Anti-vibration Connector Coupling with Axially Movable Ratchet Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical connector assemblies often experience loosening or decoupling due to counter-rotation of the coupling nut under vibration or shock, compromising the mechanical and electrical connection between plug and receptacle connectors.
Innovation Solution
An anti-vibration coupling design featuring a ratchet ring and biasing member that allows one-way ratchet engagement between collars, preventing counter-rotation by ensuring the inner collar can only rotate in one direction, thus maintaining the connection under vibrations.
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 ratchet ring is made axially movable between engaged and disengaged positions, transforming the static collar into a dynamic system that can adapt its state based on operational conditions, allowing the connection to maintain stability under vibration while permitting controlled disengagement
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet ring acts as an intermediary element between the first and second collars, mediating the interaction between them by allowing unidirectional rotation engagement while preventing counter-rotation, thus protecting the connection integrity without requiring direct modification of the collar structures
2Reliability
If the coupling nut is designed to prevent counter-rotation, then connection integrity is maintained under vibration, but the device complexity increases with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet ring serves multiple functions simultaneously: it engages with the first collar's teeth to prevent counter-rotation, interacts with the second collar through axial movement, and works with the biasing member to maintain engagement force, thereby preventing counter-rotation without requiring separate dedicated components for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet ring is nested between the first and second collars, with the first collar receiving the ratchet ring and the second collar receiving the first collar, creating a compact nested structure that prevents counter-rotation while minimizing space requirements and structural complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If the ratchet ring is made axially movable between engaged and disengaged positions, then controlled disengagement is enabled, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member is pre-configured to automatically bias the ratchet ring into the engaged position, eliminating the need for manual intervention to maintain engagement, while the axial movement capability allows simple disengagement when needed, balancing ease of operation with engagement control
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 due to vibrations by allowing rotation in one direction while preventing counter-rotation, ensuring the integrity of the mechanical and electrical connection.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing member is supported by the connector body adjacent the ratchet ring. The biasing member biases the ratchet ring in the engaged position.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector coupling that comprises a connector body, a first collar rotatably coupled to the connector body that has a plurality of teeth extending from an inner surface thereof, a second collar that receives the first collar and is movable axially with respect to the first collar. A ratchet ring is supported by the connector body and has a plurality of teeth corresponding to the plurality of teeth of the first collar. The ratchet ring is axially moveable 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. The second set of teeth of the ratchet ring engage the first set of teeth of the first collar when the ratchet ring is in the engaged position, and the second set of teeth of the ratchet ring are spaced from the first set of teeth of the first collar and the ratchet ring engages the second collar when the ratchet ring is in the disengaged position.