Connector Securing Mechanism With Toggle Lever Catch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector mechanisms for securing and releasing connector devices and mating connector devices lack reliability and efficiency, particularly when the devices are not perfectly aligned, and often require complex mechanisms for secure locking and easy disconnection.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism featuring a catch that performs a combined pivoting and translational movement, or translational movement over a curved path, allowing for secure alignment and connection of connector devices and mating connector devices, even when not perfectly aligned, using a drive with a shaft and slotted links for compact and reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a manually actuated lever mechanism with slotted link plates is used to secure the connector, then the connector can be locked firmly, but the mechanism becomes complex and requires significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The connector device is divided into separate functional components: a housing, a catch mechanism with lever arm, and a locking element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while reducing overall mechanism complexity. The catch is separated from the housing, allowing independent movement and locking action.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex slotted link plate mechanism to achieve locking, the patent inverts the approach by using a simple lever arm that pivots on a fixed point. The locking action is achieved by the lever arm engaging with a locking element, rather than using multiple interconnected components. This inversion simplifies the mechanism while maintaining locking effectiveness.
2Reliability
If a complex bayonet mechanism with multiple frame parts is used for securing, then reliable locking is achieved, but the device size and construction complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The essential locking function is extracted from the complex bayonet mechanism. The patent uses a simplified catch mechanism that performs the core locking function without requiring multiple frame parts or complex rotational engagement. The catch with lever arm provides reliable locking by engaging with a corresponding element on the mating connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The catch mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides locking engagement, allows for easy release through lever arm actuation, and accommodates alignment tolerances through its pivoting motion. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate mechanisms for each function, reducing overall construction complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional catching mechanisms are used, then secure connection is achieved, but alignment tolerance is limited and requires precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The catch mechanism incorporates dynamic elements that allow adaptation during the locking process. The lever arm can pivot to accommodate alignment variations, and the catching element can move to engage with the mating connector even when perfect alignment is not achieved. This dynamic behavior provides alignment tolerance while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism is designed to guide the connectors into proper alignment during the approach phase before final locking engagement. The housing and catch arrangement provide preliminary alignment guidance, allowing the connectors to self-align as they come together, thereby reducing the need for high manufacturing precision while ensuring secure connection.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism for securing a connector device and a mating connector device to one another and for releasing them from one another, the mechanism having at least one catch arranged on the connector device and a drive with a shaft, the rotation of which is capable of moving the catch to and fro between an open position and a locking position of the catch. The mechanism is constructed such that, during travel between the open position and the locking position, the catch performs a combined pivoting and translational movement, and/or a translational movement on a curved path. The mechanism has a slotted link with a link guide and a link block, wherein the link guide is arranged on the catch and the link block lies on the axis of the shaft or is formed by the shaft. The drive has a crank drive for converting the rotation of the shaft into a movement of the catch between the open position and the locking position and the mechanism has a second slotted link for guiding the catch, wherein a link block of the second slotted link is formed by part of a connecting rod shaft on the catch side with which a connecting rod of the crank drive is coupled to the catch. The catch takes the form of a toggle lever. Furthermore, a connector device with the mechanism and a system consisting of a connector device with a mechanism and a mating connector device having at least one mating catch.