Bayonet Circular Connector Locking for Vibration-Stable Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bayonet locking and unlocking systems for circular connectors face issues such as displacement due to environmental vibrations, lack of perceptible locking, and movement during locking or unlocking, especially in harsh environments and with short operating travel contacts.
Innovation Solution
A bayonet locking and unlocking system with an audible locking indicator, featuring a base, plug body, outer ring, locking ring, and intermediate washer, where the lug slides through axial, helical, and circular parts of the locking ramp, and a lock with a guide key and notch, allowing simple rotation for unlocking without combined movements, and an elastic element to maintain pressure and prevent floating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bayonet locking system uses an elastic system to maintain pressure between connectors, then the connection is secured against vibrations, but the system requires operating clearance and complex manipulation that is not acceptable for contacts with very short operating travel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the elastic system from the locking mechanism, replacing it with a purely mechanical bayonet locking system that uses a locking ramp and lug interface. This extraction eliminates the need for operating clearance and complex manipulation while maintaining vibration resistance through the rigid mechanical engagement of the locking ramp with the lug.
2Ease of operation
If a bayonet locking system allows movement of connectors during locking and unlocking, then operating clearance is provided, but the connectors experience recoil or movement that is unacceptable for short operating travel contacts
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ramp is pre-configured with a specific geometric profile that guides the lug through a controlled path during locking. The ramp's shape anticipates the locking motion, directing the lug smoothly from the approach phase through the locking phase without requiring additional operating clearance or causing recoil. This preliminary geometric configuration ensures stable connector positioning throughout the entire locking sequence.
3Reliability
If a high locking torque is used to ensure secure locking, then connection reliability under vibrations is improved, but the locking end becomes imperceptible without visual confirmation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a visual feedback mechanism through a window that reveals the internal locking components. As the locking torque is applied and the lug engages with the locking ramp, the window provides visual confirmation of the locking progression and final engagement position. This feedback allows the operator to perceive locking completion without reducing the locking torque, maintaining both reliability and detectability.
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 secure locking without relative movement between connectors, provides audible feedback for complete locking, and supports low operating range contacts, maintaining connection stability under vibrations and traction.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element to maintain pressure and prevent floating
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~20
AI summary
The invention relates to a bayonet-type locking and unlocking system for a circular connector with audible indicator of locking, which comprises: a socket (37) comprising at least one lug, a plug body (35), an external ring (30) comprising at least one unlocking ramp, a locking ring (31) comprising at least one locking ramp in which the lug of the socket slides in translation, a locking piece (32) comprising a blocking tooth, an unblocking lug, and a guideway, the said system comprising a locking position in which the blocking tooth is positioned in the guide slot blocking the position of the lug of the socket in the circular part of the locking ramp.