Hinged Clamping Connector for Vibration-Resistant Electrical Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fire suppression systems experience malfunctions due to loss of electrical connections between components caused by harsh conditions such as vibration, water, and chemicals, leading to ineffective activation and deployment of fire suppressant agents.
Innovation Solution
A clamping connector assembly is used to secure electrical connectors, comprising a first and second shell member with hinge pins and seals, which compresses around the connectors to prevent disconnection and limit the ingress of debris and dampen vibrations, ensuring stable signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compression connector is used to join pipes, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the connector cannot be disassembled and reused
Solution Approach 1:
The connector transitions from a static irreversible compression connection to a dynamic reversible connection. The resilient member (spring) provides continuous elastic force that maintains the gripping engagement, allowing the connector to be assembled by compression and disassembled by overcoming the spring force, enabling reuse while maintaining connection reliability throughout the service life.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a threaded connector is used to join pipes, then the connector can be disassembled and reused, but the threads are prone to cross-threading and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the threaded connection mechanism entirely, replacing it with a compression-based gripping engagement. This removes the vulnerability to cross-threading and thread damage while preserving the ability to disassemble and reuse the connector through the resilient member's elastic properties.
3Reliability
If a compression connector is used, then the connection is secure, but the connector requires precise alignment during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping engagement surfaces are designed with specific geometric features (flat engagement surfaces, positioning elements) that create localized alignment guidance. This allows the pipes to self-align during assembly without requiring high precision, while the compression force distributes across these localized features to maintain secure connection.
4Reliability
If traditional connectors are used, then the connection is secure, but the connectors create stress concentration points that can lead to pipe failure
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping engagement surfaces utilize curved or rounded geometric features rather than sharp edges or concentrated contact points. This distributes the compression stress across larger areas of the pipe surface, eliminating stress concentration points that could initiate cracks or failure, while maintaining adequate friction and normal force for secure connection.
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 clamping connector assembly maintains reliable electrical connections, preventing signal loss and ensuring effective activation of fire suppression systems by protecting against environmental harshness.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member biased toward the first pipe in the second connector. The resilient member is laterally deflectable relative to the longitudinal axis of the first pipe
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~5A
AI summary
The clamping connector includes a first shell member and a second shell member. The first shell member and the second shell member each include a tab extending from a first side, which defines a tab aperture and a protrusion extending from the first side. The first shell member and the second shell member each also include a hinge aperture, which is oriented along a first axis on a second side. The protrusion of the first shell member extends into the tab aperture of the tab of the second shell member and when the first shell member is secured to the second shell member the protrusion of the second shell member extends into the tab aperture of the tab of the first shell member. The clamping connector further includes a hinge pin, which is received by the hinge apertures of the first and second shell members to rotatably couple the first shell member and the second shell members.