Bayonet Locking Ring Two-Part Segmentation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The production of bayonet-type locking rings for circular electrical connectors is complex and expensive due to the need for intricate molds and machining processes, which result in high costs and material inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A bayonet-type locking ring is designed as two separate parts with a joint plane between them, allowing for simpler and less expensive manufacturing without complex tools, and using thermoplastic or metal materials based on performance needs, optimizing design and reducing production costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a bayonet locking ring is produced as a one-piece molded part with ramps, then the locking function is achieved, but the mold becomes complex and expensive due to undercuts requiring collapsible cores

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemold simplicityVSAvoidmold complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking ring is divided into two separate parts: a body part and a ramp part. The ramp part is produced separately and then assembled to the body part. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex collapsible cores in the mold, as the ramp features are no longer part of the main molded structure but are added as a separate component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If a bayonet locking ring is produced by machining, then the ramps can be precisely cut, but the production process becomes complex and costly requiring combination machines and numerical control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveramp precisionVSAvoidmachining complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking ring is segmented into a body part and a ramp part. The body part can be produced by simpler molding processes, and the ramp part is separately manufactured and assembled. This eliminates the need for complex combination machining operations and numerical control systems while maintaining the necessary precision through the separate manufacturing and assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If a bayonet locking ring is produced as a one-piece machined part, then the structural integrity is maintained, but material waste increases due to the machining process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidmaterial waste
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The locking ring is divided into a body part and a ramp part that are assembled together. The body part can be produced by molding with minimal material waste, and the ramp part is separately manufactured. This segmented approach significantly reduces material waste compared to traditional machining of a one-piece part, while the assembled structure maintains the necessary structural integrity for locking applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3101738B1Bayonet-type locking ring of a circular electrical connector
Publication Date: 2018.10.17 SOURIAU & CO
  • EP3101738B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3101738B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3101738B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a bayonet-type locking ring for a circular electrical connector.It comprises a first part (23) in the form of a cylindrical ring extending from one end to the other, said first part (23) comprising notches distributed on the inner face of the first part (23) adjacent to one end and a first ramp portion on the inner face of the first part (23), the first part (23) is made of thermoplastic material, a second part (24) in the form of a cylindrical ring, said second part (24) comprising notches distributed on its outer face and a second ramp portion on the inner cylindrical surface and when the first part (23) and the second part are assembled: the notches of the second part (24) fit into the notches of the first part (23) blocking the rotational mobility of the second part (24) relative to the first part (23), and the second ramp portion of the second part (24) forms the complement of the first ramp portion of the first part (23).