Anti-vibration Connector Coupling Ratchet Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical connector assemblies often experience loosening or decoupling due to counter-rotation of the coupling nut when subjected to vibration or shock, compromising the mechanical and electrical connection between plug and receptacle connectors.
Innovation Solution
An anti-vibration coupling with a one-way ratchet engagement mechanism, comprising an inner and outer collar, a ratchet ring, and a biasing member, which allows the connectors to be disengaged manually by moving between engaged and disengaged positions, preventing counter-rotation and ensuring secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded nut or collar is used to mate the plug and receptacle connectors, then the mechanical and electrical connection is established, but the coupling becomes loose or decouples under vibration or shock due to counter-rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a static threaded connection to a dynamic ratchet system that adapts to vibrational forces. The ratchet teeth engage to prevent counter-rotation during vibration while allowing controlled rotation for assembly and disassembly, making the connection stable under dynamic conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the anti-counter-rotation function from the threaded connection itself and implements it through a separate ratchet mechanism. This allows the threaded portion to maintain electrical connection while the ratchet mechanism independently prevents loosening under vibration.
2Reliability
If a ratchet mechanism is introduced to prevent counter-rotation, then vibration resistance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet mechanism is merged with the threaded collar structure, where the ratchet teeth are integrated into the collar body rather than being separate components. This combination reduces the number of parts while maintaining the anti-vibration function.
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the direction of rotational force. During vibration, the ratchet teeth automatically lock to prevent counter-rotation without requiring external control, and during assembly or disassembly, the mechanism self-actuates with simple rotational motion.
3Reliability
If the coupling prevents rotation in one direction, then counter-rotation is stopped, but the ease of operation for assembly and disassembly is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism dynamically changes its rotational characteristics based on the applied force direction. During normal operation, it locks in one direction to prevent loosening, but during assembly or intentional disassembly, it allows smooth rotation in the opposite direction, maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet mechanism operates in periodic cycles of locking and unlocking. During vibration, it locks to prevent loosening, and during assembly/disassembly operations, it unlocks to allow controlled rotation, creating a rhythmic pattern of engagement and disengagement that maintains both reliability and operability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The coupling effectively prevents decoupling of mating connectors under vibration or shock, maintaining the integrity of the mechanical and electrical connection by allowing rotation in one direction while preventing counter-rotation.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member positioned between the inner collar and the ratchet ring and adapted to bias the ratchet ring towards engagement with the inner collar
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A connector coupling that comprises a connector body, a first collar coupled to the connector body, and a second collar surrounding the first collar. The first collar has a plurality of locking members. The second collar is rotatable with respect to the first collar between first and second positions. A ratchet ring is supported by the connector body and has a plurality of locking members corresponding to the plurality of locking members of the first collar. The ratchet ring being axially movable with respect to the connector body between an engaged position and a disengaged position. A biasing member is supported by the connector body adjacent the ratchet ring. The biasing member biases the ratchet ring in the engaged position. Rotating the second collar from the first position to the second position moves the ratchet ring from the engaged position, in which the plurality of locking members of the ratchet ring engage the plurality of the locking members of the first collar, to the disengaged position, in which the plurality of locking members of the ratchet ring are spaced from the plurality of locking members of the first collar, thereby allowing the first collar to rotate with respect to the connector body.