Dual Ratchet Ring Electrical Connector Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circular electrical connectors with anti-decoupling mechanisms are complex, costly, and unreliable in harsh environments, particularly prone to electrical discontinuities and fretting corrosion due to increased angular displacement and complexity from additional components like springs and anti-fire devices.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual ratchet ring system with offset teeth and spring members to reduce angular pitch, enhance rotation control, and prevent axial displacement, allowing for a simpler assembly and improved reliability in harsh conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional parts such as springs and anti-fire devices are added to resist rotation and control coupling, then reliability in harsh environments is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single ratchet ring is segmented into two separate ratchet rings with offset teeth arrangements. This segmentation allows the system to achieve better rotational control and anti-decoupling performance without adding springs or anti-fire devices, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-plane ratchet mechanism to a multi-dimensional configuration with two offset ratchet rings. The offset arrangement creates a more complex spatial geometry that enhances rotational resistance without requiring additional functional components
2Device complexity
If a single ratchet ring is used for anti-decoupling, then device complexity is reduced, but axial displacement control and prevention of fretting corrosion are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The single ratchet ring is divided into two offset ratchet rings, each contributing to rotational control at different angular positions. This segmentation provides continuous angular coverage that better prevents axial displacement and fretting corrosion while maintaining relatively simple device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The two ratchet rings are arranged with offset teeth patterns rather than identical symmetric arrangements. This asymmetry creates overlapping engagement zones that provide continuous rotational control, preventing the coupling member from rotating enough to cause axial displacement
3Ease of operation
If quick threaded coupling is used for fast connection, then ease of operation is improved, but small angular displacement causes important axial displacement inducing electrical discontinuities
Solution Approach 1:
The offset ratchet rings create a mechanism where the coupling member must rotate through a larger total angle to achieve full engagement. This asymmetric arrangement converts small angular displacements during quick coupling into negligible axial displacements, preventing electrical discontinuities while maintaining quick connection capability
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 dual ratchet ring system with spring members effectively reduces axial displacement, prevents fretting corrosion, and maintains metal/metal contact, enhancing reliability and reducing manufacturing and assembly complexity in harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
The electrical connector assembly further comprises at least one spring member, provided on the retaining member, and configured to engage said first and second ratchet rings
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an electrical connector assembly (100) comprising a connector shell (101), a coupling member (103), and a retaining member (105). The connector shell (101) is configured to interface with a mating connector shell, and defines a longitudinal axis (107). The coupling member (103) is configured to receive therein said connector shell (101), and comprises internal threads (109) configured for engaging a mating connector shell to be interfaced with the connector shell (101). The retaining member (105) is configured to retain the connector shell (101) in the coupling member (103). Furthermore, the connector shell (101) comprises a plurality of ratchet teeth (115) which form first and second ratchet rings (117, 119) around said connector shell (101).