Electric Connector Indexing Mechanism Eliminates Entry Chamfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors require an entry chamfer for proper alignment of locking pins with locking grooves, increasing the axial length of the connector and complicating applications where reduced bulk is necessary.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design featuring a movable obstacle and locking ring that aligns the locking pin with the locking groove without a chamfer, allowing for reduced axial length by ensuring precise positioning through indexing members and elastic return mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an entry chamfer is used to align the locking pin with the locking groove, then the alignment reliability is improved, but the axial length of the connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indexing members (indexing protrusion and indexing groove) perform the alignment action before the locking pin needs to engage the locking groove. By pre-aligning the bodies in the indexed configuration, the locking pin is automatically positioned to enter the locking groove without requiring an entry chamfer, thus reducing axial length while maintaining alignment reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The indexing members act as intermediary elements that facilitate the alignment between the first and second bodies. Instead of relying on the locking pin and locking groove directly, the indexing protrusion and indexing groove cooperate to establish the correct angular relationship, enabling subsequent automatic engagement of the locking mechanism
2Ease of operation
If a locking ring with wide angular coverage is used to accommodate rotation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the axial length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indexing mechanism performs the alignment action before the locking operation, so the locking ring only needs to accommodate a small angular rotation for final engagement. The indexing protrusion and groove establish the correct position in advance, reducing the angular range the locking ring must cover while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The locking ring is made mobile in rotation around the fitting axis, allowing it to dynamically adjust to the indexed configuration. This rotational freedom enables the locking ring to engage the locking pin at the correct position without requiring a wide angular coverage, thus reducing axial length while preserving ease of operation
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
This design enables efficient alignment and engagement of locking pins with locking grooves, reducing the overall axial size of the connector while maintaining secure connections, and allowing for precise positioning without the need for an entry chamfer.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic return member of the locking ring towards its first advanced position
Data Source
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AI summary
A first connecting element (100) (R) comprises a first body (102) integral with a locking pin (104) and a first indexing member (106). The second connecting element (200) (R) comprises a locking ring (216) axially immobilized and rotatable about a second body (202), as well as at least one second indexing member. The second connecting element (200) comprises a movable obstacle (230), relative to the locking ring (216), between a first rotationally locked position of the locking ring (216) and a second release position. The second element (200) comprises a locking ring (240) axially movable relative to the second body (202), between an advanced position and at least one retracted position. The locking member (230) can lock the locking ring (216) in a configuration where the groove opening is aligned with the locking pin.During the fitting, the locking ring (240) is pushed back by a portion (1044) of the first connecting element (100).