, which substantially fill the tubular interior of respective flexible threaded rod 98 A and 98 B. Flexible threaded rods 98 are thereby converted into substantially rigid threaded members. Internal support rods 106 are alternatively either a substantially smooth rod fitting snugly within the internal diameter of the coils of the helical springs that form threaded rods 98 , or a rigid threaded rod having a diameter and thread pitch substantially matched to the internal thread of flexible threaded rods 98 as defined by the interior surface of the individual coils of the springs. Thus, the flexibility of threaded rods 98 is reduced substantially so that, in operation, they act substantially like rigid members. Internal support rods 106 eliminate the usefulness of a tubular guide such as tubular guide 102 . However, in a preferred embodiment, protective sheaths 108 A and 108 B provide barriers between respective threaded rods 98 A and 98 B and their environment that protect components on the circuit board. As shown in FIG. 1 , sheaths 108 and 108 B extend at least between first and second stanchions 92 , 94 and, optionally, extend beyond stanchion 94 .

FIG. 3B is a section view of actuator drives 20 taken between first and second stanchions 92 and 94 . In FIG. 3B , respective flexible threaded rods 98 A and 98 B are terminated in a respective rotary drive input mechanism 110 A and 110 B. Flexible threaded rods 98 are mechanically interfaced with rotary drive input mechanisms 110 such that rotation of input drive mechanisms 110 , either clockwise or counterclockwise, results in a similar rotary motion of respective flexible threaded rods 98 A and 98 B. For example, flexible threaded rods 98 are threaded into internal threads of rotary drive input mechanisms 110 and staked to prevent relative rotation therebetween. Alternatively, flexible threaded rods 98 are otherwise mechanically fixed to prevent relative rotational motion with a respective rotary drive input mechanism 110 by, for example, welding, soldering, adhesive bonding, or another suitable mechanical fixing technique.

Internal support rods 106 A, 106 B are preferably fixed to prevent axial motion relative to drive input 110 A and 110 B, respectively. One method of axially fixing internal support rods 106 relative to respective flexible threaded rods 98 is shown in FIG. 3B , wherein an end of respective internal support rod 106 A and 106 B extends into a respective cavity 112 A and 112 B formed in respective rotary drive input mechanism 110 A and 110 B through an appropriately sized passage. An oversized ferrule 114 A and 114 B is staked, soldered, welded, adhesively bonded, or otherwise suitably mechanically fixed to respective internal support rod 106 A, 106 B. Oversized ferrules 114 cannot pass through the passage, and therefore fix internal support rods 106 axially and translationally relative to rotary drive input mechanisms 110 . Rotary drive input mechanisms 110 further include mechanical adaptations for inputting a rotational force or torque. For example, an exposed or accessible surface of each rotary drive input mechanism 110 A and 110 B is fitted with a conventional rotational drive input structure, such as a screw driver slot 116 A and 116 B. Conventional rotational input drive structures 116 A and 116 B include a standard Phillips screwdriver slot, a straight slot for a flat bladed screwdriver, a star or hex drive, or another conventional screwdriver slot. Alternatively, rotary drive input mechanisms 110 are fitted with any of various proprietary rotational force input mechanisms.

In operation, a torque applied at either rotational force input slot 116 rotates a respective rotary drive input mechanism 110 , which is rotationally fixed to, and in turn rotationally drives, a respective flexible threaded rod 98 . Rotation of respective flexible threaded rods 98 A, 98 B advances respective flexible threaded rod 98 A, 98 B axially relative to respective threaded member 22 , 23 . Drive rods 72 , which are axially fixed relative to flexible threaded rods 98 , similarly advance relative to threaded members 22 , 23 . Advancing drive rods 72 A and 72 B imparts a linear translational motion to a respective one of insertion cam 24 and extraction cam 26 along their respective linear actuator guides 40 A and 40 B within actuator cam assembly 30 .

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the invention wherein protective sheaths 108 around flexible threaded rods 98 terminate at second stanchion 94 . Rotational torque input device 118 is shown as the shaft of a screwdriver adapted for mating with screwdriver slot 116 B in rotary drive input mechanism 110 B for input of a drive torque represented by arrow 120 .

