Patent ID: 12198174

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S)

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described hereinafter in detail with reference to the attached drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will convey the concept of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. In addition, in the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, it is apparent that one or more embodiments may also be implemented without these specific details.

A connector configurator50according to an embodiment, as shown inFIG.1, comprises a connector configuration system100, a manufacturer200, and a customer300connected to one another. The connector configuration system100, the manufacturer200, and the customer300, in the shown embodiment, are connected by the Internet400. In other embodiments, the connector configuration system100, the manufacturer200, and the customer300can be connected by any wireless connection, wired connection, or combination of wireless and wired connections that allow the exchange of data and instructions as described herein.

In the following, the components of the connector configuration system100, the manufacturer200, and the customer300will be described first, primarily with respect toFIG.1. A detailed explanation of the various functions and processes of the connector configurator50will follow the explanation of the components.

The connector configuration system100, as shown inFIG.1, includes a configuration processor102, a configuration communication module104connected to the configuration processor102, and a configuration memory106connected to the configuration processor102. The configuration processor102may be any type of computing processor, such as a microprocessor, capable of performing the functions described herein. The configuration communication module104, in the shown embodiment, is a router connecting the connector configuration system100to the Internet400and capable of exchanging data through the Internet400. In other embodiments, the configuration communication module104can be any type of communication module that allows the exchange of data over a wired or a wireless connection. The configuration processor102can be connected to the configuration communication module104by a wired or a wireless connection.

The configuration memory106is a non-transitory computer readable medium storing a plurality of instructions thereon that, when executed by the configuration processor102, perform the functions of the configuration processor102or the connector configuration system100described herein. The configuration memory106, as shown inFIGS.1and2, stores a plurality of modules110,120,140and a plurality of customer configurations150. The modules110,120,140include a configurator module110, a simulation module120, and a builder module140. Each of the modules110,120,140is a set of instructions that, when executed by the configuration processor102, perform the functions of the particular module110,120,140described in detail below. The customer configurations150, as described in greater detail below, are configurations of connectors created by customers300using the connector configuration system100.

The manufacturer200, as shown inFIG.1, is a computing system including a manufacturer processor202, a manufacturer communication module204connected to the manufacturer processor202, and a manufacturer memory206connected to the manufacturer processor202. The manufacturer processor202may be any type of computing processor, such as a microprocessor, capable of performing the functions described herein. The manufacturer communication module204, in the shown embodiment, is a router connecting the manufacturer200to the Internet400and capable of exchanging data through the Internet400. In other embodiments, the manufacturer communication module204can be any type of communication module that allows the exchange of data over a wired or a wireless connection. The manufacturer processor202can be connected to the manufacturer communication module204by a wired or a wireless connection. The manufacturer memory206is a non-transitory computer readable medium storing a plurality of instructions thereon that, when executed by the manufacturer processor202, perform the functions of the manufacturer processor202or the manufacturer200described herein.

As shown inFIG.1, the manufacturer200has a configuration database210connected to the manufacturer processor202. The configuration database210may be any type of computing database capable of storing the data described herein. The configuration database210stores a plurality of existing product configurations212and the customer configurations150that are also stored in the configuration memory106. The existing product configurations212are details of various connectors currently manufactured by the manufacturer200, as described in greater detail below. The configuration database210is connected to the manufacturer processor202by a wired or a wireless connection, and the manufacturer processor202is capable of both retrieving data from the configuration database210for further transmittal and storing received data in the configuration database210.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.1, the manufacturer200has an additive manufacturing device220connected to the manufacturer processor202. The additive manufacturing device220may be any type of 3D printing device capable of printing in a range of materials, such as a stereolithography device, a digital light processing device, or a fusion deposition modeling device. The additive manufacturing device220is controlled by the manufacturer processor202.

In the embodiment of the connector configurator50shown inFIG.1, the connector configuration system100and the manufacturer200are shown as separate systems connected to one another through the Internet400. In another embodiment, the connector configuration system100is part of the manufacturer200. In this embodiment, the configuration processor102and the configuration communication module104are omitted, and the modules110,120, and140are stored on the manufacturer memory206; the manufacturer processor202performs all the functions of the configuration processor102and the manufacturer communication module204performs all the functions of the configuration communication module104. Otherwise, in both embodiments, the components and function of the connector configurator50described in detail below are the same.

The customer300, as shown inFIG.1, is a computing device including a customer processor302, a customer communication module304connected to the customer processor302, and a customer memory306connected to the customer processor302. The customer processor302may be any type of computing processor, such as a microprocessor, capable of performing the functions described herein. The customer communication module304, in the shown embodiment, is a wireless network card or an Ethernet port connecting the customer300to the Internet400and capable of exchanging data through the Internet400. In other embodiments, the customer communication module302can be any type of communication module that allows the exchange of data over a wired or a wireless connection. The customer memory306is a non-transitory computer readable medium storing a plurality of instructions thereon that, when executed by the customer processor302, perform the functions of the customer processor302or the customer300described herein. The customer memory306, as shown inFIG.1, stores a customer ID308that is unique to the customer300.

