Polygonal Connector Stud Docking for Secure Low-Profile Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector systems for attaching devices to clothing or items lack a robust, low-profile design that prevents inadvertent release and allows for easy replacement of worn or broken components.
Innovation Solution
A connector stud with a head component featuring a regular polygonal shape, annular groove, and circular boss, combined with a connector dock having a cantilevered tab and indexing mechanism, ensures secure attachment and easy detachment while minimizing profile and allowing for component replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connector system uses a robust retention mechanism to prevent inadvertent release, then safety and reliability are improved, but the profile and complexity of the connector increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system is divided into separate components: a connector dock with a retaining mechanism and a connector stud with an annular groove. The retaining mechanism is segmented into a retaining wall and an exit slot, allowing the stud to be retained during normal use but released when the exit slot is accessed. This segmentation enables robust retention without requiring a complex integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector system transitions from a static retention design to a dynamic one where the retaining mechanism can change state. The annular groove with its exit slot creates a dynamic retention system that is secure during engagement but can be easily released by rotating the stud to align the exit slot with the retaining protrusion. This dynamic behavior provides both security and ease of release without increasing overall complexity.
2Length of moving object
If a connector system uses a low-profile design to minimize size, then compactness is improved, but the robustness and safety of the connection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism utilizes rotational movement as an additional dimension for operation. The annular groove is positioned on the circumference of the connector stud, and the exit slot allows release through rotation rather than through linear movement. This dimensional approach enables a low-profile design while maintaining robust retention, as the retaining protrusion can extend sufficiently to engage the annular groove securely without increasing the overall profile height.
3Ease of repair
If the connector design allows easy replacement of components, then maintenance ease is improved, but the retention security may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector stud is designed to be manually operable without requiring additional tools or mechanisms. The annular groove with its exit slot allows the stud to be released by simple rotation, enabling easy replacement while maintaining secure retention during normal use. The design is self-servicing in that the user can directly manipulate the connector without external assistance, balancing ease of replacement with retention security.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector stud includes a head component including a head portion and a neck portion. The neck portion extends from a first side of the head portion. The head portion has a regular polygonal shape. The head component includes an annular groove in the first side of the head portion. The annular groove is configured to receive a protrusion of a connector dock.