FIG. 5A illustrates another embodiment of actuator drive mechanisms 20 of the invention. Tubular guides 102 A, 102 B again extend between respective channel guides 90 A and 90 B and first stanchion 92 to guide and support flexible threaded rod 98 A and 98 B, respectively. Protective tubular sheaths 108 A and 108 B also extend between first and second stanchions 92 and 94 as described above. According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5A , drive rods 72 A and 72 B continue past first stanchion 92 and terminate at respective rotary drive input mechanisms 122 A and 122 B, shown in FIG. 5 B.

FIG. 5B illustrates the termination of both flexible threaded rods 98 A and 98 B and flexible drive rods 72 A and 72 B at respective rotary drive input mechanisms 122 A and 122 B. As described above, flexible threaded rods 98 A and 98 B terminate at internally threaded cavities formed in respective rotary drive input mechanisms 122 A and 122 B. Preferably, flexible threaded rods 98 are rotationally fixed relative to rotary drive input mechanisms 122 by a suitable mechanical means, such as described above. Wire drive rods 72 A and 72 B pass into respective cavities 124 A and 124 B formed in respective rotary drive input mechanisms 122 A and 122 B through appropriately sized clearance holes. Wire drive rods 72 A and 72 B are terminated in respective cavities 124 A and 124 B. Preferably, drive rods 72 A, 72 B are terminated in such manner that axial motion relative to respective flexible threaded rods 98 A, 98 B is substantially restricted. Accordingly, drive rods 72 A and 72 B are, for example, fitted with a respective ferrule 126 A and 126 B which is soldered, welded, swaged, adhesively bonded, or otherwise mechanically fixed in axial relationship thereto. An accessible surface of rotary drive input mechanisms 122 A, 122 B is adapted for inputting a rotational force such as torque 120 similarly to rotary drive input mechanisms 110 , discussed above. For example, a screwdriver slot 116 is provided for inputting a rotational force such as torque 120 via screwdriver 118 , as shown in FIG. 4 .

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate two additional embodiments of movable connector element 11 B, wherein drive surfaces 36 , 38 are configured with an incline. According to one additional configuration shown in FIG. 6A , mobile connector element 11 C includes first and second spaced apart inclined drive surfaces 36 A and 38 A. Together, inclined insertion drive surface 36 A and inclined extraction drive surface 38 A form a truncated isosceles triangular slot 34 A having its base facing toward cam assembly 30 .

FIG. 6B illustrates mobile connector element 11 D formed with a pair of spaced apart angular surfaces 36 B and 38 B, each including a pair of intersecting surfaces. Angular surfaces 36 B and 38 B together form a pair of slots describing isosceles triangles intersecting and mutually truncating one another along engagement axis 32 and having respective bases formed at opposing openings in slot 34 B facing, respectively, toward and away from cam assembly 30 . Preferably, the angle of inclined actuation surface 52 A and the angles of inclined drive surfaces 36 A and 36 B are substantially identical, such that engagement of inclined actuation surface 52 A with one of inclined drive surfaces 36 A and 36 B results in a substantially planar engagement. In contrast, engagement is linear between inclined actuation surface 52 A and drive surface 36 , which is shown in FIG. 2A as formed substantially parallel to longitudinal axis 80 of slot 34 . Use of an inclined surface for drive surfaces 36 A, 36 B provides more uniform loading or pressure against drive surface 36 A, 36 B as engagement with inclined actuation surface 52 A increases. Also, such mutually inclined surfaces move the center of pressure on respective mobile connector elements 11 C and 11 D toward coincidence with engagement axis 32 . In contrast, interaction between inclined actuation surface 52 A and parallel insertion drive surface 36 limits the pressure to a line intersection at the opening to slot 34 .