As shown inFIG.1, the customer300has a customer interface310connected to the customer processor302. The customer interface310has a display312capable of presenting interface data314including text and/or images to a user and has an input device316capable of receiving inputs from the user. The display312may be a separate monitor, a screen integrated into a computing device, or any other type of device capable of presenting the interface data314described herein. The input device316may be a mouse, a keyboard, a capacitive touch element of the display312, or any other types of input device316usable with a computing device and capable of receiving the user inputs described herein.

The customer300, in various embodiments, can be a computing device such as a desktop computer, a laptop, a tablet, or any other kind of mobile device, such as a smartphone, provided that the customer300has the components described herein capable of performing the functions described herein.

The embodiment of the connector configurator50shown inFIG.1shows one customer300connected via the Internet400to the connector configuration system100and the manufacturer200. The connector configurator50allows a plurality of different customers300to connect to the same connector configuration system100and manufacturer200, however, the description below will focus on one particular customer300for ease and clarity of explanation.

A configuration process500by which the customer300uses the connector configuration system100to configure a connector will now be described primarily with reference toFIGS.3A and3B.

In a step502shown inFIG.3A, the customer300accesses the configurator module110of the connector configuration system110. The customer processor302, based on an input at the input device316of the customer interface310, outputs a request for data from the configurator module110through the customer communication module304. The configuration communication module104receives the request for the configurator module110, via the Internet400in the embodiment shown inFIG.1, and the configuration processor102accesses the configurator module110.

As shown inFIG.2, the configurator module110includes a plurality of product types113. The product types113are types of connectors that are capable of being configured with the connector configuration system100. In an embodiment, the product types113include a low voltage type113ashown for example inFIGS.5-7, a high voltage type113bshown for example inFIG.8, and a data type113cshown for example inFIG.9. In other embodiments, the product types113could include a larger number of types, different types, or any other categorical arrangement of types of connectors capable of being manufactured by the manufacturer200.

In the step502shown inFIG.3A, the configuration processor102retrieves the product types113from the configurator module110and transmits the product types113to the customer300through the communication modules104,304as similarly described above. The description of the processors102,202,302controlling the respective communication modules104,204,304to communicate through the Internet400will not be repeated in each instance herein for simplicity of the description, instead referred to simply as communication, sending, or transmitting of data generally between the connector configuration system100, the manufacturer200, and the customer300. The more detailed description above, however, applies equally in each instance. The customer300receives the product types113and, in the step502, the customer processor302controls the display312to present the product types113.

In a step504shown inFIG.3A, a user at the customer300uses the input device316to select the desired product type113on the display312. A display updating process600shown inFIG.4then occurs by interaction between the customer300and the connector configuration system100. Because the display updating process600occurs frequently throughout the configuration process500, it will now be described in detail once and then referenced throughout the remainder of the description of the configuration process500.

In a step610of the display updating process600, the customer300makes a selection among a plurality of interface data314on the display312using the input device316. The interface data314, as described in greater detail below, can be any type of field or modifiable element displayed on the display312, such as a field that is fillable or checkable with the input device316, a slider that is movable by the input device316, a tab that is selectable by the input device316, or an image that is capable of being manipulated by the input device316. In an embodiment, for example, a user at the customer300uses the input device316to select a box of the interface data314corresponding to the selected product type113in the step504.

In a step620shown inFIG.4, the customer processor302receives the selection from step610and transmits the selection to the connector configuration system100along with the customer ID308corresponding to the selection.

The configuration processor102receives the selection and, in a step630shown inFIG.4, stores the selection associated with the customer ID308in the customer configurations150. As shown inFIG.2, the customer configurations150includes a plurality of entries each corresponding to one customer ID308and a configuration ID152. The configuration ID152is different for each configured connector30described below and can be used to differentiate connectors30configured by the same customer300. Each entry associated with one customer ID308and one configuration ID152is stored with the properties of the configured connector selected by the customer300. For example, the customer configurations150store the product type113selected in step504with the customer ID308and configuration ID152.

In a step640shown inFIG.4, the configuration processor102executes the configurator module110to update the interface data314based on the selection from the customer300. The updating of the interface data314can be any change to the interface data314, including anything ranging from a small change in a portion of the display312to an entire change of all elements that are displayed on the display312. In an embodiment, for example, the updating of the interface data314simply indicates, by check mark or otherwise, that the user has selected a box of the interface data314. In another embodiment, for example, the updating of the interface data314indicates that the user has selected an element of the interface data314and changes an image of the interface data314based on the selection. In another embodiment, for example, the updating of the interface data314is an entirely new set of interface data314for a next step of the configuration process500. A selection of the product type113in step504, for example, results in the retrieval of entirely different interface data314shown inFIG.5, as described in detail below.

