Line-Locking Connector Clip for Signal Transmission Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector clips face challenges in quickly inserting and securely retaining signal transmission lines, such as shock tubes, due to conflicting objectives of easy insertion and resistance to tensile stresses, especially in varying temperatures and adverse environmental conditions, leading to mis-fires and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A connector clip design featuring a closure member and body member that move relative to each other between open and closed positions, with a line-retaining slot width equal to or greater than the signal transmission lines' diameter for easy insertion and secure locking, incorporating a locking mechanism with tactile and audible feedback to ensure secure closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the access opening width is reduced to retain signal transmission lines securely, then line retention reliability improves, but line insertion difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure member is designed to move between open and closed positions, dynamically changing the state of the access opening. When open, the full width is available for easy line insertion. When closed, the access opening is sealed to secure line retention. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction by providing both wide access for insertion and secure closure for retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector clip is divided into a body member and a movable closure member. The closure member can be separated from the body member to provide unobstructed access to the slot, or attached to close the access opening. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both easy insertion (when separated) and secure retention (when attached).
2Reliability
If the line-retaining slot width is made smaller than the line diameter to secure lines, then line retention improves, but insertion time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the effective width of the access opening by moving the closure member. During insertion, the closure member is positioned to maximize the opening width, allowing lines to be inserted without compression. After insertion, the closure member moves to close the opening, providing secure retention. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the need for a permanently narrow slot.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure member is positioned in advance to create a wide access opening before line insertion begins. This preliminary positioning ensures that the full width is available for easy insertion. After insertion is complete, the closure member is then moved to secure the lines, separating the insertion and retention phases in time.
3Reliability
If a closure member is added to secure lines after insertion, then line retention reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure member combines multiple functions into a single component: it closes the access opening to secure lines, provides structural support to the body member, and can be engaged or disengaged to control access. This merging reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure member serves multiple purposes: securing lines by closing the access opening, providing structural integrity to the connector assembly, and enabling controlled access during insertion and removal operations. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed and simplifies the device design.
4Reliability
If the closure member moves a long distance to close the access opening, then secure locking is achieved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure member is nested within or adjacent to the body member in a compact arrangement. When the closure member moves to close the access opening, it travels a short distance along a travel path that is limited by the geometry of the nested structure. This nested configuration ensures secure locking while minimizing the movement distance and associated assembly time.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector clip (10, 10′) defines a line-retaining slot (34) and is configured to receive a detonator (16) therein. The connector clip (10, 10′) comprises a body member (12, 12′) and a closure member (14, 14′) which are mounted, one on the other, for movement relative to each other along a travel path between an open position in which the line-retaining slot (34) is accessible to lateral insertion therein of one or more signal transmission lines (68), and a closed position in which the line-retaining slot (34) is closed to secure such signal transmission lines (68) therein. One of the body member (12, 12′) and the closure member (14, 14′) defines a cavity within which at least part of the other of the body member (12, 12′) and the closure member (14, 14′) is encased during travel between the open position and the closed position. The travel path between the open position and the closed position may be as short as from the width of line-retaining slot (34) including its access opening (38), to about two times that width.