Moisture-Resistant Cable Connector Locking for Vibration Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical connectors face issues with water ingress and damage due to vibration, leading to loose connections and operational disruptions in harsh environments, especially in vehicles or vessels.
Innovation Solution
A flexible pin configuration with a locking mechanism that allows for lateral movement and quick connection/disconnection, using a combination of flexible material and O-rings to prevent water ingress and secure the connection without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the gauge of the plastic used to form the electrical connector is increased to make it more rigid, then the connector becomes more robust and resistant to damage, but the connector cannot accommodate lateral movement and vibration, causing pins to break or connections to loosen
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into rigid portions (connector body, pin bases) and a flexible portion (the pin itself). This segmentation allows different parts to have different mechanical properties - the rigid body provides structural strength while the flexible pin accommodates lateral movement and vibration without breaking the electrical connection
Solution Approach 2:
The pin is designed with flexibility to dynamically respond to lateral forces and vibration. The pin can bend or deflect laterally when subjected to external forces, then return to its original position, maintaining electrical connection stability in vibrating environments while the rigid connector body remains structurally sound
2Reliability
If a threaded connector is used to provide a secure connection, then the connection becomes tight and secure, but the connector cannot be disengaged quickly and may cause the collar to break or crack when tightened
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a threaded connection that requires rotation to engage and disengage, the invention uses a push-to-connect mechanism where the connector is engaged by pushing straight in and disengaged by pressing a release mechanism. This inverts the traditional engagement direction and method, enabling quick tool-free disconnection while maintaining secure connection through the flexible pin design that prevents loosening under vibration
3Reliability
If a threaded connector is tightened securely, then the connection is secure, but water can enter through hairline fractures in the collar and cause operational problems
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the threading mechanism that causes hairline fractures and replaces it with a push-to-connect interface. This eliminates the source of cracks while maintaining connection security through the flexible pin design. The connector body is also designed with integrated sealing features to prevent water ingress without requiring excessive tightening forces
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
Provides a secure, watertight connection that withstands vibration and harsh conditions, allowing quick and tool-free connection/disconnection while preventing pin breakage and water ingress.
Implementation Method 1
each pin is seated in a flexible material allowing for some lateral movement of the distal end of the pin without breaking the pins
Implementation Method 2
using a combination of flexible material and O-rings to prevent water ingress
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector including a linear locking device, which is provided as a weatherproof structure for connecting and disconnecting an electrical cable quickly and easily but comprises a robust structure that will not disconnect easily. The electrical connector is resistant to breakage and is keyed for quick connection without the need to look at the connector to make a secure connection.