In a step650shown inFIG.4, the configuration processor102sends the updated interface data314back to the customer300. The customer processor302receives the updated interface data314and, in a step660, displays the updated interface data314on the display312. The same display updating process600is executed for each selection made at the customer300throughout the configuration process500.

Returning to the step504of the configuration process500inFIG.3A, the selection of the product type113on the customer interface310results in execution of the display updating process600, storing the selection of the product type113in the customer configurations150and presenting new or updated interface data314at the customer300. An exemplary embodiment of the interface data314presented on the display312after selection of the product type113is shown inFIG.5.

In a step506shown inFIG.3A, the user at the customer300uses the input device316to input a plurality of outer dimensions112desired for a configured connector30. The available outer dimensions112for each product type113are stored in the configurator module110, as shown inFIG.2. In the embodiment shown inFIG.5, the user enters the desired outer dimensions112in a plurality of fields314aof the interface data314. The interface data314in the embodiment shown inFIG.5also includes, for example, a button314bthat allows toggling of the language presented in the interface data314and a button314bthat allows a user to move to the next step of the configuration process500. In the embodiment shown inFIG.5, the interface data314also includes an image314cof the configured connector30; the image314ccan be a two-dimensional image or a three-dimensional model. The configured connector30, in the embodiment shown inFIG.5, is a low voltage type113a.

Once the user inputs the outer dimensions112for the configured connector30in the step506, the display updating process600is executed to store the outer dimensions112in the customer configurations150, as shown inFIG.2, and updates the image314cto display the input outer dimensions112as shown inFIG.5. During execution of the display updating process600based on the input outer dimensions112, the configuration processor102executes the configurator module110to verify that the input outer dimensions112are available outer dimensions112for the chosen product type113. The user at the customer300selects the button314b′proceeding to the next step of the configuration process500when the user is satisfied with the input outer dimensions112in step506, executing the display updating process600to present new interface data314on the display312shown, for example, inFIG.6.

In a step508shown inFIG.3A, the user at the customer300uses the input device316to choose a plurality of structural features114of the configured connector30. The available structural features114for each product type113are stored in the configurator module110, as shown inFIG.2. During the display updating process600to present the new interface data314corresponding to the step508, the configuration processor102sends the interface data314to the customer300that displays the structural features114selectable for the product type113chosen in step504. In the embodiment shown inFIGS.6and7, for example, the interface data314shows an image314cthat is a three dimensional model of the configured connector30as a low voltage type113aand structural features114corresponding to the low voltage type113a. In the embodiment shown inFIG.8, for example, the interface data314shows an image314cof the configured connector30as a high voltage type113band structural features114corresponding to the high voltage type113b. In the embodiment shown inFIG.9, for example, the interface data314shows an image314cof the configured connector30as a data type113cand structural features114corresponding to the data type113c.

The structural features114, as shown inFIGS.6-9, are presented as a plurality of tabs314dof the interface data314on the display312. In another embodiment, the structural features114could be presented as any other type of element of the interface data314that allows the selection described herein. The user at the customer300uses the input device316to select one of the structural features114in the step508inFIG.3A, executing the display updating process600to present additional elements of the interface data314related to the selected structural feature114for further selection by the user. In the embodiment of the configured connector30as the low voltage type113ashown inFIGS.6and7, for example, the structural features114available for selection include, among other options, a style of the configured connector30, whether the connector30is sealable, a number of positions of the connector30, and a number of rows of the connector30. The list of structural features114described herein and shown in the embodiments ofFIGS.6-9is merely exemplary; any other structural features114related to any type of connector30can be selected as described herein.

FIG.6shows, for example, the additional elements of the interface data314available on the display312when the user selects the structural feature114of the style of the configured connector30. The additional elements are presented as buttons314bof the interface data314in the shown embodiment and allow the user to select a housing for female terminals, a housing for male terminals, or a header as the style of the connector30.FIG.7shows, for example, the additional elements of the interface data314available when the user selects the structural feature114of the number of rows of the connector30. The additional elements are presented as buttons314bof the interface data314in the shown embodiment and allow the user to select a one row connector30, a two row connector30, or any number of rows of the connector30. The additional elements for selection corresponding to each structural feature114can be presented similarly and can be by any type of element of the interface data314allowing selection with the input device316, such as a field314a, a button314b, an image314c, a tab314d, a slider314e, or any other type of element of the interface data314.

As shown inFIGS.6and7, when the structural features114and the corresponding additional elements of the interface data314are selected with the input device316in the step508ofFIG.3A, the display updating process600is executed to update the image314cof the interface data314to show the configured connector30with the selected structural features114.FIG.6, for example, shows the selection of a housing for male terminals in the image314candFIG.7, for example, shows the selection of two rows of terminal positions in the image314c. In the shown embodiment, the image314cis a three dimensional model on the display120that is capable of being manipulated by being rotated and otherwise changed in orientation via the input device316.

