Connector Latching Arrangement with Cam-Driven Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies lack a reliable mechanism to adjust the rotational position of a fixation sleeve relative to a connector body for secure fixation and mating with complementary connectors, which complicates the connection process and stability.
Innovation Solution
A drive system comprising three cam tracks on the connector body and three pin members on the fixation sleeve, allowing for two distinct latching positions with a 90-degree angular difference, enabling rotation to axial movement conversion for secure engagement and alignment features for precise mating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixation sleeve is used to secure the connector assembly to a complementary connector, then the connection stability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for rotational adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is segmented into three independent pin members that interact with three separate cam tracks, allowing the complex rotational adjustment function to be divided into simpler, modular components that can be manufactured and assembled independently
Solution Approach 2:
The cam tracks are designed with curved geometries that coil around the axis of rotation, transforming the rotational movement of the fixation sleeve into axial movement of the connector body through geometric conversion rather than complex mechanical linkages
2Ease of operation
If the fixation sleeve is made rotatable relative to the connector body, then the ease of operation is improved for mating and fixation, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latching arrangement automatically engages at specific rotational positions through the interaction of pin members with cam tracks, providing self-alignment and self-positioning functions that eliminate the need for high-precision manual adjustment during assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The cam tracks are designed with specific geometric parameters and profiles that define the rotational positions and transformation characteristics, allowing precise control of the fixation sleeve's angular position through geometric design rather than mechanical adjustment
3Reliability
If a latching arrangement with multiple positions is implemented, then the reliability of connection is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system and latching arrangement are merged into a single integrated mechanism where the pin members serving the drive function also provide latching at specific positions, eliminating the need for separate latching components
Solution Approach 2:
The pin members serve multiple functions: they act as drive elements that convert rotational movement to axial movement, and simultaneously serve as latching elements that engage with the cam tracks at specific positions to provide stable connection states
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
Facilitates secure and reliable connection by providing audible feedback, maintaining latching positions under force, and ensuring proper alignment for secure engagement and disengagement, enhancing the stability and ease of use in connector assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one drive system comprises three cam tracks and three pin members, wherein the cam tracks are arranged in an outer circumference of the connector body and at least partially coil around an axis of rotation of the fixation sleeve
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a connector assembly (1) for a connection with a complementary connector (11), comprising a connector body (5) and a fixation sleeve (3), the fixation sleeve (3) being held rotatable relative to the connector body (5) on the connector body (5) and the connector body (5) being at least partially arranged inside the fixation sleeve (3), the connector assembly (1) (1) further comprising at least one fixation element for engagement with the complementary connector (11). In order to provide a connector assembly (1) which facilitates the connection to a complementary connector (11), it is intended according to the invention, that the connector assembly (1) comprises a latching arrangement (81) providing at least two latching positions, wherein, in a first (77) of the at least two latching positions (77, 85), the fixation sleeve (3) is in a different angular position than in a second (85) of the at least two latching position relative to the connector body (5).