Connector Locking Member Rotation for Compact Verification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors require increased size and insertion resistance to ensure clear connection verification, and the spring-based mechanism for verifying connection completion becomes unreliable due to aged deterioration.
Innovation Solution
A compact connector design with a locking member that moves from an initial to a locked position, exposing a connection completion display part, allowing for verification with a minimal number of components and reduced movement, while the locking member's position or protrusion change indicates connection status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the displacement of the retainer between protruded position and depressed position is increased to allow easier and clearer connection verification, then the connection verification clarity is improved, but the size of the connector and insertion resistance of the pipe body increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from linear displacement verification to rotational angular verification. The locking member rotates between an initial position where it shields the display part and a locked position where it exposes the display part. This dimensional change from linear to rotational movement allows clear verification without requiring large linear displacement, thereby reducing connector size and insertion resistance while maintaining verification clarity.
2Loss of information
If the displacement of the retainer is increased to allow easier and clearer connection verification, then the connection verification clarity is improved, but the insertion resistance of the pipe body with respect to the connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces large linear displacement with small rotational movement. The locking member rotates about an axis rather than translating linearly over a long distance. This dimensional transformation reduces the insertion resistance because rotational movement requires less force over a shorter arc compared to large linear displacement, while still providing clear visual verification through the exposure of the display part.
3Device complexity
If a spring-based mechanism is used to move the retainer, then the connection verification mechanism can be implemented with a relatively small number of components, but the verification becomes unreliable when the spring's urging force decreases due to aged deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the spring-based elastic mechanism with a mechanical engagement system. The locking member engages with engagement protrusions and engagement grooves on the pipe body, creating a positive mechanical lock. This substitution eliminates dependence on spring force, ensuring reliable operation even after aging, while maintaining component simplicity through the direct mechanical coupling between the locking member and pipe body.
Data Source
Figure 1(A)~1(B)
Figure 2
Figure 3(A)~3(B)
AI summary
A connector with a connection verifying mechanism is made with a relatively small number of components, and to reduce movement of a locking member that undetachably fixes a counterpart for size reduction. The connector (1) includes a housing (3) having an insertion hole (4) into which a pipe (2) is inserted, a locking member (5) that is attached to the housing and driven from an initial position to a locked position by the pipe to undetachably fix the pipe at the locked position and an identifying member (6) that is provided in the housing and has display pieces (74, 74) that differ from the locking member in color, and the locking member shield the display pieces at the initial position and exposes the display pieces at the locked position.