In the embodiment of the configured connector30as the high voltage type113bshown inFIG.8, for example, the structural features114available for selection include, among other possible options, a class of the configured connector30, a style of the configured connector30, a number of positions of the connector30, a wire size usable with the connector30, and a coding of the connector30.FIG.8shows, for example, the additional elements of the interface data314available on the display312when the user selects the structural feature114of the coding of the configured connector30. The additional elements are presented as buttons314bof the interface data314in the shown embodiment and allow the user to select whether the connector30has a coding to prevent misalignment with a mating connector.FIG.8also shows, for example, the image314cupdated to show the configured connector30with the selected structural feature114of the coding.

In the embodiment of the configured connector30as the data type113cshown inFIG.9, for example, the structural features114available for selection include, among other possible options, a signaling mode of the configured connector30, a gender of the connector30, whether the connector30is sealed, an angle of the connector30, and a number of rows of the connector30.FIG.9shows, for example, the additional elements of the interface data314available on the display312when the user selects the structural feature114of the signaling mode of the configured connector30. The additional elements are presented as buttons314bof the interface data314in the shown embodiment and allow the user to select a single-ended or various types of differential signal modes of the connector30.FIG.9also shows the image314cupdated to show the configured connector30with the selected structural feature114of the signaling mode.

In the step508of the configuration process500shown inFIG.3A, the user at the customer can select a plurality of different types of structural features114of the configured connector30for a plurality of different product types113using the interface data314and the display updating process600. The embodiments described above and shown inFIGS.6-9are merely exemplary; other structural features114with other options for selection may be available for any of the product types113. Upon selection of each of the necessary structural features114in the step508, the user at the customer300selects an element of the interface data314, a button314b′in the embodiment ofFIGS.6-9, that indicates completed selection of the structural features114. The display updating process600at step508stores the selected structural features114for the customer ID308in the customer configurations150, as shown inFIG.2, and presents new interface data314on the display312shown, for example, inFIG.10.

In a step510shown inFIG.3A, the user at the customer300uses the input device316to choose a plurality of performance requirements115of the configured connector30. The available performance requirements115for each product type113are stored in the configurator module110, as shown inFIG.2. During the display updating process600to present the new interface data314corresponding to the step510, the configuration processor102sends the interface data314to the customer300that displays the performance requirements115selectable for the product type113chosen in step504.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.10, for example, the interface data314shows an image314cthat is a three dimensional model of the configured connector30as a low voltage type113aand performance requirements115corresponding to the low voltage type113a. The performance requirements115are presented as a plurality of tabs314din the shown embodiment, but could be presented as any other type of element of the interface data314that allows the selection described herein. In the embodiment shown inFIG.10, the performance requirements115available for selection include, among other options, an operating temperature range of the connector30, a current used with the connector30, flammability requirements of the connector30, and vibration requirements of the connector30.

Similarly to the selection of the structural features114in step508, the user at the customer300uses the input device316to select one of the performance requirements115in the step510inFIG.3A, executing the display updating process600to present additional elements of the interface data314related to the selected performance requirement115for further selection by the user.FIG.10shows, for example, the additional elements of the interface data314available on the display312when the user selects the performance requirement115of the current of the configured connector30. The additional elements are presented as a plurality of sliders314eof the interface data314in the shown embodiment and allow the user to select a nominal current for the connector30and optionally a higher short-term current during the life time of the connector30. When the performance requirement115and the corresponding additional elements of the interface data314are selected with the input device316, the display updating process600may be executed to update the image314cof the interface data314to show the configured connector30with the selected performance requirement115, if the performance requirement115is related to a change apparent in the image314c.

In the step510of the configuration process500shown inFIG.3A, the user at the customer300can select a plurality of different types of performance requirements115of the configured connector30for a plurality of different product types113using the interface data314and the display updating process600. The embodiment described above and shown inFIG.10is merely exemplary; other performance requirements115with other options for selection presented as any type of element of interface data314may be available for any of the product types113. Upon selection of each of the necessary performance requirements115in the step510, the user at the customer300selects an element of the interface data314, a button314b′in the embodiment ofFIG.10, that indicates completed selection of the performance requirements115. The display updating process600at step510stores the selected performance requirements115for the customer ID308in the customer configurations150, as shown inFIG.2, and presents new interface data314on the display312shown, for example, inFIG.11.