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate two additional embodiments of actuator cam assembly 30 . The additional embodiments are described in relation only to insertion cam 24 . However, the embodiments are similarly applicable to extraction cam 26 . In FIG. 7A , actuator cam assembly 30 A includes a cylindrical insertion cam 24 A slidingly engaged with a tubular insertion cam guide 200 A. Cylindrical body 202 A of insertion cam 24 A defines a longitudinal axis 204 A that is coaxial with longitudinal axis 64 A of tubular insertion cam guide 200 A. A conical actuation surface 206 A is coaxial with and extends from cylinder 202 A toward movable connector element 11 B and is tipped by a conical actuator tip 208 A. Extraction cam 26 A is similarly configured as a cylinder 202 B slidingly engaged with tubular extraction cam guide 200 B and defines a longitudinal axis 204 B that is coaxial with longitudinal axis 64 B thereof. Cylindrical extraction cam 26 A similarly includes a coaxial conical actuation surface 206 B that extends toward movable connector element 11 B and is similarly tipped with a coaxial conical actuator tip 208 B. Actuator cam assembly 30 A is positioned and operates substantially the same as actuator cam assembly 30 , described above. Cylindrical insertion cam 24 A is threadedly driven into slot 34 of mobile connector element 11 B by insertion actuator drive 20 A, whereby first conical actuator tip 208 A and then conical actuation surface 206 B engage insertion actuation drive surface 36 . The inclined nature of the conical surfaces act similarly to inclined actuation surface 52 A of insertion actuator cam 24 to gently urge mobile connector element into engagement with mating stationary connector element 11 A.

According to one embodiment of the invention, conical actuator surfaces 206 A and 206 B of respective cylindrical actuator cams 24 A and 26 A are optionally configured with respective internal cavities 54 A and 54 B and fitted to respective drive rods 72 A and 72 B of earlier described threaded insertion actuator drive 20 A. The conical nature of actuator cam assembly 30 A, however, provides opportunities for other configurations of actuator drive 20 . All surfaces of conical drive tips 208 A, 208 B and conical actuation surfaces 206 A, 206 B are identically inclined surfaces. Therefore, cylindrical insertion and extraction cams 24 A and 26 A are optionally allowed to rotate relative to respective insertion and extraction drive surfaces 36 and 38 of mobile connector element 11 B. Rotatable insertion and extraction actuator cams 24 A and 26 A are connected directly to respective threaded rods 98 A and 98 B, without respective intermediary drive rods 72 A and 72 B. Threaded rods 98 are mechanically affixed to actuator cams 24 A, 26 A using any of the above described means or another suitable means, thus simplifying the drive mechanism.

Furthermore, rotatable insertion and extraction actuator cams 24 A and 26 A are optionally used in combination with either of additional embodiments 11 C and 11 D of mobile connector element 11 B. Preferably, conical actuation surface 206 A of insertion actuator cam 24 A is formed with an incline substantially matched to the incline of corresponding insertion drive surfaces 36 A and 36 B of respective mobile connector elements 11 C and 11 D. Similarly, conical actuation surface 206 B of extraction actuator cam 26 A is preferably formed with an incline substantially matched to the incline of corresponding extraction drive surfaces 38 A and 38 B of respective mobile connector elements 11 C and 11 D.

FIG. 7B illustrates another additionally embodiment of actuator cam assembly 30 . In FIG. 7B , actuator cam assembly 30 B includes insertion and extraction cams 24 B and 26 B configured with respective cylindrical bodies 220 A and 220 B, which are slidingly engaged with respective tubular cam guides 200 A and 200 B. Cylindrical insertion cam 24 B defines a longitudinal axis 222 A that is coincident with longitudinal axis 64 A of tubular insertion cam guide 200 A. Within tubular extraction cam guide 200 B, cylindrical extraction cam 26 B defines a longitudinal axis 222 B that is coincident with longitudinal axis 64 B. Insertion and extraction cams 24 B and 26 B are further configured with respective rounded actuator tips 224 A and 224 B, which extend from respective cylindrical bodies 220 A and 220 B toward slot 34 B of mobile connector element 11 D.

