Breakaway Connector Protrusions for Multi-Directional Load Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breakaway connectors for chains or cords are not reliable in non-uniform load conditions, as the breakaway force can be direction-dependent, potentially failing to separate effectively when encountering entangled objects.
Innovation Solution
The breakaway connector features closure sleeves with protrusions and recesses that extend in the longitudinal direction, allowing for engagement and breakaway in multiple directions, providing double breakaway positions and reduced direction-sensitivity under non-uniform loads, with resilient protrusions forming a clamping jaw for secure attachment and easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a breakaway connector uses a single protrusion and recess configuration, then the structure is simple, but the breakaway reliability is insufficient under non-uniform load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple independent engagement points with protrusions and recesses arranged at different positions and orientations. Each protrusion-recess pair acts as an independent breakaway element, ensuring that if one engagement point fails to break away, other points can still provide the necessary breakaway function under various load directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusions and recesses are arranged asymmetrically in terms of their spatial distribution and orientation. This asymmetric arrangement ensures that the connector can respond to forces applied from different directions, with each protrusion-recess pair optimized for specific load angles, thereby improving overall breakaway reliability under non-uniform loading conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the breakaway connector is designed for unidirectional breakaway, then the structure is simpler, but it fails to break away effectively when load is applied transversely or non-uniformly
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design provides multi-directional breakaway capability through multiple protrusions and recesses oriented at different angles. Each protrusion-recess pair can function as a breakaway point for forces applied from different directions, making the connector universally effective whether the load is applied axially, transversely, or at intermediate angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single-dimensional (unidirectional) breakaway mechanism to a multi-dimensional approach by arranging protrusions and recesses in three-dimensional space at various orientations. This allows the connector to respond to forces applied from multiple directions simultaneously, effectively adding dimensional versatility to the breakaway function.
3Strength
If the closure sleeves engage tightly to prevent accidental separation, then the connection strength is improved, but the assembly and breakaway process becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusions are designed with resilient properties, allowing them to dynamically adapt during assembly and breakaway. During assembly, the resilient protrusions can flex to accommodate insertion, and during breakaway, they can deform to facilitate separation. This dynamic behavior enables the connector to maintain strong engagement during normal use while allowing controlled separation when breakaway force is applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical properties of the protrusions are optimized to change under different conditions. The resilient material properties allow the protrusions to exhibit different stiffness characteristics during assembly versus breakaway, enabling easy assembly under low force while maintaining strong connection strength during normal operation, and facilitating controlled breakaway when sufficient force is applied.
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
Ensures reliable breakaway under both uniform and non-uniform loads, enhancing safety by preventing entanglement risks, particularly in applications like window coverings, while allowing for cost-effective and efficient production.
Implementation Method 1
The first and/or second protrusions more preferably take a resilient form
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
The invention relates to a breakaway connector (1) for a chain or cord, for instance a control chain (100) or control cord of a screen such as a window covering. The breakaway connector comprises two connector parts (2), which connector parts can break away under the influence of a predetermined breakaway force. Each connector part is provided with a core with means for attaching an outer end of the chain or the cord and with a closure sleeve extending from the core, wherein in a position of use the closure sleeves of the connector parts mutually engage. The closure sleeve of a first connector part is provided with two or more first protrusions (5) which extend substantially in longitudinal direction of the closure sleeve. The closure sleeve of a second connector part is provided with two or more first recesses (6) which extend substantially in longitudinal direction of the closure sleeve. The closure sleeves can mutually engage by the first protrusions being received in the first recesses.