Ball-Lock Connector Axial Sleeve Design for Radial Size Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ball-lock connectors have a large radial size due to the complex structure of elastic engaging members, requiring specialized manufacturing processes and materials, making them costly and difficult to attach and detach smoothly.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a tubular member with axially elongated ball storage holes, an inner sleeve, and an outer sleeve that moves axially, allowing the engagement ball to change positions for attachment and detachment, using a compression spring for secure locking and easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an elastic engaging member is interposed between the deflection restraining member and the lock ball to press the ball from the outer periphery side, then the locking reliability is improved, but the radial size of the connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the elastic engaging member from the radial space between the deflection restraining member and lock ball, eliminating the need for this intermediate component. Instead, the lock ball is directly pressed by the deflection restraining member, achieving reliable locking without increasing radial size.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of the deflection restraining member and the elastic engaging member into a single integrated structure. The deflection restraining member directly provides both the pressing force and the elastic engagement, eliminating the need for a separate elastic engaging member and reducing radial dimensions.
2Ease of operation
If a specifically shaped elastic engaging member is designed to allow back and forth movement and radial displacement, then the engagement functionality is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The deflection restraining member is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it restrains elastic deflection, provides pressing force, and enables back-and-forth movement. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for specially shaped elastic engaging members with complex manufacturing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the design parameters from complex elastic engaging members with specific shapes to a simpler deflection restraining member with modified geometric parameters. This allows standard manufacturing processes to be used while achieving the required engagement functionality.
3Ease of operation
If the elastic engaging member protrudes forward from the front end edge of the locking operation member, then the engagement capability is improved, but the connector becomes susceptible to breakage and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the protruding elastic engaging member from the front end edge of the locking operation member, eliminating the vulnerable protruding structure. The engagement capability is maintained through the modified deflection restraining member design that does not require forward protrusion.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the engaging member protrude forward from the locking operation member, the invention inverts the approach by having the deflection restraining member directly interact with the lock ball through a recessed or integrated structure, eliminating the vulnerable protruding configuration.
4Ease of operation
If a compression spring is used for axial movement of the inner and outer sleeves, then the ease of attachment and detachment is improved, but the axial length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses thin, flexible compression springs that provide the necessary elastic force for axial movement while occupying minimal axial space. These compact springs enable smooth attachment and detachment operations without significantly increasing the overall axial length of the connector.
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 design results in a narrower diameter connector that is easier to attach and detach, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs, while maintaining secure locking and preventing slippage during detachment.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic engaging member that is radially elastic-displaceable between an engagement position where it abuts against the lock ball
Implementation Method 2
the engagement ball moving from a first position where at least a part of the engagement ball protrudes inward from the inner peripheral surface of the tubular member by being depressed by the protruded part of the outer sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a ball-lock connector wherein a connector which has a relatively small diameter and which can be smoothly attached or detached, is realized at low cost. Ball storage holes (23) are formed in a tubular member (20), and engagement balls (11) are contained in the ball storage holes (23). An inner sleeve (30) and an outer sleeve (40) are disposed on the outside of the tubular member (20) so as to move in the axial direction. When a counterpart connector (70) is attached, each engagement ball (11) moves from a first position wherein a part of the engagement ball is projected from the inner peripheral surface (21) of the tubular member (20) to a second position which is close to a first inner peripheral surface (42) of an outer sleeve (40), wherein a part of the engagement ball is not projected from the inner peripheral surface (21), and thereafter, returns to the first position. When the counterpart connector (70) is detached, each engagement ball (11) moves from the first position to a third position which is close to a second inner peripheral surface (44) of the outer sleeve (40), wherein a part of the engagement ball is not projected from the inner peripheral surface (21), and thereafter, returns to the first position.