Actuator cam assembly 30 B is positioned and operates substantially the same as actuator cam assemblies 30 and 30 A, described above. Cylindrical insertion cam 24 B is threadedly driven into slot 34 B of mobile connector element 11 D by insertion actuator drive 20 A, whereby rounded actuation surface 224 B engages inclined insertion actuation drive surface 36 B. An inclined drive surface is preferred to interact with rounded actuation surface 224 B. The inclined drive surface of the mobile connector element acts similarly to inclined actuator surface 52 A of insertion actuator cam 24 , allowing rounded actuation surface 224 A to gently urge mobile connector element 11 B into engagement with mating stationary connector element 11 A. Such an inclined drive surface is provided by insertion drive surface 36 A in mobile connector element 11 C, and by insertion drive surface 36 B in mobile connector element 11 D, as described above. Extraction cam 26 B is similarly operated.

According to one embodiment of the invention, rounded actuator surfaces 224 A and 224 B of respective cylindrical actuator cams 24 B and 26 B are optionally configured with respective internal cavities 54 A and 54 B and fitted to respective drive rods 72 A and 72 B of earlier described threaded insertion actuator drive 20 A. According to the present embodiment of the invention, however, the cylindrical and rounded nature of actuator cam assembly 30 B provides that all surfaces of rounded actuation surfaces 224 A, 224 B are identically rounded surfaces. Therefore, cylindrical insertion and extraction cams 24 B and 26 B are optionally allowed to rotate relative to respective insertion and extraction drive surfaces 36 B and 38 B of mobile connector element 11 D. Rotatable insertion and extraction actuator cams 24 B and 26 B are connected directly to respective threaded rods 98 A and 98 B, without respective intermediary drive rods 72 A and 72 B. Threaded rods 98 are mechanically affixed to actuator cams 24 A, 26 A using any of the above described means or another suitable means, thus simplifying the drive mechanism.

FIG. 8 illustrates the use of rigid, non-flexing actuator drive elements 240 A and 240 B in place of flexible actuator drive elements 20 A and 20 B. Rigid actuator drive elements are appropriate in an application wherein access is available along longitudinal axes 64 A and 64 B of respective actuator guides 40 A and 40 B. Preferably, insertion actuator drive 240 A and extraction actuator drive 240 B are formed as respective rods 242 A and 242 B, each threaded with a standard machine thread and configured with a respective rotational drive input 116 A and 116 B, as described above. Actuator drive rods 242 A and 242 B threadedly engage respective nuts 22 and 23 , which convert torque into linear translational force along their respective longitudinal axes.

Actuator drive rods 242 A and 242 B are terminated in any of several suitable terminations that tie the linear translation of respective insertion and extraction cams 24 and 26 along respective actuator guide longitudinal axes 64 A and 64 B to the linear motion of a respective actuator drive rod 242 A and 242 B. For example, the diameter of each of actuator drive 242 A and 242 B is necked-down to form respective reduced diameter drive rods 244 A and 244 B that extend through appropriately sized clearance passages 62 into cavities 54 of respective insertion and extraction cams 24 and 26 . Rotation of reduced diameter drive rods 244 A and 244 B relative to stanchion 25 is preferably eased by respective bushings or bearings 73 A and 73 B.

Reduced diameter drive rods 244 A and 244 B are fixed against relative linear translational motion with respective actuator drive rods 242 A and 242 B while retaining rotational freedom relative to respective insertion and extraction cams 24 and 26 . Relative linear translational motion is restricted by, for example, expanding the diameter of drive rods 244 A and 244 B within cavities 54 . As described above, according to one embodiment of the invention, a metallic ferrule 74 is fixed to each drive rod 244 within cavity 54 by any of staking, welding, soldering, fixing with an adhesive, or another suitable mechanical fixing method. Alternatively, reduced diameter drive rods 244 are threaded and a corresponding threaded element, such as a standard hex or lock nut is engaged therewith within cavity 54 . Thus, insertion and extraction cams 24 , 26 advance and retreat responsively to a positive or negative torque applied to respective drive rod 242 A and 242 B.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate two embodiments of the invention describing mechanisms for securing drive rods 242 A and 242 B relative to respective insertion and extraction cams 24 and 26 . In FIG. 9A , for example, drive rod 242 is necked-down at reduced diameter portion 244 to clear passage 62 , but maintained at it's a larger or full diameter at its tip 246 . Necked-down portion 244 is passed through slot 248 in one of insertion and extraction cam 24 , 26 into passage 56 , where relative rotational freedom between drive rod 242 and cam 24 , 26 is maintained. Enlarged tip 246 is simultaneously installed into cavity 54 , thereby securing relative translation between drive rod 242 and cam 24 , 26 .

