Hermaphroditic Connector Rotational Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular connection systems for garments and containers lack reliability, ease of use, and modularity, particularly under adverse conditions such as wearing gloves or in extreme cold, and fail to provide a secure, compact, and intuitive way to couple various items.
Innovation Solution
A hermaphroditic connector system with male and female components that can be permanently or semi-permanently affixed to items, allowing for secure and releasable coupling by rotating the connectors to interlock and unlock, featuring a base plate with radially disposed components and a locking mechanism for secure alignment and engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional connectors are used for modular connection systems, then items can be connected to garments and containers, but the connection lacks reliability and security especially under adverse conditions such as wearing gloves or in extreme cold
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a dynamic locking mechanism where rotating the connector body activates cam surfaces that force the locking protrusions to engage with locking recesses, transforming a simple rotational motion into a secure locked state. This dynamic action ensures reliable connection even when operated with gloves or in cold conditions where static mechanisms might fail
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design incorporates self-aligning features where the male and female components automatically orient themselves during the rotation process, and self-locking features where the cam surfaces automatically force the locking elements into engagement without requiring additional user action. This self-service mechanism enhances reliability while maintaining ease of operation
2Strength
If connectors are designed to be secure and reliable, then connection strength is improved, but the device becomes more complex and less intuitive to use
Solution Approach 1:
The connector integrates multiple functions into a single unified structure: the connection interface, the locking mechanism, and the alignment features are all combined in one component. The male and female connectors are mirror images of each other, each containing both locking protrusions and locking recesses, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms and reducing overall complexity while maintaining strong connections
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design is universal in that identical connector bodies can be used in both male and female configurations, allowing any connector to mate with any other connector of the same type. This multi-functionality simplifies the system by eliminating the need for different connector types while providing secure, reliable connections through the integrated locking mechanism
3Adaptability or versatility
If a modular connection system is designed with multiple components, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but the profile becomes thicker and the design less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design nests the locking mechanism within the connector body itself, with the cam surfaces and locking protrusions integrated into the same structure rather than adding external locking components. The male and female components nest together during engagement, with one connector fitting into the other, minimizing the overall profile thickness while maintaining modular adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The connector utilizes rotational motion in the angular dimension to achieve locking, rather than requiring linear extension in the thickness dimension. The cam surfaces convert rotational movement into radial locking forces, allowing the connector to maintain a thin profile while providing secure, adaptable connections through the rotational locking action
Data Source
AI summary
A connection system for securing two articles to each other having two connectors, each of connectors includes a base plate with a center point and identical inter-engaging sections with at least one male component and at least one female component. Also provided is a connection region for securing the connector to an article. Male and female components are radially disposed equidistant around the center point of the base plate and the connection region is disposed circumferentially around the male and female components. The connectors are engaged by rotating each connector such that the male and female components of each connector interlock with each other.