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 when subjected to vibration or shock, compromising the mechanical and electrical connection between plug and receptacle connectors.
Innovation Solution
A connector coupling design featuring a first collar with locking members, a second rotatable collar, a ratchet ring, and a biasing member that allows one-way ratchet engagement to prevent counter-rotation, ensuring the connectors remain secured during vibrations or shocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a threaded nut or collar is used to mate the plug and receptacle connectors, then the connectors can be securely coupled, but the coupling nut may counter-rotate under vibration or shock, causing loosening or decoupling
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a static threaded connection to a dynamic ratchet system that adapts to vibrational forces. The ratchet ring and locking members enable controlled one-way rotation while preventing counter-rotation, allowing the connection to maintain integrity under vibration and shock conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful effect of vibrational forces that cause counter-rotation into a beneficial locking mechanism. The ratchet system allows rotation in the tightening direction while automatically preventing reverse rotation, turning potential loosening forces into reinforcement of the connection
2Reliability
If the coupling prevents counter-rotation to maintain connection integrity, then the connectors remain secure under vibration, but the coupling mechanism becomes more complex with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into integrated components. The ratchet ring simultaneously provides vibration resistance, controlled rotation, and locking capabilities. The locking members on both the ratchet ring and collar work together as a unified system, reducing the need for separate vibration prevention mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism employs a nested structure where the ratchet ring is positioned within the collar assembly, and locking members are integrated into the collar and ratchet ring structures. This nested arrangement compactly houses the vibration prevention functionality within the existing coupling geometry
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 solution effectively prevents decoupling by allowing the inner collar to rotate only in one direction, maintaining the integrity of the connection between the plug and receptacle connectors under vibrational or shock conditions, and can be manually unlocked for disengagement.
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 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.