In a step512shown inFIG.3A, the user at the customer300uses the input device316to choose a plurality of personalization options116of the configured connector30. The available personalization options116for each product type113are stored in the configurator module110, as shown inFIG.2. In an embodiment, the personalization options116are the same for each product type113. In another embodiment, the personalization options116are different for each product type113. During the display updating process600to present the new interface data314corresponding to the step512, the configuration processor102sends the interface data314to the customer300that displays the personalization options116selectable for the product type113chosen in step504.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.11, for example, the interface data314shows an image314cthat is a three dimensional model of the configured connector30as a low voltage type113aand personalization options116corresponding to the low voltage type113a. The personalization options116are presented as a plurality of tabs314din the shown embodiment, but could be presented as any other type of element of the interface data314that allows the selection described herein. In the embodiment shown inFIG.11, the personalization options116available for selection include, among other options, a color of the connector30and an engraving on the connector30.

Similarly to the selection of the structural features114in step508and the selection of the performance requirements115in step510, the user at the customer300uses the input device316to select one of the personalization options116in the step512inFIG.3A, executing the display updating process600to present additional elements of the interface data314related to the selected personalization option116for further selection by the user.FIG.11shows, for example, the additional elements of the interface data314available on the display312when the user selects the personalization option116of the engraving on the configured connector30. The additional elements are presented as a pair of buttons314band a pair of fields314aof the interface data314in the shown embodiment and allow the user to select whether and what to engrave on the connector30. When the personalization options116and the corresponding additional elements of the interface data314are selected with the input device316, the display updating process600may be executed to update the image314cof the interface data314to show the configured connector30with the selected personalization option116, if the personalization option116is related to a change apparent in the image314c.

In the step512of the configuration process500shown inFIG.3A, the user at the customer300can select a plurality of different types of personalization options116of the configured connector30for a plurality of different product types113using the interface data314and the display updating process600. The embodiment described above and shown inFIG.11is merely exemplary; other personalization options116with other options for selection presented as any type of element of interface data314may be available for any of the product types113. Upon selection of each of the necessary personalization options116in the step512, the user at the customer300selects an element of the interface data314, a button314b′in the embodiment ofFIG.11, that indicates completed selection of the personalization options116. The display updating process600at step512stores the selected personalization options116for the customer ID308in the customer configurations150, as shown inFIG.2, and presents new interface data314on the display312shown, for example, inFIG.12.

In the configuration process500shown inFIG.3A, following the selection of the product type113in step504, the selection of outer dimensions112in step506, the selection of structural features114in step508, the selection of performance requirements115in step510, and the selection of personalization options116in step512, the connector configuration system100presents a summary of the selections in steps504-512to the customer300in a step514. The execution of the display updating process600results, for example, in the interface data314representing a summary of the selections on the display312as shown inFIG.12. The interface data314in the step514can include the image314cof the configured connector30and tabs314brelating to each of the selected outer dimensions112, structural features114, performance requirements115, and personalization options116. In other embodiments, the summary of the selections of the outer dimensions112, structural features114, performance requirements115, and personalization options116can be presented in elements of the interface data314other than tabs314d. When the user at the customer300has completed review of the presented summary in step514, the user selects an element of the interface data314, a button314b′in the embodiment ofFIG.11, that indicates completed review. The display updating process600at step514then presents new interface data314on the display312shown, for example, inFIG.13.

Following the summary in step514, the configuration process500proceeds to an execution portion520of the process500shown inFIG.3B. The configuration processor102executes a plurality of execution options118stored in the configurator module110, as shown inFIG.2, to implement the execution portion520. In the execution portion520, the customer300has a number of options for proceeding with the configured connector30that are presented in interface data314on the display312. As shown inFIGS.3B and13, the user at the customer300can simply create an account522with the connector configuration system100if one does not already exist; this account retains the information stored in the customer configurations150for later retrieval.

In another option of the execution portion520shown inFIGS.3B and13, the user at the customer300can enter contact information to be forwarded524to a connector engineer of the manufacturer200; in this option, the connector engineer of the manufacturer200will contact the customer300for further development of the configured connector30. In another embodiment, in addition to the contact information of the customer300forwarded524to the connector engineer, the customer300can initiate further development526of the configured connector30by the connector engineer before the connector engineer contacts the customer300.

In another embodiment shown inFIGS.3B and13, the user at the customer300can order the creation of a 3D print528of the configured connector30. In this option, the configuration processor102sends the customer configuration150to the manufacturer200, and the manufacturer processor202controls the additive manufacturing device220to produce a physical version of the configured connector30.

Each of the optional steps524,526,528of the execution portion520shown inFIGS.3B and13can be combined with the creation of an account522with the connector configuration system100if one does not already exist. In other embodiments, any of the steps522,524,526,528of the execution portion520can be used singularly or combined in any combination, and is not limited to the combinations shown in the embodiment of the interface data314ofFIG.13.

When the user at the customer300has selected the desired option or options of the execution portion520via the interface data314, the selection of a corresponding button314b′shown inFIG.13with the input device316ends the execution portion520of the configuration process500and initiates the display updating process600for the execution portion520. At the end of the execution portion520, the configuration processor102also transmits the customer configuration150corresponding to the configured connector30to the manufacturer200. The manufacturer processor202stores the customer configuration150in the configuration database210, as shown inFIG.1, along with the data for all other configurations created with the connector configuration system100.