FIG. 9B illustrates one of drive rods 242 A and 242 B configured with a necked-down end portion 250 that extends through clearance passage 62 into cavity 54 . Necked-down portion 250 is optionally secured within cavity 54 by any of the mechanisms utilized to secure drive rod 72 . Alternatively, necked-down portion 250 is threaded and secured with a hex or lock nut 252 . Thus, relative translational motion between drive rod 242 and cam 24 , 26 is secured, while relative rotational independence is maintained.

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A connector installation device comprising:a connector having a positionally fixed connector element and a connector element movable along a connector engagement axis and interconnecting with the positionally fixed connector element; a tubular guide member directing a portion of a curving path between a drive input location and the movable connector element; a stationary internally-threaded member aligned with a segment of the curving path and positionally fixed relative to the movable connector element; a substantially flexible externally-threaded rod engaged with the movable connector element for moving the movable connector element along the engagement axis, the flexible externally-threaded rod formed as a compressively wound helical coil spring sized to pass through the tubular guide member and partially engaged therewith and having coils formed as screw threads compatible with the internally-threaded member and partially engaged therewith; and a drive input member coupled to an end of the flexible externally-threaded rod opposite the movable connector element.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the threaded rod includes a first drive input end positioned adjacent to the drive input location and a second drive output end engaged with the movable connector element.

3. The device of claim 2, further comprising:a rotary drive input mechanism coupled to the drive input end of the flexible threaded rod.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the coils of the helical coil spring are further compressively wound in a direction such that rotation of the threaded rod advancing the threaded rod relative to the stationary internally-threaded member tends to increasingly compress one coil relative to an adjacent coil.

5. The device of claim 4, further comprising:a second tubular guide directing a second portion of the curving path and engaging the flexible threaded rod.

6. The device of claim 4, wherein the coils forming the helical coil spring form a substantially tubular shaped interior passage; andfurther comprising a substantially smooth flexible rod sized to pass through the interior passage, one end of the smooth flexible rod engaged with the movable connector element for moving the movable connector element along the engagement axis.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein a second end of the smooth flexible rod opposite the movable connector element is coupled to the drive input member.

8. The device of claim 6, wherein a second end of the smooth flexible rod is coupled to a second relatively rigid rod at a position intermediate a substantially straight portion of the path between the drive input location and the movable connector element.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the rigid rod extends from the coupling position intermediate the straight portion of the path to a second end adjacent to the drive input location, the second end of the rigid rod coupled to the drive input member.

10. A connector installation device comprising:a connector having a positionally fixed connector element and a connector element movable along a connector engagement axis and interconnecting with the positionally fixed connector element; a rotationally fixed threaded nut aligned relative to the movable connector element; a guide positionally fixed relative to the threaded nut and aligned relative to the movable connector element; an elongated helical coil spring having coils formed as screw threads engaged with the threaded nut and passing through the guide, the elongated helical coil spring following a partially curved path between a drive output end thereof engaged with the movable connector element for moving the movable connector element along the engagement axis and a drive input end thereof remote from the connector; and a drive input member coupled to an end of the elongated helical coil spring opposite the movable connector element for inputting a drive torque thereto.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the elongated helical coil spring is further formed with a plurality of compressively wound coils formed as screw threads compatible with threaded nut.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the coils of the elongated helical coil spring are wound in a direction such that rotation of the elongated helical coil spring advancing the elongated helical coil spring relative to said threaded nut tends to increasingly compress one coil relative to an adjacent coil.

