Coupling System with Self-Closing Dome Door
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling system housings lack robust protection for connectors and often require complex or labor-intensive processes to expose and mate connectors, making them unsuitable for mobile or frequently used applications where damage and ease of use are concerns.
Innovation Solution
A coupling system housing with a self-closing dome-shaped door and a male coupler housing that facilitates one-handed operation, featuring a bezel portion, coupler module, and a door biasing mechanism to protect connectors when not in use while allowing easy access and secure mating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective enclosure or cover is used for the receptacle, then the connectors are protected from damage, but the structure becomes more complex and the door actuation requires more effort
Solution Approach 1:
The protective enclosure is divided into a stationary bezel portion and a movable door portion that can be independently actuated. This segmentation allows the door to be opened separately from the main housing, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining protection when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The door is extracted as a separate movable component from the main housing structure. This allows the door to be independently controlled and opened only when needed, while the rest of the protective enclosure remains intact and simple.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective enclosure with door is used, then connectors are protected, but the effort required to expose connectors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The door is equipped with a self-closing mechanism using a biasing element that automatically returns the door to the closed position after being opened. This self-service feature reduces the effort required for operation, as the user only needs to overcome the biasing force temporarily to open the door, while closing happens automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The door transitions from a static protective barrier to a dynamic component that can be easily opened and automatically closes. The biasing element creates a dynamic system where the door responds to user input by opening and then automatically returns to its protective closed state without requiring additional user effort.
3Strength
If the door is made robust for protection, then connector protection is improved, but the door actuation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing element provides a mechanical advantage by storing and releasing energy to assist door actuation. The robust door leverages the biasing force during closing, while during opening the user only needs to overcome this stored energy temporarily, making even a strong door easy to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing element is pre-loaded to store mechanical energy that assists in door actuation. This preliminary action of pre-storing energy in the biasing element means that when the door needs to be opened, the user only needs to overcome the pre-stored force rather than moving a heavily weighted door against gravity or spring force.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides robust protection for connectors, simplifies the mating process, and ensures easy, ergonomic operation, reducing the risk of damage and enhancing usability in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
a door biasing mechanism configured to urge the door toward the closed position
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
Coupling system housings including a receptacle housing with a domed protective door and a male coupler housing that may be used to actuate the receptacle housing door are disclosed. The receptacle housing may be mounted in a receiving structure. The receptacle housing is configured with a dome-shaped door that conceals and protects the connectors of an assembled receptacle when in the closed position. The receptacle housing also includes a biasing mechanism that urges the door to a closed position and maintains the door in its closed position when a male coupler is not mated to the receptacle. The male coupler housing is configured with an ergonomic handle suitable for one handed operation of the male coupler. The male coupler housing may be used to actuate the receptacle housing door during insertion and mating of and assembled male coupler to an assembled receptacle.