In a step530of the configuration process500shown inFIG.3Bfollowing the execution portion520, the configuration processor102executes the configurator module110to compare the configured connector30to the existing product configurations212of the manufacturer200. The configuration processor102retrieves the existing product configurations212and compares the configured connector30to the existing product configurations212by, for example, comparing the outer dimensions112, the product type113, the structural features114, the performance requirements115, and the personalization options116data stored in the customer configurations150to the same elements of the existing product configurations212. Based on this comparison, the configuration processor102determines whether any of the existing product configurations212are similar to, for example by a threshold number of similar elements, or match the configured connector30created by the customer30.

In a step532shown inFIG.3B, the configuration processor102transmits interface data314representing the similar or matching existing product configurations212to the customer300for presentation on the display312. As shown inFIG.14, the interface data314in the step532can present the image314cof the configured connector30along with a similar existing product section314fpresenting any similar existing product configurations212and a matching product section314gpresenting any matching existing product configurations212. Based on this information, the user at the customer300can determine whether to proceed with the configured connector30, and await the result of the execution process520, or whether to pursue more information on one of the existing product configurations212.

A simulation process700according to an embodiment is shown inFIG.15. The configurator processor102executes the simulation module120stored on the configuration memory106in order to implement the simulation process700. The simulation process700follows the configuration of the configured connector30in the configuration process500and, as described in detail below, simulates usage qualities of the configured connector30.

In a step702of the simulation process700shown inFIG.15, the customer300accesses the simulation module120of the connector configuration system110with a request pertaining to a particular configured connector30of the customer300stored in the customer configurations150. Based on the request from the customer300, the configuration processor102in a step704retrieves the configured connector30from the customer configurations150and executes the simulation module120stored on the configuration memory106for the chosen configured connector30of the customer configurations150.

Following the step704, the simulation process700continues with either a temperature simulation portion710, in which the configuration processor102executes a temperature simulator122stored in the simulation module120as shown inFIG.2, or a data connectivity simulation portion720, in which the configuration processor102executes a data connectivity simulator130stored in the simulation module120as shown inFIG.2. In an embodiment, the temperature simulation portion710is used for the low voltage type113aor the high voltage type113bof the configured connector30and the data connectivity simulation portion720is used for the data type113cof the configured connector30.

In the temperature simulation portion710, the configuration processor102first separates the configured connector30of the customer configurations150into a plurality of temperature components124in a step712shown inFIG.15. The temperature components124are stored in the temperature simulator122, as shown inFIG.2, and are each modeled data relating to a different element that could be present in the configured connector30. The temperature components124represent conductive elements of the connector30and, for example, can include multiple contact springs of the connector30, contact bodies of the connector30, crimps or termination of the connector30, and transfer electrical lines of the connector30.

The temperature components124, stored as modeled data in the temperature simulator122, are schematically indicated as part of the configured connector30inFIG.16. As shown inFIG.16, the modeled data relating to each of the temperature components124can include a resistance124aof the component124, a capacitance124bof the component124, a starting temperature124cof the component124, and any other qualities of the components124that could influence the development of heat during use and the temperature of the configured connector30.

In a step713shown inFIG.15, the configuration processor102links the temperature components124that correspond to the elements of the configured connector30as they are arranged in the configured connector30. For example, as shown schematically inFIG.16, the temperature components124are linked by a plurality of connections124dto indicate which of the temperature components124are connected to each other and how they are connected within the configured connector30in order to most accurately simulate the temperature environment in the connector30. Only some of the connections124dare labeled inFIG.16for clarity of the drawings. As also shown schematically inFIG.16, the configuration processor102can execute the temperature simulator122to link the temperature components124of the configured connector30to models of external connectors40in order to more accurately simulate the temperature environment.FIG.16, as described above, is a schematic indication of the data generated in steps712and713as part of the temperature simulation portion710.

In a step714shown inFIG.15, the configuration processor102receives a plurality of temperature inputs125from the customer300. The configuration processor102sends interface data314to the customer300for the display120that represents the temperature simulator122, as shown inFIG.17. The interface data314, in the shown embodiment, includes a plurality of sliders314eeach corresponding to temperature inputs125from the customer300that dictate the environment that the customer300would like to simulate for the configured connector30. In the shown embodiment, the temperature inputs125include a cross sectional area of a wire used with the connector30, a DC current load for the connector30, and an ambient temperature of the application for the connector30that the customer300intends to simulate. In other embodiments, the temperature inputs125could be any type of environmental variables that can influence the temperature of the connector30in use and can be represented by any type of interface data314. The user at the customer300uses the input device316to manipulate the temperature inputs125, and the customer processor302transmits the temperature inputs125to the configuration processor102.

