Electrical Connection Device with Snap-Fit Locking Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electrical connection methods in aircraft, particularly with composite/carbon structures, are cumbersome, requiring extensive preparation and assembly time, and are prone to errors due to the need for precise torque control and risk of losing conductive foreign bodies, leading to increased electrical resistance and potential short circuits.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connection device featuring a support with annular guiding and locking grooves and a terminal with a locking ring or clips that snap into place, eliminating the need for screws and washers, providing a visual indication of proper locking and ensuring secure electrical contact without the need for stripping or sealing varnish, thus simplifying assembly and reducing mechanical stress on cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional electrical connection methods using studs, washers, and nuts are employed, then reliable electrical contact can be achieved, but assembly time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single integrated terminal structure. The terminal incorporates both the electrical contact function and the fastening function through integrated locking mechanisms (such as locking lips, deformation zones, or screw integrations), eliminating the need for separate studs, washers, and nuts, thereby reducing assembly steps while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal is designed with self-locating and self-locking features that automatically ensure proper positioning and securing during assembly. The locking mechanisms (deformation zones, locking lips engaging with counter-lips) provide automatic engagement and securing without requiring complex external fastening operations, reducing assembly time while ensuring reliable electrical contact
2Reliability
If precise torque control is applied during assembly, then electrical contact quality is maintained, but assembly complexity and risk of errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the torque control parameter into a geometric constraint solution. Instead of requiring precise torque application, the terminal design uses predetermined geometric features (locking lips, deformation zones, snap-fit mechanisms) that inherently ensure proper contact pressure and electrical connection quality through their physical geometry, eliminating the need for torque measurement and control equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical torque control system with a geometric locking system. The connection reliability is ensured not by controlling the applied torque, but by the inherent geometric design of the locking mechanisms that automatically establish proper contact conditions, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining electrical contact quality
3Reliability
If multiple assembly elements (studs, washers, nuts) are used, then secure electrical connection is achieved, but the risk of losing conductive foreign bodies increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate assembly elements into a single integrated terminal component. The terminal incorporates the electrical contact surface, fastening structure, and locking mechanisms as one unified part, eliminating loose studs, washers, and nuts that could be lost during assembly, while maintaining secure electrical connection through the integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the separate fastening elements (studs, washers, nuts) from the assembly process by integrating their functions directly into the terminal structure. The terminal itself becomes the fastening element through its integrated locking mechanisms, removing the source of potential foreign body loss while preserving connection security
4Reliability
If extensive surface preparation and sealing operations are performed, then electrical contact quality is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal is pre-designed and pre-configured with integrated sealing and contact surfaces that eliminate the need for on-site surface preparation and sealing operations. The locking mechanisms and contact surfaces are manufactured as integral parts, requiring no additional stripping, cleaning, or sealing steps during assembly, thereby improving productivity while ensuring electrical contact quality
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal design incorporates self-sealing and self-aligning features that automatically ensure proper electrical contact without requiring external preparation operations. The integrated sealing lips and contact surfaces engage automatically during assembly, eliminating the need for manual surface preparation and sealing applications, thus enhancing productivity while maintaining connection quality
Data Source
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AI summary
Electrical connection device (200) comprising a support (201) and an electrically conductive lug (210), wherein: - the support comprises a first face (205), grooves (207) projecting from a second face (206) opposite the first face (205) and defining between them a housing (201-1), - the lug comprises a base (211) for placement in the housing and a shaft (212) fixed coaxially to the base, the base comprising a first face (213) from which the shaft extends and a second face (214) opposite the first face and for bearing against the second face of the support, - the lug comprising a locking ring (216) through its center by the shaft and rotatable relative to the tube, the ring comprising ramps (216-3) extending from the outer periphery of the ring, the ramps cooperating with the gorges.