Female Connector Clamp Assembly for Secure Lock Confirmation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing female connectors require complex operations to secure and release male connectors, lacking simplicity and reliability in the connection process.
Innovation Solution
A female connector design featuring a retaining clamp and an indicating clamp that allow for secure and easy connection and release through a mechanism where the retaining flange interacts with the clamps to facilitate alignment and locking, utilizing elastic deformation for release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional latch mechanism is used to secure the male connector, then the connection can be secured, but the operation becomes complex and requires multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two independent clamp mechanisms: a retaining clamp for securing the connection and an indicating clamp for visual confirmation. Each clamp operates independently with its own locking mechanism, allowing the securing function to be simplified while maintaining reliability through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamps utilize elastic deformation of spring elements to provide automatic locking and unlocking functionality. The spring-loaded arms can dynamically adjust to engage with or disengage from the male connector's retaining flange, enabling secure connection without complex manual operations.
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then the connection reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Both the retaining clamp and indicating clamp share common structural elements including the housing, spring mechanism, and locking arms. This merging of functions into a unified clamp assembly reduces overall device complexity while maintaining secure locking capability through the retaining clamp's engagement with the male connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp mechanisms are designed to automatically lock and unlock through elastic deformation of spring elements. The spring-loaded arms self-adjust to engage with or disengage from the retaining flange based on insertion force, eliminating the need for complex manual locking operations or additional control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If visual confirmation of securement is added, then the operational reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indicating clamp serves dual purposes: it provides visual confirmation of proper insertion through its positioned relationship with the retaining clamp, and it acts as a secondary safety mechanism. The same structural elements (housing, springs, locking arms) are used for both retaining and indicating functions, avoiding additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicating clamp provides visual feedback through its positional state relative to the retaining clamp. When properly engaged, the indicating clamp's position visually confirms securement without requiring color changes or additional indicators, utilizing the existing structural relationship between the two clamps for confirmation.
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
Enables simple and reliable connection and disconnection of male connectors with visual confirmation of securement, ensuring proper alignment and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The indicating clamp is elastically deformable to allow the locked portion to be disengaged from the locking portion.
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a female connector having a housing, a retaining clamp, and an indicating clamp. The housing has a channel running through it and a window on its side. The retaining clamp wraps around part of the housing and can move into the channel through the window to lock the female connector to a male connector. The indicating clamp is placed around both the retaining clamp and the housing and is temporarily locked to the retaining clamp. When the male connector is inserted but not yet fully secured, the indicating clamp stays locked. Once the male connector is fully secured, the indicating clamp unlocks and can be removed.