Automatic Connector with Visual Engagement Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic connectors require precise insertion of strands or wires to ensure full engagement of clamping members' teeth, which is often compromised in adverse conditions, leading to incomplete engagement and potential safety hazards due to hidden engagement status.
Innovation Solution
The automatic connector design includes a shell with retaining structures and a spring-loaded mechanism that prevents full engagement unless the strand or wire is fully inserted, and an indicator, such as a tab or color-changing sleeve, to visually confirm complete insertion and engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the connector uses a hidden engagement mechanism within the tube, then the device complexity is reduced, but the user cannot distinguish between complete and incomplete engagement of the clamping members' teeth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication structure as an intermediary element that translates the internal engagement status into visible external feedback. The tab or indicator acts as a mediator between the hidden clamping members' engagement and the user's perception, allowing users to verify proper insertion without exposing the internal mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs color-changing materials on the communication structure to provide visual feedback about engagement status. When the cable is properly inserted and engages the clamping members, the indicator changes color or becomes visible, giving users clear information about the engagement state without complicating the internal connector structure.
2Reliability
If the connector requires precise insertion depth to achieve full engagement, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for marking and measuring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements immediate visual feedback through the communication structure that appears or changes when the cable reaches the correct insertion depth. This real-time feedback eliminates the need for pre-marking and measuring, as users can visually confirm proper engagement during insertion, maintaining connection reliability while dramatically improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector performs its own verification function through the communication structure, which automatically indicates when proper engagement has been achieved. The system serves itself by providing built-in confirmation of correct installation, eliminating the need for external measuring tools or marking procedures.
3Ease of operation
If the connector operates without engagement indication in adverse conditions, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the safety and reliability deteriorate due to potential incomplete engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The communication structure serves as a reliable intermediary that provides clear visual confirmation of engagement status even in adverse environmental conditions. The tab or indicator remains visible and trustworthy, allowing users to confidently verify proper connection without being influenced by rain, ice, or other difficult conditions that might otherwise lead to compromised installation practices.
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
Ensures safe and reliable full engagement of clamping members' teeth, preventing accidents and damage by providing a clear indication of proper insertion and potential heat buildup detection.
Implementation Method 1
a spring. The spring biases the clamping members towards the circular opening in the tube
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are embodiments of a connector comprising a shell with a shell axis, a shell opening, a plurality of retaining structures, an inner shell surface, and an outer shell surface; the retaining structures are, at least in part, configured to retain a spring in a compressed state; a plurality of clamping members axially located within the shell between the spring and the shell opening; and a release that is generally coaxial with the shell opening and configured to release the compressed spring when a cable is inserted past the clamping members.