Connector Retaining Hook for Secure Axial Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connector design has insufficient retaining strength, particularly when subjected to external forces orthogonal to the direction of the retaining sections, leading to potential disconnection during connection and screwing, especially when the plug is connected in a vertically upward direction.
Innovation Solution
The connector design includes a plug with a semicylindrical section and a coupling nut that screws onto threads on the receptacle's hollow cylinder, featuring a boom-like retaining piece with a retaining hook that securely engages with the receptacle's projecting sections, enhancing the temporary retention and preventing disconnection from external forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If two boom-like arms with retaining sections are used for temporary retention, then the plug can be retained to the receptacle during insertion, but the retaining strength is insufficient when external force is applied in the upward/downward direction
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining mechanism is divided into two functional parts: the boom-like arms for lateral retention during insertion, and the semicylindrical section with retaining hook for axial retention. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in resisting forces in its optimal direction, resolving the contradiction between ease of insertion and retaining strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining mechanism is extended from a two-dimensional planar structure (boom-like arms) to a three-dimensional structure by adding the semicylindrical section that protrudes axially. This dimensional extension enables the retaining hook to engage with the hollow cylinder from a new spatial perspective, providing retention strength in the axial direction that was previously unavailable.
2Ease of operation
If the arms are made long to facilitate connection, then the plug can be easily connected to the receptacle, but the retaining sections become more likely to disconnect under external force
Solution Approach 1:
The semicylindrical section with retaining hook is designed to engage with the hollow cylinder before the boom-like arms fully insert into the receptacle. This preliminary engagement creates a stable foundation that prevents disconnection even as the longer arms facilitate easy connection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the temporary retention function of the boom-like arms with the secure retention function of the semicylindrical section. Both components work together as an integrated retaining system, where the arms provide initial guidance and the semicylindrical section provides definitive securement, resolving the reliability issue.
3Device complexity
If only retaining sections caught in the receptacle are used, then the structure remains simple, but the plug cannot prevent disconnection under unexpected external force
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than making the entire structure complex, the invention applies local quality enhancement by adding the semicylindrical section with retaining hook only at the critical engagement point. This localized addition provides the necessary retention strength while keeping the rest of the structure simple and easy to manufacture.
Data Source
AI summary
A receptacle includes a hollow cylinder and a flange. A plug includes a barrel having a cylindrical body, a semicylindrical section extending from the body, and an engaging section provided at an end of the semicylindrical section and a coupling nut. A boom-like retaining piece is cut out and formed in the semicylindrical section and a retaining hook is formed at an idle end of the retaining piece located in the engaging section. The coupling nut is screwed onto threads of the hollow cylinder so that the plug is connected to the receptacle. Before the connection, the engaging section is engaged with and inserted into the hollow cylinder and the retaining piece is caught in the receptacle, so that the plug is temporarily retained to the receptacle securely.