Circular Connector Locking Ring With Tool-Driven Torque Multiplication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circular connectors face challenges in densely packed environments where space is limited, making manual locking and unlocking of connectors inefficient and sometimes impossible due to the need for substantial torque and access area constraints.
Innovation Solution
A connection assembly with a torque transmission device that includes a mechanical transmission system with a gear train and a resilient return element, allowing for efficient coupling and locking of circular connectors using a tool, reducing the required access area and enabling assisted uncoupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual locking of circular connectors is used, then the device structure is simple, but the required access area is large and operator effort is high
Solution Approach 1:
A tool is introduced as an intermediary between the operator and the locking mechanism. The tool engages with the drive unit through a drive interface, allowing the operator to apply torque remotely without needing direct access to the locking ring. This resolves the contradiction by enabling simple manual operation while reducing the required access area through mechanical advantage.
Solution Approach 2:
The direct manual rotation of the locking ring is replaced by a mechanical transmission system consisting of a drive unit, transmission elements (gears or cam mechanisms), and a locking mechanism. This substitution reduces the physical effort required by the operator while maintaining structural simplicity through standardized mechanical components.
2Ease of operation
If manual locking of circular connectors is used, then the device structure is simple, but the required access area is large
Solution Approach 1:
The tool acts as a mediator that extends the operator's reach and leverage. By engaging the drive unit through a drive interface, the tool allows locking operations to be performed in confined spaces where direct manual manipulation of the locking ring would be impossible, thus reducing the required access area while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to accept a tool that can be inserted through a limited access opening. The drive unit and transmission elements are arranged to convert linear insertion motion or small-angle rotation into the full locking motion, effectively operating in a different dimensional space that requires minimal access area.
3Area of stationary object
If tool-actuated locking with gear train is used, then the required access area is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive unit serves multiple functions: it provides the interface for tool engagement, transmits torque through the transmission elements, and actuates the locking mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while achieving reduced access area requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission elements (gears or cam mechanisms) are nested within the connector housing and integrated with the locking ring structure. The drive unit is positioned concentrically within the locking mechanism, allowing compact arrangement that minimizes the overall footprint and access area while maintaining the necessary mechanical functionality.
4Ease of operation
If tool-actuated locking with gear train is used, then the required access area is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The direct manual locking action is replaced by a tool-actuated mechanical transmission system. The drive unit and transmission elements provide mechanical advantage, allowing the operator to apply small torque through a tool to achieve the locking force required, thereby reducing operator effort while accepting increased device complexity through standardized mechanical components.
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
The solution enables reliable and efficient coupling and locking of circular connectors in densely packed environments with reduced operator effort, providing a visual locking indicator and automatic uncoupling, thus improving connector density and reducing the risk of misalignment or dropping during coupling.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient return element, in particular a torsion spring, which is arranged in the inner seat and is designed to rotate the ring automatically in order to return the locking to the initial position
Data Source
AI summary
The invention consists substantially of implanting in a cover (5), around a ring (4) for locking a plug (3) on a receptacle (2) of a connection assembly (1), a torque transmission device (6, 60, 42, 7), which is preferably configured as a multiplier in order to de-multiply the forces of the tool on the ring which, by means of a movement of rotation in one direction, from an axis which is offset relative to the central axis, carries out the coupling and/or the locking of the plug on the receptacle.