초록 ▼

A hinge engages a cam such that the hinge first rotates relative to the cam, then linearly engages the cam. Preferably, the hinge includes a guiding post that rides along a raised arched surface on the cam during the rotary motion of the hinge. Linear motion between the hinge and the cam preferably

A hinge engages a cam such that the hinge first rotates relative to the cam, then linearly engages the cam. Preferably, the hinge includes a guiding post that rides along a raised arched surface on the cam during the rotary motion of the hinge. Linear motion between the hinge and the cam preferably begins when the guiding post rides off the end of the arched surface. The rotary motion of the hinge is constrained by one or more engagement assemblies. In a preferred embodiment, one or more cams are mounted on a receiving structure and one or more hinges are mounted in corresponding locations on a detaching structure, where said detaching structure is physically separable from the receiving structure. Engagement between the one or more cams and the one or more corresponding hinges allows the detaching structure to first rotate relative to, then linearly engage, the receiving structure, providing for reliable blind mating between connectors on the detaching structure and connectors on the receiving structure.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A connector mechanism, comprising:a cam comprising an arched surface, an opening at which said arched surface terminates, and an axle; and a hinge comprising: a guiding post adapted to contact and travel along said arched surface of said cam; and an engagement assembly comprising a restraining le

1. A connector mechanism, comprising:a cam comprising an arched surface, an opening at which said arched surface terminates, and an axle; and a hinge comprising: a guiding post adapted to contact and travel along said arched surface of said cam; and an engagement assembly comprising a restraining leg, an alignment leg, and an engagement socket formed between said restraining leg and said alignment leg, wherein said restraining leg is longer than said alignment leg.