Latching Connector Receptacle with Visual Latch Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
ROV operators face challenges in determining successful latching between connectors in dark and inhospitable underwater environments, and premature decoupling can occur due to snag loads on hoses.
Innovation Solution
A latching connector receptacle with a moveable latch indicator that provides visual confirmation of latching and unlatching, featuring a biased release ring to prevent unintentional separation and a latch dog assembly with a radial latch indicator band that amplifies tension-induced displacements for clear visual feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a latch indicator is provided to show latching status, then visibility of connection status is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible latch indicator band that wraps around the latch dog assembly. This thin, flexible film structure provides visual indication of latching status through its deformation state, avoiding the need for complex mechanical indicators while effectively communicating connection status to the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch indicator band utilizes radial extension around the latch dog assembly, adding a dimensional aspect to the indication mechanism. By arranging the band radially and using its tension state to indicate latching status, the design achieves clear visibility without requiring additional complex mechanical components in the axial direction.
2Ease of operation
If the release ring is made easily movable for quick disengagement, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of connection decreases due to premature decoupling
Solution Approach 1:
The biased release ring incorporates a spring mechanism that applies preliminary counter-action to resist unintended movement. The biasing force creates a threshold that must be overcome for disengagement to occur, preventing premature decoupling from snag loads while allowing intentional release when sufficient force is applied by the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The release ring transitions from a static, fixed-position component to a dynamic, movable element that responds to applied forces. The biased mechanism allows the ring to move selectively - remaining stable under normal operating conditions but becoming movable when the operator intentionally applies sufficient force for disengagement.
3Loss of information
If the latch indicator band is extended radially around the latch dog assembly, then visual confirmation of latching is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch indicator band is implemented as a flexible thin film that radially wraps around the latch dog assembly. This flexible film structure provides comprehensive visual indication through its tension and position states, achieving clear latching status communication without requiring multiple separate indicator components or complex mechanical linkages.
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
Facilitates easy visual confirmation of successful connections and prevents accidental disconnection, ensuring reliable engagement and disengagement even in limited visibility conditions, while maintaining connection integrity against snag loads.
Implementation Method 1
a latch amplification portion of the latch indicator band causes displacement of the latch indicator in response to an increase in tension of the latch indicator band
Implementation Method 2
a biased release ring coupled to the receptacle body
Data Source
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AI summary
A latching connector receptacle includes a receptacle body configured to receive a plug, a biased release ring coupled to the receptacle body, and a latch dog assembly coupled to the receptacle body. The latch dog assembly includes a moveable latch dog configured to matingly engage the plug and matingly engage the release ring, and a moveable latch indicator configured to move in response to movement of the latch dog.