13. The device of claim 12, further comprising:an elongated tubular interior space formed within an interior portion of the coils of the elongated helical coil spring; and a smooth drive rod inserted within the tubular interior space, the smooth drive rod having a first portion axially coupled to a portion of the helical coil spring and a second portion extending from the drive output end of the helical coil spring and engaged with the movable connector element for moving the movable connector element along the engagement axis.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the drive rod is formed as flexible drive rod and extends from the drive output end of the helical coil spring to a first predetermined axial coupling point along the interior length of the helical coil spring adjacent to the drive input end.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein the guide further comprises a tubular guide sized to encompass a portion of the helical coil spring and is aligned along a portion of the path between the drive output end and the drive input end of the elongated helical coil spring.

16. The device of claim 13, wherein the drive rod is formed in two portions:a first portion being flexible and extending from the drive output end of the helical coil spring to a first predetermined axial coupling point along the interior length thereof; and a second portion being rigid relative to the first flexible portion and extending from a point adjacent to the drive input end of the helical coil spring to a second predetermined axial coupling point along the interior length thereof, the second portion being further rotationally coupled to the helical coil spring.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the guide further comprises a tubular guide sized to encompass a portion of the helical coil spring and is aligned along a portion of the path between the drive output end and the drive input end of the elongated helical coil spring.

18. A connector installation device comprising:a connector having a first positionally fixed connector element and a second connector element movable along a connector engagement axis and interconnecting with the positionally fixed connector element; and an insertion drive device engaged with the second connector element and moving the second connector element along the engagement axis, the insertion drive device having an externally-threaded rod engaged with a stationary internally-threaded member that is positionally fixed relative to the first positionally fixed connector element.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein the threaded rod is further formed as a substantially rigid member.

20. The device of claim 18, wherein the threaded rod is further formed as a substantially flexible threaded rod following a curving path between a first drive input end and a second drive output end engaged with the second connector element.

21. The device of claim 20, wherein the flexible threaded rod is formed as a compressively wound helical coil spring having coils defining screw threads.

22. The device of claim 21, further comprising a guide directing the curving path of the flexible threaded rod.

23. The device of claim 22, wherein:the movable connector element is formed with a first drive surface oriented relatively to the engagement axis; an insertion cam is positioned proximately to the movable connector element and movable perpendicular to the engagement axis, the insertion cam including a first mating actuation surface facing the first drive surface with a tip of the first mating actuation surface spaced away from the first drive surface; and the drive output end of the insertion drive interconnected with the insertion cam and movable substantially perpendicular to the engagement axis.

24. The device of claim 23, further comprising a rotary drive input mechanism coupled to the drive input end of the flexible threaded rod.

25. The device of claim 23, wherein an interior portion of the coils describe a tubular interior space within the helical coil spring; andfurther comprising a smooth drive rod inserted within the tubular interior space, a first portion of the smooth drive rod axially coupled to a portion of the helical coil spring and a second portion of the smooth drive rod extending from an end of the helical coil spring at the drive output end of the insertion drive and coupled to the insertion cam.

26. The device of claim 25, wherein the drive rod is formed as flexible drive rod and extending from the drive output end of the insertion drive to a first predetermined axial coupling point along the interior length of the helical coil spring adjacent to the drive input end of the insertion drive.

27. The device of claim 25, wherein the drive rod is formed in two portions:a first portion being flexible and extending from the drive output end of the insertion drive to a first predetermined axial coupling point along the interior length of the helical coil spring; and a second portion being rigid relative to the first flexible portion and extending from adjacent to the drive input end of the insertion drive to a second predetermined axial coupling point along the interior length of the helical coil spring, the second portion being further rotationally coupled to the helical coil spring.

28. The device of claim 24, further comprising an insertion cam guide positionally fixed relative to the positionally fixed connector element, and slidingly engaging the insertion cam.

29. The device of claim 28, wherein the movable connector element further comprises a second drive surface oriented relatively to the engagement axis and spaced away from the first drive surface; andthe device further comprising: an extraction cam positioned proximately to the second connector element and a second mating actuation surface facing the second drive surface with a tip of the actuation surface spaced away from the second drive surface, the extraction cam movable perpendicular to the engagement axis; and an extraction drive engaged with the extraction cam and movable substantially perpendicular to the engagement axis.

