Axial Assembly Sealed Connector with Co-Molded Locking Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multipolar connectors require complex assembly and disassembly processes, often necessitating rotation and axial force to engage and disengage locking mechanisms, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A sealed, multipolar connector design featuring a co-molded structure with snap-coupled clamping cones and a locking ring that allows assembly and disassembly using a common tool, such as a screwdriver, through axial movements, eliminating the need for rotation and simplifying the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rotation-based locking mechanisms are used, then secure connection is achieved, but assembly and disassembly become complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional rotation-based locking mechanism into an axial movement-based mechanism. The locking ring moves axially along the connector body to engage or disengage the clamping cones, replacing the need for rotational motion. This inversion maintains connection security while dramatically simplifying the assembly and disassembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the rotational motion requirement from the locking mechanism, isolating it as an unnecessary complexity. By removing the rotational component and retaining only the essential axial movement for engagement, the design achieves secure connection with simplified operation using a common tool.
2Ease of manufacture
If specialized tools are used for assembly, then precise control is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the locking mechanism to be actuated by a common tool such as a screwdriver, which is a universal tool already present in most toolkits. The flat spot or slot on the locking ring accepts this universal tool, eliminating the need for specialized assembly tools while maintaining precise control over the engagement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design incorporates a self-service feature where the locking ring includes an integrated engagement point (flat spot or slot) that directly accepts a common tool. This eliminates the need for separate specialized tools, allowing the device to be assembled and disassembled using readily available tools without requiring additional device complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple movement types (rotation and axial) are required, then secure locking is achieved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the locking action into distinct axial movement phases: insertion, engagement, and locking. The locking ring moves axially in a single linear sequence to complete all locking functions, eliminating the need for combined rotation and axial movement. This segmentation of the motion path into simple sequential axial steps reduces assembly time while maintaining locking security.
Solution Approach 2:
By inverting the conventional approach that combines rotation and axial movement, the patent uses only axial movement for all locking operations. The clamping cones and locking ring are designed to engage through pure axial translation, eliminating rotational motion entirely and significantly reducing the time required for assembly and disassembly.
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
Enables easy and efficient coupling and decoupling of the connector using a screwdriver, ensuring secure sealing and electrical contact without the complexity of rotation-based mechanisms, enhancing usability and assembly efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
configured to be particularly comfortable in assembling step, and in particular to allow the connector to be assembled and disassembled using only the tip of a common tool
Implementation Method 2
a ring (130), by axially sliding, compresses elastically deformable tongues (142) on which there are provided clamping teeth
Data Source
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AI summary
Sealed, multipolar connector (1), comprising a male sub-assembly (2) comprising a plurality of pins (27), a female sub-assembly (3) comprising a plurality of sockets (37), wherein said pins are configured so that they engage said sockets when the connector is closed, characterized in that said male sub-assembly (2) comprises a co-molded element (21) in plastic and rubber; said female sub-assembly (3) comprises a co-molded element (31) in plastic and rubber, and a locking ring (38); said co-molded elements (21, 31) comprise clamping teeth (217, 317) configured to be engaged with each other when said elements (21, 31) are coupled, and in that said ring (38) is slidingly fastened to said female element (31) so that, after a translation of said ring (38), said clamping teeth (317) of said female element can be radially widened so that respective clamping teeth (217) provided on the male connector are not engaged.