Connector Assembly with Discrete Rotary Locking Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector arrangements with external threads are time-consuming to fasten, especially with small wall thicknesses, and prone to loosening due to forces or vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A connector arrangement using a fastening ring with discrete rotary angle positions, made of plastic, which allows for quick and secure attachment by interacting with first and second fastening means, providing flexibility and elasticity to adapt to different wall thicknesses, and includes anti-twist devices for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an external thread is designed to be relatively long to accommodate different wall thicknesses, then the connector can be used with various wall thicknesses, but screwing on the fastening nut becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism is segmented into discrete rotary angle positions (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) where each position corresponds to a specific wall thickness range. The sawtooth-shaped fastening means create distinct latching positions that allow quick selection without continuous adjustment, resolving the contradiction by providing both adaptability through multiple positions and speed through discrete selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector transitions from a static threaded fastening system to a dynamic bayonet-style quick-connect system with movable fastening rings that can be rapidly rotated between discrete positions. This dynamic mechanism allows the connector to adapt to different wall thicknesses through rotational movement while maintaining fast attachment speed.
2Reliability
If an external thread is used for fastening, then the connector can be attached to the wall, but the nut can come loose due to forces or vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening means are pre-configured with sawtooth-shaped engagement surfaces that automatically latch into position during the rotation process. The discrete rotary angle positions are predetermined to provide optimal engagement, so the user simply needs to rotate to the correct position without complex adjustment, maintaining both reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector performs its own fastening function through the self-latching sawtooth mechanism that automatically engages when rotated to the correct position. The fastening system is self-regulating, with the geometry of the engagement surfaces ensuring proper seating and resistance to loosening from vibrations or forces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of discrete rotary angle positions are provided for fine adaptability, then adaptability to different wall thicknesses improves, but the complexity of the fastening mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sawtooth-shaped fastening means have different engagement characteristics at different rotary angle positions, with each position optimized for specific wall thickness ranges. The local geometry of the sawtooth profiles varies to provide appropriate engagement force and positioning for each discrete angle, allowing fine adaptability without requiring a completely different mechanism for each position.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a connector arrangement comprising a) at least one connector (1) with a housing (11, 12) and one or more plug terminals (101), wherein the connector (1) is configured for mounting in a recess (40) of a wall (4) and, when mounted in the recess (40), penetrates the wall (4), and b) at least one mounting ring (3) that can be placed over the connector (1) from one side of the wall (4), wherein the connector (1) has a first mounting element (2) arranged on its housing (11, 12) which is configured to interact with a second mounting element (32) arranged on the mounting ring (3) in order to fix the connector (1) in the recess (40) at least in its axial direction on the wall (4), wherein the mounting ring (3) is rotatable about a longitudinal axis extending in the axial direction of the connector (1) relative to the connector (1), characterized in thatthat the retaining ring (3) can be locked in various discrete rotational angular positions relative to the connector (1) when the connector (1) is fastened in the recess (40) of the wall (4) by means of the second fastening element (32) in conjunction with the first fastening element (2).