30. A flexible connector installation device comprising:a connector having first and second connector elements mating along an engagement axis, the first connector element spatially-fixed and the second connector element having a degree of freedom along the engagement axis, wherein the second connector element is formed with an insertion drive surface having an orientation that is substantially perpendicular to the engagement axis and facing away from the first spatially-fixed connector element and an extraction drive surface having an orientation that is substantially perpendicular to the engagement axis and facing toward the first spatially-fixed connector element; an insertion actuator having a degree of freedom substantially perpendicular to the engagement axis, the insertion actuator having an insertion actuation surface corresponding to the insertion drive surface and threadedly translatable relative to the perpendicular degree of freedom; and and an extraction actuator having a degree of freedom substantially perpendicular to the engagement axis, the extraction actuator having an extraction actuation surface corresponding to the extraction drive surface and threadedly translatable relative to the perpendicular degree of freedom.

31. The device of claim 30, wherein one of the insertion actuator and the extraction actuator further comprises a threaded drive interconnected to the actuation surface.

32. The device of claim 31, wherein the threaded drive further comprises a flexible externally-threaded drive element engaged with an internally-threaded element spatially-fixed relative to the first spatially-fixed connector element.

33. The device of claim 32, wherein the externally-threaded drive element further comprises a compressively wound helical coil spring having coils defining screw threads.

34. The device of claim 33, wherein the flexible drive element is formed in a non-linear path; andfurther comprising a guide partially describing the non-linear path of the flexible threaded element.

35. A method for engaging remote connectors, the method comprising:aligning a mobile connector element relative to a stationary connector element with mating surfaces spaced at a predetermined distance apart; engaging the mobile connector element with an externally-threaded insertion device; engaging the externally-threaded insertion device with an internally-threaded drive member spatially fixed relative to the stationary connector element; and advancing the mobile connector element toward the stationary connector element by applying a rotational drive force at a drive input end of the externally-threaded insertion device opposite the mobile connector element.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein the externally-threaded insertion device further comprises a flexible drive element.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein the flexible drive element further comprises a compressively wound helical coil spring.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein engaging the mobile connector element with an externally-threaded insertion device further comprises a linearly restricted but rotationally free connection between the helical coil spring and the mobile connector element.

39. The method of claim 38, further comprising restricting lateral movement of the helical coil spring within a predetermined path.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein restricting lateral movement of the helical coil spring further comprises encasing a portion of the helical coil spring within a tubular member.

41. The method of claim 39, wherein restricting lateral movement of the helical coil spring further comprises partially engaging the helical coil spring with a substantially rigid rod along an interior length of the helical coil spring.

42. The method of claim 39, further comprising forming the mobile connector element with an insertion drive surface having an orientation that is substantially perpendicular relative to an engagement axis of the stationary and mobile connector elements and facing away from the stationary connector element;orienting a movable actuation surface relative to the insertion drive surface such that a portion of the mating surface is spaced away from the insertion drive surface; engaging the movable actuation surface with the insertion drive surface of the mobile connector element; and advancing with the externally-threaded insertion device the movable actuation surface toward the mobile connector element along an axis perpendicular to the engagement axis while maintaining the orientation of the movable actuation surface relative to the insertion drive surface of the mobile connector element.

43. The method of claim 38, wherein engaging the mobile connector element with an externally-threaded insertion device further comprises axially engaging the mobile connector element with a smooth, flexible drive rod, the flexible drive rod extending along an interior length of the helical coil spring and axially fixed to the helical coil spring at a predetermined point along the length of the helical coil spring.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein the flexible drive rod extends to the drive input end of the externally-threaded insertion device.

45. The method of claim 43, wherein the flexible drive rod extends to a point intermediate the length of the helical coil spring; andfurther comprising a substantially rigid drive rod extending away from a point adjacent the flexible drive rod along an interior length of the helical coil spring and axially and rotationally fixed to the helical coil spring at a predetermined point adjacent to the drive input end of the externally-threaded insertion device.

46. The method of claim 45, wherein the rigid drive rod provides the restricting of lateral movement of the helical coil spring.