In a step715shown inFIG.15, upon selection of a button314b′of the interface data314shown inFIG.17, the configuration processor102executes a temperature model126. In other embodiments, any element of interface data314can be used to execute the temperature model126in step715. The temperature model126, shown stored in the temperature simulator122inFIG.2, is an algorithm created based on test data of the temperature components124when subject to various temperature inputs125. The temperature model126receives the temperature components124, the connections124d, and the temperature inputs125as inputs and, when executed by the configuration processor102, outputs a predicted temperature of the connector30under the input conditions.

In a step716shown inFIG.15, based on the execution of the temperature model126in step715, the configuration processor102outputs temperature graphical output data128to the customer300. The temperature graphical output data128is stored in the temperature simulator122, as shown inFIG.2, and is accessible and configurable by the configuration processor102to reflect the output of the temperature model126. As shown inFIG.17, the configuration processor102sends updated interface data314to the customer300that shows the temperature graphical output data128as an image314c. In the shown embodiment, the temperature graphical output data128is a graph of a current vs. a temperature rise of the configured connector30under the input conditions. In other embodiments, the temperature graphical output data128could be any type of interface element314that indicates the results of the temperature model126to the customer300.

In the data connectivity simulation portion720, shown inFIG.15, the customer300creates a cable assembly131from a plurality of data components132in a step722. The configuration processor102executes the data connectivity simulator130to transmit interface data314to the customer300representing the data connectivity simulator130, as shown inFIG.18. The data components132are stored in the data connectivity simulator130as shown inFIG.2. The configuration processor102retrieves the data components132and transmits the data components132as part of the interface data314. In the embodiment shown inFIG.18, the data components132that can be used to create the cable assembly131include the configured connector30, an external connector40, or a cable. The user at the customer300uses the input device316to manipulate the interface elements314representing the data components132to select the components132that comprise the cable assembly131. In the embodiment shown inFIG.15, the data components132are each a selectable tab314dof the interface data314and, in other embodiments, could be any type of elements of the interface data314. Upon selection of a button314b′of the interface data314shown inFIG.18, the customer processor302transmits data representing the selected data components132of the cable assembly131to the connector configuration system100in the step722.

In a step724shown inFIG.15, the configuration processor102receives the data representing the cable assembly131and executes a connectivity model134for the cable assembly131. The connectivity model134, shown stored in the data connectivity simulator130inFIG.2, is an algorithm created based on test data of the data components132under various conditions and with various other elements in a cable assembly131. The connectivity model134receives the cable assembly131as an input and, when executed by the configuration processor102, outputs a predicted data connectivity performance of the cable assembly131.

In a step726shown inFIG.15, based on the execution of the connectivity model134in step724, the configuration processor102outputs connectivity graphical output data136to the customer300. The connectivity graphical output data136is stored in the data connectivity simulator130, as shown inFIG.2, and is accessible and configurable by the configuration processor102to reflect the output of the connectivity model134. As shown inFIG.19, the configuration processor102sends updated interface data134to the customer300in the step726that shows the connectivity graphical output data136as an image314c. In the shown embodiment, the connectivity graphical output data136is a graph of frequency of a data signal in the cable assembly131vs. S-parameters of the cable assembly131measured in decibels. In other embodiments, the connectivity graphical output data136could be any type of interface elements314that indicates the results of the connectivity model134to the customer300.

In another embodiment, a modular building process800by which the customer300uses the connector configuration system100and the connector configurator50to configure a modular connector32will now be described with reference toFIGS.20-23.

In a step802shown inFIG.20, the customer300accesses the builder module140of the connector configuration system110with a request transmitted to the connector configuration system110Based on the request from the customer300, the configuration processor102executes the builder module140and transmits interface data314related to the builder module140to be displayed on the display312, as shown for example inFIG.21.

The builder module140stored on the configuration memory106, as shown inFIG.2, includes data on a plurality of modular components142each having a plurality of modular features144that are selectable by the customer300. As shown inFIG.21, the modular components142are represented in an image314cof the interface data314and the modular features144are represented as other elements of interface data314that are adjustable by the customer300using the input device316.

In a step804shown inFIG.20, the customer300adds a modular component142to the modular connector32. The modular component142for example, as shown inFIG.21, is a block that can be connected with other modular components142to form the modular connector32. The configuration processor102receives the data on the modular component142added from the customer300and updates the interface data314as described above to reflect the added modular component142

Once the modular component142is added, in a step806shown inFIG.20the customer300can specify the modular features144of the modular component142. As shown inFIG.21, the modular features144pertaining to the modular component142are physical or structural features of the modular component142that are adjustable by the customer300. In the shown embodiment, the modular features144for each modular component142include a number of positions of the modular component142, a number of rows of the modular component142, and whether the modular component142has offset chambers. The modular features144shown in the embodiment ofFIG.21are merely exemplary and, in other embodiments, can include any other structural features of the modular component142. The modular features144in the embodiment shown inFIG.21are presented as sliders134eand/or buttons314bof the interface data314to be manipulated by the customer300, but could alternatively by any type of interface data314. In the step806, the customer300specifies the modular features144by manipulating the corresponding interface elements134with the input device316.

