End Fitting Connector Race for One-Hand Ball Mount Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing end fitting connector assemblies are complex, require tools for assembly and disassembly, and lack reliability in preventing accidental disassembly, especially in structural applications where one-handed operation and secure engagement are necessary.
Innovation Solution
An end fitting connector assembly featuring an elastically deformable race with a split ring configuration and engagement features like raised circumferential ridges and annular grooves, which securely engages a spherical ball mount, allowing one-handed assembly and requiring a tool for disassembly, thus enhancing reliability and preventing accidental disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring retention clip is used to create positive engagement, then reliability of engagement is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to requiring a release tool for disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and geometric parameters of the race from a rigid component to an elastically deformable component with specific material properties. This allows the race to be compressed radially inward for easy one-handed installation by squeezing, while automatically expanding to lock onto the ball mount for secure engagement, and can be released by applying radial compression force again.
Solution Approach 2:
The race transitions from a static rigid component to a dynamic elastically deformable component that can change its radial dimension. During assembly, the race dynamically compresses radially inward to allow ball mount insertion, then dynamically expands to create locking engagement. For disassembly, radial compression dynamically reduces the race dimension again to release the lock.
2Reliability
If a release tool is required for disassembly, then prevention of accidental disassembly is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the engagement mechanism into two distinct functional modes within a single component: the elastically deformable race provides both the locked engagement state (when radially expanded) and the release mechanism (when radially compressed). This eliminates the need for a separate release tool while maintaining security against accidental disassembly, as the release requires deliberate manual compression action.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastically deformable race serves multiple functions: it provides the locking engagement, maintains the engaged state against accidental separation, and enables its own release through elastic deformation. The race essentially services its own locking and unlocking functions without requiring external tools or mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the race is made elastically deformable for one-handed assembly, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the single elastically deformable race component: it serves as the mounting interface for the ball mount, provides the locking mechanism through radial expansion, enables one-handed assembly through compressible installation, and facilitates disassembly through controlled compression. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts while achieving multiple objectives.
Solution Approach 2:
The race incorporates specific material parameter changes - using elastomeric or elastically deformable materials with controlled durometer hardness, radial thickness, and dimensional tolerances. These parameter specifications enable the race to exhibit the desired elastic deformation characteristics for easy installation while maintaining structural integrity and secure locking when engaged.
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 simplifies the assembly process, ensures secure engagement, and increases the force required for disassembly, providing improved reliability and ease of use while protecting fragile components within the end fitting.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable race fitted within a circular opening of the end fitting, the race having an outer surface that engages the peripheral wall and an inner surface that is configured to engage a spherical ball mount
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
An end fitting connector assembly (100, 300, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900) includes an end fitting (110, 310, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910) having a first end (111, 513, 611), a second end (113, 511, 613) and a through opening (114, 314, 514, 614, 714, 814, 914) that extends in a direction that is transverse to an end fitting axis (115, 515) extending through the first (111, 513, 611) and second ends (113, 511, 613) and in which the through opening (114, 314, 514, 614, 714, 814, 914) is defined by a peripheral wall (118, 318, 518, 618, 718, 818, 918). An elastically deformable race (130, 320, 530, 630, 730, 830, 930) fitted into the through opening (114, 314, 514, 614, 714, 814, 914) of the end fitting (110, 310, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910) includes an exterior surface (134, 634, 734, 834) that engages the peripheral wall (118, 318, 518, 618, 718, 818, 918) and an interior surface (138, 638, 738, 838) configured to provide snap fitting engagement with a spherical ball mount (170, 270, 340, 540, 670, 770, 870, 970). At least one feature retaining the race (130, 320, 530, 630, 730, 830, 930) within the end fitting (110, 310, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910) creates an increased disassembly force, which may prevent disassembly without employing a release tool (570, 790) or release feature. The interior (138, 638, 738, 838) and exterior surfaces (134, 634, 734, 834) of the race (130, 320, 530, 630, 730, 830, 930) can include spherical surfaces (150, 344) for conforming to the spherical ball and the peripheral wall (118, 318, 518, 618, 718, 818, 918) of the end fitting (110, 310, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910).