Electrical Connector Coupling System Vibration Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical connector assemblies tend to loosen due to vibration, compromising the integrity of the electrical connection between components.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector assembly employs a coupling system with both inner and outer engagements, utilizing tapered surfaces for a friction fit and a biasing member to secure the connection, preventing loosening during movement. The system includes a plug and receptacle with matching tapered surfaces and a rotatable sleeve with engagement members to ensure a secure mechanical and electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrical connector assemblies are used, then the structure is simple, but the connector loosens due to vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into multiple functional components: an inner engagement mechanism with tapered surfaces for friction fit, an outer engagement mechanism with engagement members, and a biasing member. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function, collectively providing vibration resistance while maintaining manageable complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member is disposed within the annular receiving area of the connector body, creating a nested structure. The biasing member is further nested within the coupling member's internal cavity. This nesting arrangement consolidates multiple engagement mechanisms in a compact configuration, improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity
2Reliability
If tapered surfaces with friction fit are used, then the connection is secure, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered surfaces are provided only at the specific interface ends of the connector bodies where engagement is required, rather than throughout the entire component. This localized application of the tapered geometry concentrates the precision requirements to specific areas, making manufacturing more manageable while still achieving secure friction fit engagement
3Object-affected harmful factors
If external engagement members are added, then vibration resistance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inner engagement mechanism (tapered surfaces) and outer engagement mechanism (engagement members on the coupling member) are merged into a single integrated coupling system. The biasing member provides continuous contact force that activates both engagement mechanisms simultaneously. This merging allows the system to resist vibration through multiple mechanisms working together without requiring separate, independently controlled systems
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 described solution effectively prevents loosening of the connector assembly during vibration, maintaining a reliable electrical connection by combining a friction fit between tapered surfaces and a secure outer engagement mechanism, ensuring consistent performance.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second tapered surfaces have substantially the same angle of taper and taper in opposite directions to engage one another in a friction fit to form an inner engagement between the first and second connector members
Implementation Method 2
A biasing member is disposed in an annular receiving area defined between an inner surface of the coupling member and the one of the first and second connector bodies to which the coupling member is mounted, thereby biasing the coupling member toward the one of the first and second interface ends
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector assembly that comprises a first connector member supporting a first contact and has a first interface end that defines a first tapered surface, and a second connector member supporting a second contact and has a second interface end that mates with the first interface end. The second interface end has a second tapered surface. The first and second tapered surfaces have substantially the same angle of taper and taper in opposite directions to engage one another to form a friction fit. A coupling member is mounted near one of the interface ends and has an external engagement member that is configured to engage a corresponding external engagement member. A biasing member is disposed in an annular receiving area. The coupling member is movable between an unlocked position when the external engagement members are not engaged and a locked position when the external engagement members are engaged.