Electrical Connector Locking Mechanism Prevents Ring Loss
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors face the issue of the moveable ring getting lost prior to use due to its ability to decouple at any relative position between the connecting parts, leading to an increased risk of misplacement or loss.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector design incorporates a first connecting part with a hollow right cylinder and a second connecting part with a circular ring-shaped through-hole, featuring a protruding portion and grooves that limit decoupling to a specific relative position, ensuring the ring remains securely attached using a screw that can be deformed to prevent removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the second connecting part is made moveable with respect to the first connecting part, then the ring can be correctly positioned with respect to the metal pin, but the ring may get lost prior to use
Solution Approach 1:
The second connecting part is designed to be moveable relative to the first connecting part during the assembly process, allowing correct positioning of the ring with respect to the metal pin. However, once assembled, the design ensures that decoupling is limited to a specific relative position, effectively transitioning from a dynamically moveable state to a fixed state, thereby preventing loss while maintaining positioning capability during assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into two distinct connecting parts with specific functional zones: the first connecting part contains the metal pin reception area, while the second connecting part contains the ring. The controlled decoupling mechanism creates segmented operational phases - assembly phase where movement is allowed for positioning, and operational phase where decoupling is restricted to prevent loss
2Ease of manufacture
If decoupling is allowed at any relative position between connecting parts, then assembly and disassembly is simple, but the ring may be lost during storage or shipment
Solution Approach 1:
The decoupling permission is applied locally at a specific relative position between the first and second connecting parts. The design incorporates geometric features (protrusions and corresponding recesses) that allow decoupling only when aligned at this specific local position, while preventing decoupling at other positions. This localized permission maintains assembly simplicity while ensuring security during storage and shipment
3Reliability
If the ring is fixed securely to prevent any movement, then loss is prevented, but correct positioning with respect to the metal pin becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The design implements a dynamic attachment system where the second connecting part can move relative to the first connecting part during assembly to allow correct positioning of the ring with respect to the metal pin. Once positioned correctly, the system transitions to a secure fixed state where decoupling is limited to a specific relative position, preventing loss while maintaining positioning capability during the assembly process
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3a
Figure 3b~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrical connector 1 comprising a first connecting part 100 and a second connecting part 200, 300, 400 adapted to mechanically couple together in a first predetermined relative position, wherein a decoupling is prevented by locking and positioning ensuring means. A decoupling of the first connecting part 100 and a second connecting part 200, 300, 400 is rendered possible when the first connecting part 100 and a second connecting part 200, 300, 400 are arranged in a second predetermined relative position.