Tool-Operated Connector Locking Cover for Confined-Space Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector locking systems struggle to efficiently lock connectors in confined spaces with limited manual access, requiring significant effort and risking imperfect locking due to space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a sliding locking cover with a rotation movement processing mechanism, allowing for easy and secure locking through a tool-operated interface part that converts rotational motion into transverse sliding, ensuring effective locking even in constrained environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual sliding locking cover is used, then the locking mechanism is simple and reliable, but it requires significant space for finger operation and cannot be operated in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
A tool-operated interface part serves as an intermediary between the operator and the locking cover. The interface part converts rotational tool motion into linear sliding motion of the locking cover through a rack-and-pinion mechanism, enabling operation in confined spaces where direct manual sliding is impossible.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual sliding mechanism is replaced with a rotational actuation system. Instead of directly sliding the cover with fingers, a rotating tool engages with an interface part that translates rotational motion into the required linear motion for locking, substituting the direct mechanical sliding action with a rotational-to-linear conversion mechanism.
2Reliability
If manual sliding is used in confined spaces, then the structure remains simple, but the locking force applied is insufficient and locking may be imperfect
Solution Approach 1:
The interface part acts as a mechanical advantage intermediary, allowing a small rotational force from a tool to be converted into a large linear locking force on the cover. This ensures reliable locking even when manual finger pressure would be insufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface part changes the motion parameter from rotational to linear, and in the process amplifies the force parameter. The rack-and-pinion mechanism transforms the tool's rotational force into enhanced linear locking force, ensuring adequate locking strength.
3Ease of operation
If more space is provided for manual locking operations, then ease of operation improves, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The direct manual sliding mechanism is substituted with a rotational actuation system using an interface part. This substitution allows locking operations to be performed in confined spaces without requiring additional space allocation, as the rotational tool can be inserted through small openings.
4Manufacturing precision
If a tool-operated interface part is added, then locking force and precision improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface part serves as a compact intermediary mechanism that provides precise motion conversion. The rack-and-pinion design ensures accurate translation of rotational to linear motion, achieving precise locking positions without requiring complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface part is self-contained within the connector housing, with the pinion gear and rack integrated into a compact assembly. The mechanism automatically converts tool rotation to cover sliding without requiring external guidance or complex control, maintaining simplicity while improving precision.
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 solution enables precise and repetitive locking, facilitates easy operation even in tight spaces, and allows for high locking forces, making it suitable for applications with significant vibrations and space limitations.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanism for transforming rotational movement into sliding of the locking cover, the mechanism comprising an interface part with a tool, the part being mounted free to rotate in a housing of the housing and adapted to be rotated by the tool
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~3
Figure 4~4A
AI summary
The connector features a rotatable interface piece mounted within the housing and actuated by a tool to slide a locking cover onto a complementary connector. The invention essentially consists of a mechanism for transforming the rotational movement of an interface piece housed within the connector housing, via a tool, into a translation in a plane perpendicular to the coupling direction of a locking cover, thereby locking the connector housing to that of a complementary connector.