In a step808shown inFIG.20, based on the specified modular features144of the modular component142received from the customer300, the configuration processor102executes a plurality of performance analyses146. The performance analyses146, shown stored as part of the builder module140inFIG.2, are algorithms created based on test data of a variety of modular components142with a variety of modular features144. The performance analyses146receive the modular component142and the modular features144as inputs and, when executed by the configuration processor102, determine performance qualities of the modular component142with the modular features144.

In the step808, the configuration processor102sends the updated interface data314with the performance analyses146, shown inFIG.21, to the customer300. In the shown embodiment, the performance analyses146include an analysis of whether the modular connector32is capable of block loading and a mating force required for the modular connector32. The performance analyses146, as shown inFIG.21, are each represented as an icon314hof the interface data314that displays the result of the performance analyses146to the customer300. In other embodiments, the performance analyses146could be represented as any type of interface data314that relays the results of the performance analyses to the customer300.

As shown inFIG.20, the modular building process800can loop back through the steps804,806,808as many times as necessary for the customer300to create the desired modular connector32. The customer300can assemble together any number of modular components142in any arrangement with any variety of modular features144to create the modular connector32by continuing to add modular components142in step804and specifying the modular features144for each of the modular components142in step806. In each loop through step808, the interface data314reflects the updated performance analyses146related to the currently configured modular connector32. When the customer300is satisfied with the configured modular connector32, the customer300selects an element of the interface data314, such as a button134b′shown inFIG.21, to proceed with the modular building process800.

In a step810of the modular building process800shown inFIG.20, the connector configuration system100presents a summary of the modular connectors32configured by the customer300, as shown inFIG.22. The interface data314in the step810can include the images314cof the configured modular connectors32along with icons314hshowing the performance analyses146for each of the modular connectors132and tabs314drelating to the modular features144selected for the modular connectors132. In other embodiments, the summary of the selections of the modular connectors132with the modular features144and the performance analyses146can be presented in elements of the interface data314other than those in the embodiment shown inFIG.22. When the customer300has completed review of the presented summary in step810, the customer300selects an element of the interface data314, a button314b′in the embodiment ofFIG.22, that indicates completed review.

In a step812of the modular building process800shown inFIG.20, the customer300accesses a layout tool148to layout the modular connectors32configured by the customer300. The layout tool148, as shown inFIG.2, is stored in the builder module140. The configuration processor102, upon request from the customer300, executes the layout tool148to send an updated interface data314, shown inFIG.23, to the customer300. The execution of the layout tool148, as shown inFIG.23, presents to the customer300an image314cof a schematic layout of the modular connectors32configured by the customer300on a plurality of schematic printed circuit boards34. The customer300can manipulate the image314cof the interface data314using the input device316to re-arrange the modular connectors32on the printed circuit boards34in order to best determine how the configured modular connectors32fit on a variety of printed circuit boards34.

When the customer300has completed laying out the modular connectors32in the step812, the customer300selects an element of the interface data314, a button314b′in the embodiment ofFIG.23, that indicates completion of usage of the layout tool148. In a step814shown inFIG.20, the selection of the completion button314b′contacts the manufacturer200with the modular connectors32created by the customer300. In another embodiment, the selection of the completion button314b′can alternatively or additionally restart the modular building process800for a new configuration of a modular connector32.

The connector configurator50having the connector configuration system100offers a number of advantages for the customer300and the manufacturer200in selecting an appropriate connector for the customer300.

The configurator module110allows the customer300, prior to initiating contact with the manufacturer200, to create the configured connector30in a specific product type113having a number of specific features including the outer dimensions112, the structural features114, the performance requirements115, and the personalization options116. The configurator module110thus allows the customer300to create a configured connector30that is closer and more tailored to the desired application of the customer300than is available with the current connector selection process. The execution options118further allow the customer300to transmit this configured connector30to the manufacturer200, starting a potentially iterative design process closer to the solution and thereby saving time for both the customer300and the manufacturer200. The comparison to existing product configurations212additionally allows the customer300to discover what appropriate connectors might be currently available, while the simulation module120allows the customer300to test the configured connector30prior to engaging with the manufacturer200, both further advancing the design process solely through input from the customer300and improving efficiency of connector selection. The other execution options118also allow the manufacturer200to track what types of connectors are being configured by customers300, including what features may be most desirable for future connector development and which customers300are configuring connectors for business development.

The builder module140further allows the customer300to create a new connector design for their desired application. The customer300can accomplish the design of the modular connector32on its own behalf with the builder module140prior to contacting the manufacturer200, improving efficiencies similarly to the configurator module110while also allowing for customized connector solutions that are not currently available.