Embodiments pertain to systems for establishing a temporary electromechanical connection between two independent bodies. Some embodiments pertain to connector engagement and retention systems. Some embodiments relate to systems for connecting small munitions to a launcher. Some embodiments relate to systems for connecting electrical equipment to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
Temporary electrical connections, such as an umbilical type connection, are established between two electrical devices prior to separation of the devices. For example, a temporary electrical connection may be established between a small munition and a launcher before launch. A temporary electrical connection may also be established between a UAV and on-board test equipment to allow the on-board test equipment to be easily replaced in the field.
There are a number of issues with making these temporary electromechanical connections. One issue relates to the stringent alignment requirements on one or both sides of the connection. Another issue is the risk associated with accidental disengagement. Another issue is the stress derived from misalignment. Another issue is the possibility of connector pullout from the parent assembly when separation occurs.
Thus what are needed are a connector engagement and retention system and method of providing a temporary electromechanical connection that addresses one or more of these issues.
The following description and the drawings sufficiently illustrate specific embodiments to enable those skilled in the art to practice them. Other embodiments may incorporate structural, logical, electrical, process, and other changes. Portions and features of some embodiments may be included in, or substituted for, those of other embodiments. Embodiments set forth in the claims encompass all available equivalents of those claims.
In some embodiments, a free-floating connector engagement and retention system is provided. These embodiments address a number of issues when making a temporary electromechanical connection, such as an umbilical type connection, between two independent bodies. In some embodiments, stringent alignment requirements may be reduced or eliminated on one or both sides of the connection. In some embodiments, a connector is retained in such a way as to reduce or eliminate the possibility of accidental disengagement. In some embodiments, stresses derived from misalignment are reduced or even eliminated. In some embodiments, a connector is restrained in a manner that reduces or eliminates the possibility of connector pullout from the parent assembly when separation occurs.
In some embodiments, a free-floating connector engagement and retention system is provided that includes three main parts that can be scaled and/or modified for each specific application. A connector is mounted in a connector carrier, which has two threaded through holes in it. A connector carrier is mounted between a connector carrier guide and a slotted mounting surface and is retained in place by a set of threaded spring pins that pass through the threaded holes in the carrier. The ends of the pins are retained in the slots on the carrier guide and the necks of the pins are retained in the slots in the mounting surface. These features allow the connector to simultaneously move up and down and fore and aft within the limits set by the slots. Additionally, some axial roll may be obtained based on the thickness of the carrier in relationship to the gap created by the mounting surface and the carrier guide.
The free-floating connector engagement and retention system 100 may be suitable for use in connecting a small munition to a launcher. In various embodiments, the free-floating connector engagement and retention system 100 is small, compact, lightweight, and low cost, is easy to operate and has few moving parts. The free-floating connector engagement and retention system 100 is also adaptable to different connector sizes and different connector types
In some embodiments, the free-floating connector engagement and retention system 100 (
Embodiments of the free-floating connector engagement and retention system 100 may be applicable to any application where there can be movement between two mated connectors. Some embodiments may be applicable to future unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to connect to the aircraft since the engagement and retention system 100 is light weight, compact, and low cost. Some embodiments may be applicable to UAV aircraft to allow on-board test equipment to be easily replaced in the field. Some embodiments may be applicable to test station connections in missile hardware, including use during vibration testing on production programs. Embodiments of the free-floating connector engagement and retention system 100 are also easily adapted to other connector shapes.
The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. Section 1.72(b) requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to ascertain the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to limit or interpret the scope or meaning of the claims. The following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.
This patent application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/265,555 filed Dec. 1, 2009, entitled “FREE FLOATING CONNECTOR ENGAGEMENT AND RETENTION SYSTEM AND METHOD”.
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61265555 | Dec 2009 | US |