Connector Assembly Safety Lock for Screw Mating Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies face issues with incomplete screwing or loosening due to vibrations, leading to potential disconnection, and the use of interlock circuits increases complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly with a safety device that ensures proper mating and locking through a movable safety mechanism, allowing verification of complete screwing and preventing accidental disconnection, eliminating the need for interlock circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws are used to fasten connectors, then the connection can be tightened, but incomplete screwing or over-tightening cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The safety device serves itself by automatically detecting the screw position through its own movement. The detection function is integrated into the safety device structure, which moves between locked and unlocked positions based on whether the screw is properly tightened, eliminating the need for external detection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the screw and the locking system. It translates the mechanical state of the screw (tightened or not) into a positional state (locked or unlocked) that controls access to the screw head, providing indirect detection of screw position.
2Reliability
If interlock circuits are used to detect improper mating, then connection status can be monitored, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical interlock circuit system with a purely mechanical detection system. The safety device uses mechanical movement and physical blocking to detect and respond to improper mating, eliminating the need for control circuits, sensors, and electrical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection function is extracted from the electrical control domain and transferred to the mechanical domain. The safety device independently performs detection through its mechanical movement, removing the need for separate electrical monitoring systems.
3Reliability
If the safety device prevents screwing until proper mating is achieved, then connection reliability improves, but the screwing operation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The safety device applies preliminary anti-action by blocking the screwing operation before it can proceed. The blocked position prevents the screw from being inserted or tightened until the proper mating condition is achieved, ensuring correctness before allowing the operation to continue.
Solution Approach 2:
The system requires preliminary action of mating the connector and counter-connector in the correct position before the safety device can be moved to the unlocked position, allowing the screwing operation to proceed. This ensures proper preparation before the main operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a connector assembly comprising a connector (2) and a counter-connector (3). The connector (2) and the counter-connector (3) are fastened to each other by means of at least one screw (6). A safety device (9) is moved between a first locked position, in which the screw (6) can be screwed or unscrewed and in which the safety device (9) cannot be moved towards the screw (6) if the screw (6) is not in a final fastened position, and a second locked position, in which it at least partially covers the screw head (26). Further, locking means are provided for holding the connector (2) and counter-connector together when the safety device (9) is second locked position. The present disclosure also relates to a method for assembling the connector assembly (2, 3).