Connector Locking Mechanism with Automatic Alignment Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locking mechanisms for heavy-duty connectors, such as those used in oil drilling applications, are cumbersome to use due to the need for precise alignment of a clevis pin with holes in the receptacle and a groove in the plug, making accidental disengagement a risk.
Innovation Solution
An automatic locking mechanism featuring a sleeve unit with alignment members and extension members, including springs, that automatically locks a plug into place upon insertion, allowing for easy connection and disconnection through a control unit with a spinner and locking ring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clevis pin is used to lock the plug in place, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the locking process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming due to the need for precise alignment with holes and grooves
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment members are configured to automatically align with grooves in the plug upon insertion, eliminating the need for manual alignment by the user. The extension members automatically push the alignment members into the engaged position, making the locking process self-service and automatic.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment members are pre-positioned within the receptacle body and the extension members are pre-loaded in their compressed state. When the plug is inserted, these pre-positioned components automatically engage without requiring any preliminary alignment actions by the user.
2Ease of operation
If alignment members are used to automatically lock the plug, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components like extension members and control units
Solution Approach 1:
The extension members act as intermediary components that translate the simple insertion motion into the automatic locking action. They mediate between the user's insertion action and the alignment members' engagement, simplifying the user interface while managing the complexity internally.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism incorporates movable alignment members that can transition between retracted and engaged positions. The extension members provide dynamic force to push the alignment members into the engaged position, creating a dynamic locking system that adapts to the insertion process.
3Reliability
If the alignment members are constantly engaged to prevent accidental disengagement, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the plug cannot be easily disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment members are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to be pushed into the engaged position for locking and pulled back for unlocking. This dynamic design enables the system to switch between locked and unlocked states as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit provides feedback control for the alignment members. When the user rotates the control unit, it triggers the retraction of alignment members through the extension members, providing a controlled and predictable unlocking mechanism that confirms the state change.
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
The mechanism provides a secure and easy-to-use locking solution that consistently locks the plug in the same position, reducing the risk of accidental disengagement and improving user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
the extension members are extension springs... the extension members bias some of the alignment members towards the locked position... the tension forces the alignment members towards the locked position and allow the extension members to return to their original state
Data Source
AI summary
A connector for high amperage, AC or DC connection includes a plug and a receptacle configured to securely mate and lock with each other. Connector receptacles include a locking mechanism having a sleeve unit having a plurality of openings configured to receive a plurality of alignment members, a control unit in communication with the alignment members, and at least one extension member coupling the sleeve unit to the control unit. The control unit is configured to bias the alignment members to engage a groove in a plug in a locked position. Upon rotation of the control unit, the control unit engages the sleeve unit and allows the alignment members to freely move, thus allowing a user to connect or disconnect the plug from the receptacle.