Plug-and-Socket Connector Locking Ring Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug-and-socket connectors with complex locking mechanisms are costly to manufacture, have large external diameters, and often obscure the locked or unlocked state, making it difficult to visually confirm the connection status, especially when tool-assisted unlocking is required.
Innovation Solution
The connector features axially extending inner grooves with catch hooks and a rotatable unlocking ring with peripheral pockets, allowing for simple visualization of the locked state and reduced component complexity, with only three additional parts needed for the locking mechanism, and an optional tool-locked design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism with multiple components is used, then reliable locking is achieved, but the external diameter of the connector is enlarged and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The unlocking ring is rotatably guided within the external circumambient groove of the first connector element, nesting the locking component within the existing connector structure rather than adding external protrusions. This allows the locking mechanism to be contained within the connector's footprint, avoiding enlargement of the external diameter while maintaining reliable locking through the catch hook engagement
2Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism with multiple components is used, then reliable locking is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into three main components: the unlocking ring, the catch hooks, and the window-like cutout. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately with simple geometries and then assembled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost compared to a single complex integrated locking mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The unlocking ring serves multiple functions: it provides the locking interface through its pockets, acts as a visual indicator through its interaction with the window-like cutout, and enables tool-locked operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying manufacturing
3Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism is used, then secure locking is achieved, but visual confirmation of locked state becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The window-like cutout in the second connector element allows the unlocking ring to be visually observed in its locked and unlocked positions. When the catch hooks engage with the pockets, the unlocking ring's position is visible through the cutout, providing clear visual confirmation of the locked state without requiring additional indicators or complex mechanisms
4Reliability
If a tool-locked design is implemented, then security is improved, but ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The unlocking ring acts as an intermediary between the tool and the catch hooks. The tool engages with the unlocking ring's peripheral section, which then transmits the unlocking force to the catch hooks through the pocket engagement. This intermediary mechanism allows secure tool-locked operation while maintaining a simple and intuitive unlocking process
Data Source
AI summary
In a plug-and-socket connector with a locking means having an unlocking ring, it is proposed according to the invention that the first connector element be provided in its end section with an external circumambient groove, in which the unlocking ring is rotatably guided, which ring has pockets distributed across its periphery for the catch projections of catch hooks fixed in the second connector element. The second connector element has a window-like cut-out through which the unlocking ring is accessible and can be turned in the locked state.