Linear Connector Assembly With Rotatable Ring Nut Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear connection assemblies for electrical conductors lack high locking reliability, particularly in the first locking condition, and are complex to use, with a risk of accidental disconnections and difficulty in releasing the locking condition without tools.
Innovation Solution
A linear connection assembly featuring a pair of complementary connectors with a rotatable ring nut that allows multiple alignment positions, including a first position for secure locking against axial traction and a second position for easy release, facilitated by a fin and tooth mechanism that blocks rotation in one direction, enabling manual locking and tool-assisted unlocking, along with overmoulded gaskets for watertightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a scarcely protruding abutment is used in the first recess to allow manual insertion, then the connection assembly is easy to insert, but the locking reliability is low and accidental disconnection occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a rotatable ring nut that can dynamically transition between different positions (first alignment position for locked state, second alignment position for unlocked state). This dynamic element allows the connection assembly to adapt its locking characteristic based on operational needs, resolving the contradiction between easy insertion and reliable locking by making the locking state changeable rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of the abutment projection height based on the alignment position of the ring nut. At the first alignment position, the abutment is sufficiently projecting to prevent disconnection, while at the second alignment position, the abutment becomes scarcely protruding to allow easy disconnection. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by providing both high locking reliability and ease of operation at different stages of the connection lifecycle.
2Reliability
If a rotatable ring nut with multiple alignment positions is introduced, then the locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ring nut serves multiple functions: it acts as a locking element, a positioning element, and a visual indicator (through alignment marks). By consolidating these functions into a single component, the invention improves locking reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity. The same ring nut structure provides both mechanical locking and operational guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the locking mechanism, positioning system, and indication system into a single integrated ring nut assembly. The fin-tooth mechanism combines locking and positioning functions, while alignment marks integrate visual indication with the mechanical structure. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving high locking reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the abutment is made scarcely protruding to allow manual traction, then the disconnection is easy, but the accidental disconnection risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the abutment projection height dynamic through the rotatable ring nut mechanism. The abutment is scarcely protruding only when the ring nut is at the second alignment position (intentional disconnection state), while it is sufficiently projecting at the first alignment position (operational state). This dynamic adjustment allows easy disconnection when needed while preventing accidental disconnection during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring nut mechanism preliminarily prevents accidental disconnection by maintaining the abutment in a sufficiently projecting state during normal operation. The intentional disconnection requires a preliminary action (rotating the ring nut to the second alignment position) that changes the abutment projection height before traction can be applied. This preliminary anti-action ensures that easy disconnection is only possible when intentionally initiated.
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3a~4
Figure 5a~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a linear connection assembly (100) for electrical conductors comprising a pair of connectors (1, 2) with mutually complementary shape for the insertion of a first connector (1) into a second connector (2) in an axial direction; each connector (1, 2) being provided with electrical contacts (5, 6) adapted to connect electrically to each other when the first connector (1) is inserted in the second connector (2), at least one connector (2) of the pair of connectors (1, 2) being provided with a ring nut (4) mounted in at least partially rotatable manner manually around its own axis (A) parallel to said axial direction to reach a plurality of alignment positions relative to the other connector (1) of the pair of connectors (1, 2), each alignment position corresponding to a connection condition between the pair of connectors (1, 2);t a first alignment position (17) results from a complete insertion of said first connector (1) into said second connector (2), and corresponds to a first connection condition according to which said connectors (1, 2) cannot be released even if a mutual traction is applied in the axial direction.