Linked Connector Retaining Mechanism for Vibration-Stable Mating
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connectors lack a reliable mechanism to securely connect and disconnect from mating female connectors without risking loosening or vibration, leading to poor signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
A connector with a linked retaining mechanism is introduced, featuring a retaining member with a hook section and an elastic section, and a linkage assembly that allows for secure engagement and release of the mating female connector through a pulling mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no supporting or fixing structure is provided on the wired plug/connector, then the structure is simple, but the wired plug/connector vibrates or loosens from the female connector when subjected to external force, resulting in poor signal transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional components: a body portion housing the electrical contacts, a separate retaining member with hook section for securing to the female connector, and a linkage assembly with first and second linking members for actuation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining member with hook section automatically engages with the female connector upon insertion, providing self-retention without requiring additional fixing structures. The elastic section provides continuous retaining force, and the linkage assembly enables easy release by simply pulling the second linking member, allowing the connector to serve its own retention and release functions.
2Reliability
If a retaining mechanism is added to prevent vibration and loosening, then connection stability is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining function and release function are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The retaining member with hook section and elastic section combines the retention function, while the linkage assembly combines the actuation function. By pulling the second linking member, both the release of the hook section and the disengagement from the female connector are achieved simultaneously, reducing the need for separate complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage assembly serves multiple functions: it transmits the pulling force from the second linking member to the first linking member, actuates the retaining member for release, and provides a user-friendly interface for operation. The first linking member both transmits force and provides structural support, while the second linking member serves as both the actuator and the user interface element.
3Strength
If the hook section is made rigid for strong retention, then connection strength is improved, but the ability to easily release the connector is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining member transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system with the elastic section providing flexibility. The hook section can deflect elastically during engagement and disengagement, allowing strong retention during normal use while enabling easy release when force is applied through the linkage assembly. The elastic section absorbs and releases energy to facilitate smooth operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical properties of the retaining member are optimized by incorporating the elastic section, which changes the stiffness parameter of the hook section. The hook section maintains sufficient rigidity for strong retention during normal operation but becomes compliant enough to deflect and release when actuated. This parameter optimization allows the same structure to provide both strong retention and easy release functionality.
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 connector ensures a firm and reliable electrical connection by securely retaining the mating female connector and allows for easy release, preventing loosening and vibration, thus achieving precise signal transmission.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic section is rearward extended from the main body in a direction opposite to the extended section... When the second linking member is pulled, the first linking member is brought to downward press against the retaining member, so that the hook section simultaneously elastically biases downward by a distance to release the mating female connector
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes an enclosure having a top wall provided with a fitting and a mounting section; a retaining member including a main body fitted in the fitting section, an extended section extended forward from the main body and having a hook section projected beyond the top wall for retaining a mating female connector thereto, and an elastic section extended rearward from the main body and located in the mounting section; and a linkage assembly holding the retaining member between it and the mounting section and including a first linking member located above the elastic section and a second linking member connected to the first linking member and the enclosure. When the second linking member is pulled, the first linking member is brought to push the elastic section downward, such that the main body, the extended section and the hook section elastically bias downward simultaneously to release the female connector.