Connector Key Protrusion Groove Mismatch Anti-Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors require large rotation of plugs to prevent wrong insertion, leading to cable twisting and strain, which is undesirable.
Innovation Solution
Designing connectors with multiple protrusions on one component and corresponding grooves on the other, allowing insertion at various angles to reduce rotation and strain on cables, while preventing wrong insertion through mismatched patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If one set of keys and one set of key grooves are arranged along circumferential direction to prevent wrong insertion, then wrong insertion prevention is achieved, but large rotation of the plug is required which causes cable twisting and strain
Solution Approach 1:
The single set of keys and key grooves is segmented into multiple sets arranged along the circumferential direction. Each set provides a valid insertion position, allowing the plug to be inserted at multiple angular positions (e.g., every 30 degrees if 12 sets are provided). This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining wrong insertion prevention while eliminating the need for large rotations, as users can simply align any protrusion with its corresponding groove.
2Ease of operation
If plural sets of grooves are constructed with shifting along circumferential direction, then insertion at various angles is enabled reducing cable strain, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs asymmetric key-groove pairing where each protrusion corresponds to a specific groove at a predetermined angular position, but not all grooves are accessible from all directions. This asymmetric arrangement provides multiple valid insertion angles while maintaining structural simplicity, as the asymmetric pattern inherently prevents wrong insertion without requiring complex locking mechanisms or additional components.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector etc. that prevents wrong insertion and does not require large rotation of plug etc., when inserting a plug to a socket, is provided. Plug-in connector 1 comprises pin plug 10 and receptacle 20, and pin plug 10 and receptacle 20 are connected. On pin cover body 14 of pin plug 10, plural pin plug key protrusions 15 are constructed separately along the circumferential direction, and on socket cover 27 of receptacle 20, plural sets 28a-28e of plural key grooves 28 separated along the circumferential direction, that plural pin plug key protrusions 15 fit into each set, are arranged with shifting along the circumferential direction. Receptacle 20 can be substituted by a socket plug 30.