Bayonet Cable Fitting With Snap-Lock Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Loosening of fiber optic cable connections to distribution boxes or panels due to external forces and human error, leading to signal interruption or degradation, is a persistent issue in cable termination systems.
Innovation Solution
An attachment apparatus featuring a bayonet-type connection with a female groove and a snap-lock mechanism providing haptic feedback, ensuring secure locking and easy installation, which includes a cylindrical mounting wall with a protruding pin-like member to resist separation and confirm secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional threaded or bayonet connectors are used for attaching fiber optic cables, then the connection can be established, but the connection may loosen due to external forces and human error, leading to signal interruption or degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment apparatus is designed to self-lock through a snap-fit mechanism where the cylindrical mounting wall automatically engages with the fitting's groove structure. The protruding pin-like member on the mounting wall snaps into the retaining groove portion, creating a self-securing connection that maintains reliability without requiring additional fastening operations by the installer.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism provides haptic feedback through the snap-fit engagement, giving the installer tactile confirmation when the protruding pin-like member successfully engages with the retaining groove portion. This feedback ensures proper installation without requiring complex tools or procedures, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented to prevent connection loosening, then connection reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment apparatus is divided into distinct functional segments: the fitting with its groove structure (including guiding groove portion and retaining groove portion) and the cylindrical mounting wall with protruding pin-like member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply, achieving reliable attachment without overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a traditional locking mechanism where a fastener actively secures a connection, this invention inverts the approach by using a passive snap-fit engagement where the mounting wall's protruding member is received by the fitting's groove structure. The fitting receives and retains the mounting wall through the groove-pin interaction, providing security with minimal structural complexity.
3Reliability
If a bayonet-type connection with snap-lock mechanism is used, then secure attachment is achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The groove structure in the fitting is pre-configured with the guiding groove portion and retaining groove portion in specific orientations and positions. The cylindrical mounting wall is similarly pre-configured with the protruding pin-like member. This preliminary action during manufacturing ensures that during installation, the components naturally align through the guiding groove, reducing the need for high-precision manual alignment and lowering manufacturing tolerance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding groove portion acts as an intermediary element that facilitates the alignment between the protruding pin-like member and the retaining groove portion. During installation, the pin follows the path of the guiding groove, which mediates any minor misalignments and guides the components into proper engagement, thereby reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A fitting for signal connector coupling has a bayonet attachment mechanism including a groove in a fitting wall including guiding groove and retaining groove portions, the retaining groove portion having a recess forming a positive lock to interact with a protruding member of a locking cap or collar, which may be turned onto the fitting until the protruding member resiliently snaps or springs into the recessed portion resisting loosening and providing haptic feedback indicating accomplishing secure attaching. A method of attaching a fitting to another device, includes placing and turning the another device on a cylindrical wall of the fitting while interaction between a groove in the fitting wall and a protuberance on the another device guides the another device rotationally about the fitting wall, and continuing turning moves the protuberance into a positive lock location in a retaining portion of the groove and also provides haptic feedback indicating attachment.