Endoscope Connector Asymmetric Flange and Ball Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector systems for endoscopes lack reliable and error-proof mechanisms to prevent incorrect connection orientations and ensure secure, reliable electrical connections between the endoscope and control sections, leading to potential operational errors and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A connector system featuring a plug section with a flange portion having specific inclined surfaces and a receptacle section with a projectable/retractable ball and urging member, ensuring proper alignment and secure engagement, preventing incorrect insertion and ensuring reliable electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional connector system is used, then the connection operation is simple, but the reliability of preventing incorrect connection orientations is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The plug section incorporates a flange portion with asymmetric inclined surface portions (first and second inclined surfaces with different inclination angles) that create a non-symmetric engagement geometry. The ball in the receptacle section engages with these asymmetric surfaces, allowing insertion only in the correct orientation. This asymmetric design prevents incorrect connection orientations while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Reliability
If the plug section is inserted into the receptacle section, then electrical connection is established, but the security of connection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle section employs a ball-shaped engagement element that interacts with the curved inclined surfaces of the flange portion. This spherical geometry provides stable engagement through point contact that naturally centers and secures the connection. The curved surfaces guide the ball into proper positioning, ensuring secure electrical connection while maintaining ease of insertion operation.
3Force
If the inclination angle of the second inclined surface portion is made larger, then the engagement force increases, but the insertion force required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design incorporates dynamic engagement where the ball progressively engages with the inclined surfaces during insertion. The first inclined surface portion with a smaller angle facilitates initial engagement with lower insertion force, while the second inclined surface portion with a larger angle provides enhanced engagement force in the final positioned state. This dynamic, two-stage engagement optimizes both insertion ease and connection security.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector system includes a plug section, and a receptacle section having a concave portion in an inside of which the plug section can be inserted, wherein the plug section includes a flange portion including a first inclined surface portion which increases in diameter toward an extraction direction, and a second inclined surface portion which decreases in diameter toward the extraction direction on an extraction direction side of the first inclined surface portion, in which an inclination angle with respect to an insertion direction of the second inclined surface portion is larger than an inclination angle with respect to the insertion direction of the first inclined surface portion, and the receptacle section includes a ball which is placed to be projectable/retractable from a side surface portion of the concave portion.