Ball-Lock Connector Sleeve Mechanism for Vibration-Resistant Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ball-lock connectors face challenges in maintaining a secure lock under strong forces and vibrations, as the engagement balls often require external forces or components from the counter connector to transition from engagement to disengagement positions.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring an engagement ball that can be moved between engagement and disengagement positions through an engagement ball operating part, allowing for direct force application to transition the ball, and an inner housing with a supporting part and elastic element to maintain the lock, ensuring reliability even under strong forces and vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If engagement balls are used to lock the connector to the counter connector, then the connector provides a secure locking mechanism, but the engagement balls require external forces or components from the counter connector to transition from engagement to disengagement positions
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a spring-loaded sleeve that automatically forces engagement balls into the engagement position with the counter connector without requiring external assistance. The spring mechanism provides self-service by maintaining constant pressure on the balls, enabling them to engage with the locking groove of the counter connector autonomously when the connector is inserted.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector utilizes a dynamic disengagement mechanism where pushing the sleeve back creates clearance for the engagement balls to move outward from the engagement position. This dynamic adjustment of the sleeve position allows the balls to transition between locked and unlocked states, enabling easy disengagement without complex external mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If the engagement balls are forced outward to disengage from the counter connector, then the connector can be removed, but strong forces and vibrations may cause unintended disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded sleeve is pre-configured to maintain engagement balls in the engagement position under normal operating conditions, including forces and vibrations. The spring force is calibrated to overcome typical external forces, ensuring the balls remain locked unless a deliberate disengagement action is taken by pushing the sleeve back.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user's disengagement action and the engagement balls. By pushing the sleeve back, the user creates clearance that allows the balls to move outward, providing a controlled and deliberate disengagement process that prevents unintended release from vibrations or minor forces.
3Ease of operation
If the sleeve is pushed back to provide clearance for ball movement, then disengagement is enabled, but the connector requires two-handed operation or external force application
Solution Approach 1:
The connector integrates the disengagement function into the same sleeve mechanism that controls engagement. The single sleeve component performs dual functions: maintaining engagement under normal conditions and enabling disengagement when pushed back, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms or two-handed operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded sleeve automatically returns to its forward position after disengagement, forcing the engagement balls back into the engagement position with the counter connector. This self-service feature eliminates the need for manual resetting or complex operational procedures, allowing simple one-handed operation for both engagement and disengagement.
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 connector provides a reliable and vibration-resistant locking mechanism that can withstand significant forces and vibrations, allowing for easy disengagement without external assistance from the counter connector, making it suitable for pre-stressed applications like optical fibers.
Implementation Method 1
an inner housing with a supporting part and elastic element to maintain the lock
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector (1) comprising at least one engagement ball (9) that is movable between an engagement position and a disengagement position, wherein a motion of an engagement ball operating part (11) of the connector (1) relatively to an inner housing (2) of the connector (1) can force the at least one engagement ball (9) from the engagement position into the disengagement position. The engagement ball operating part (11) comprises claws that extend through at least one window in a supporting part (8) or the inner housing (2) or between the supporting part (8) and the inner housing (2). A system comprising the connector (1) and a counter connector (5) that can be locked to the connector (1) by means of a locking mechanism with the at least one engagement ball (9) of the connector (1) that engages with an engagement part (24) of the counter connector. If the at least one engagement ball (9) is in the engagement position and the locking mechanism is loaded, the at least one engagement ball (9) does not exert a force on a part of the connector that is movable relatively to the inner housing and retains the engagement ball (9) in the engagement position. And a method of unlocking a connector (1) from a counter connector (5) by moving an engagement ball (9) of the connector (1) from an locking position, in which the engagement ball (9) is engaged with an engagement part (24) of the counter connector (5) to lock the connector (1) to the counter connector (5), to an unlocking position, in which the engagement ball (9) is no longer engaged with the engagement part (24) of the counter connector (5).