Connector Locking Mechanism Vibration Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors are complex and costly due to their multi-contact structure, making it difficult to ensure reliable fitting between components, especially when the sensor side connector is not visually accessible, and the connection can be easily disrupted by vibration.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a first connector constituent with a cylindrical part and locking parts, and a second connector constituent with locked parts, where the locking mechanism ensures secure engagement by using elastic arms and abutment parts to maintain the connection even under vibration, preventing easy disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a multi-contact structure is used to prevent vibration, then vibration resistance is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate first and second connector constituents, each with simplified terminal structures. The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct locking parts and locked parts that operate independently, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function rather than requiring a complex integrated multi-contact structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking parts are designed with elastic arms that can dynamically deform during the locking process. The elastic arms bend to engage with the locking parts and maintain continuous pressure, providing adaptive vibration resistance rather than relying on a static complex structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a locking mechanism with elastic arms is used, then joining stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic arms automatically deform and lock into place when the connector constituents are joined, without requiring external actuation or complex control mechanisms. The locking parts and locked parts self-engage through the natural elastic deformation of the arms, providing stable joining through self-service rather than complex controlled mechanisms.
3Volume of moving object
If the sensor side connector is located on the bottom of a hollow cylinder, then compactness is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to invisibility
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses visual indicators (analogous to color changes in the principle) by making the locking parts and locked parts visible and distinguishable during the fitting process. The elastic arms and locking features are positioned to be observable, allowing operators to visually confirm proper engagement even when the connector is in a compact configuration.
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 connector design simplifies the structure, ensures reliable fitting between terminals, and enhances vibration resistance and electrical contact stability by maintaining the locked state effectively, even under conditions of vibration.
Implementation Method 1
the first locked part is deformed by a reaction force received from the cylindrical part of the first connector constituent and then detached from the first abutment part
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes: a first connector constituent including a first terminal and a cylindrical part provided with a first locking part and a second locking part; a second connector constituent provided with a second terminal, a first locked part, and a second locked part; and a connector cover body including a first cylindrical part provided with a first abutment part, and a second cylindrical part provided with a second abutment part, the second cylindrical part constituting a locked-part holding part. When the connector cover body is moved closer to the first connector constituent from a state in which the second connector constituent is installed in the connector cover body, the second connector constituent is joined to the first connector constituent.