Connector Rotational Alignment Mechanism with Positioning Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connecting mechanism for connectors in vehicle headrests has a complex structure that allows free perpendicular and rotational movement, but lacks rotational alignment freedom, leading to increased parts and process steps for alignment and disconnection.
Innovation Solution
A connecting mechanism with a holder and receiving member that includes positioning arms and a limiter to facilitate rotational alignment and secure positioning of the connector, reducing the number of parts and steps required for alignment and disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the existing connecting mechanism allows free perpendicular and rotational movement, then the connector can be aligned, but the structure becomes complex with increased parts and process steps
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving member is divided into multiple functional elements: positioning arms for rotational alignment, a limiter for controlling rotation angle, and support structures for perpendicular movement. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining alignment capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning arms are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to flex and guide the connector during insertion. The limiter provides dynamic control by allowing rotation up to a certain angle and then preventing further rotation, enabling smooth alignment without requiring complex fixed structures
2Ease of operation
If the connector allows free rotational movement, then alignment is possible, but the connector cannot be aligned smoothly due to lack of rotational direction freedom
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning arms are pre-positioned on the receiving member to guide the connector's rotational movement before insertion is complete. The limiter is pre-set to control the maximum rotation angle, ensuring the connector aligns smoothly without requiring manual adjustment or complex control mechanisms during the connection process
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connecting mechanism includes support device with elastic member, then the mating connector can return to default position, but the number of parts and process steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning arms serve dual functions: they guide rotational alignment during insertion and work with the limiter to control the return to default position. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate elastic members and support devices, simplifying the structure while maintaining the ability to return to default position
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting mechanism for a connector, which can align the connector in a rotating direction and smoothly align the connector for fitting with the mating connector, has a bracket, a holder, a connector and a plate. The bracket has a receiving body receiving the holder, and receives the holder in a receiving hole arranged in the receiving body. The receiving hole has an abut rib projecting from an inner surface in a radial direction. The holder receives the connector 4 and has an elastically deformable first positioning arm. When the holder is received in the receiving hole and fixed in the receiving body with the plate, the abut rib abuts on the first positioning arm, and the holder is aligned in a rotating direction about the receiving body.