Bail Style Retention Clip for COTS Connector Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
COTS connectors in military applications frequently experience unwanted disconnection due to low insertion force design, leading to serviceability issues and cable routing space intrusion with existing solutions like adhesive bonding and sheet metal brackets.
Innovation Solution
A bail style retention clip with multiple points of connection between the clip and the connector and computer chassis, providing a friction fit to securely retain COTS connectors in their intended position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive bonding is used to secure COTS connectors, then connection stability is improved, but serviceability deteriorates due to increased time needed for repair, cleanup and removal operations
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system is divided into separate modular components: a retention clip that attaches to the connector and a retention bracket that attaches to the chassis. This segmentation allows the connector to be removed by simply detaching the clip from the bracket, enabling quick serviceability while maintaining stable retention during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention clip incorporates a resilient bail member that can be flexed to release the connector and returns to its original position to secure the connector. This dynamic mechanism provides stable retention during normal use while allowing easy release when needed, resolving the contradiction between connection stability and serviceability.
2Reliability
If sheet metal brackets are added to retain COTS connectors, then connection stability is improved, but device complexity increases due to intrusion in cable routing space
Solution Approach 1:
The retention clip is designed to nest around the existing connector without adding external protrusions. The bail member wraps around the connector body, and the entire assembly fits within the existing connector housing dimensions, avoiding intrusion into cable routing space while providing stable retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention bracket utilizes existing chassis features such as mounting holes or surface areas already present in the connector receptacle. By self-serviceing through existing structural elements, the system achieves stable connector retention without adding complex external brackets that would intrude on cable routing space.
3Ease of operation
If low insertion force design is used for COTS connectors, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to frequent unwanted disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The retention clip is pre-installed on the connector before insertion into the chassis. This preliminary action ensures that as soon as the connector is inserted, it is immediately secured by the resilient bail member, preventing unwanted disconnection while maintaining the low insertion force characteristic of COTS connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention clip acts as an intermediary mechanism between the connector and the chassis. It provides the additional securing force needed for reliable retention while allowing the connector itself to maintain its original low insertion force design, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and connection stability.
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 unintended disconnection of COTS connectors while maintaining low costs and avoiding serviceability and space intrusion issues, enhancing the retention of connectors in military personal computers.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient bail member (218) configured to flex to allow movement of the connector (102, 104) and urge the connector (102, 104) into the fully inserted position
Implementation Method 2
providing a friction fit to securely retain COTS connectors in their intended position
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for retaining a commercial off the shelf connector and cable into a connector on a pc is shown and described as having a wire bail or retaining clip, which is either screwed to or forced into a friction fit behind a rear panel of the PC at the COTS connectors. The bail or retention clip extends beyond the end of the connector and cradles the cord, this helps to distribute the weight of the cord/cable. Also, the clip is sized and configured to make inadvertent disconnection of the connector less likely.