Connector Locking Hooks for Enhanced Retention Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connector design is prone to disconnection when an external force is applied in the upward/downward direction due to insufficient locking strength, as it relies on only two locking parts facing each other and has arms that are too long, leading to inadequate retention.
Innovation Solution
The connector features a plug with a cylindrical barrel, a coupling nut, engaging pieces, and locking pieces that project axially and are secured by locking hooks, which are inserted into and engaged with the receptacle's cylindrical part, providing enhanced locking strength by using multiple locking hooks and a coupling nut that screws onto threads for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If only two locking parts facing each other are used in the cylindrical part, then the device complexity is reduced, but the locking strength deteriorates when external force is applied in the upward/downward direction
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple independent locking pieces (at least three) distributed around the circumference of the plug, with each having its own locking hook. This segmentation allows the locking force to be distributed across multiple points, significantly improving the overall locking strength against external forces in any direction while maintaining relatively simple individual component designs.
2Ease of operation
If the arms are made long to facilitate connection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the locking strength deteriorates because the arms become too long to achieve sufficient locking strength
Solution Approach 1:
The locking hooks are designed to engage with corresponding grooves or features in the receptacle body in a direction perpendicular to the arm length. This dimensional change in the locking mechanism allows the arms to remain relatively long for ease of operation while the hooks provide substantial locking strength through their engagement geometry, effectively decoupling the arm length from the locking strength.
3Manufacturing precision
If locking parts are only shaped to be caught in the receptacle, then the manufacturing precision is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates as the locking parts are likely to be disconnected when external force is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pieces are designed with composite structural features combining rigid locking hooks for strength with elastic or flexible elements that provide stress absorption and misalignment compensation. This composite approach maintains manufacturing feasibility while significantly improving reliability under external forces, as the flexible elements can accommodate minor dimensional variations without compromising the locking engagement.
Data Source
AI summary
Connector includes a plug and receptacle. The receptacle includes a cylindrical part and a flange. The plug includes a cylindrical barrel, which houses internal connectors, and a coupling nut. At an end of the barrel, an engaging piece and a pair of locking pieces, which face each other, project in an axial direction of the barrel. Locking hooks are formed at the tips of the locking pieces. The coupling nut is screwed onto the cylindrical part to connect the plug to the receptacle. Before the connection, the engaging piece and the locking pieces are inserted into and engaged with the cylindrical part and positioned. At the same time, the locking pieces are caught in the receptacle to temporarily secure the plug to the receptacle.