Locking Connector Assembly to Prevent Twist-Loosening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting devices for suspending articles from supports tend to twist and work loose due to inadequate locking mechanisms, leading to instability and potential failure.
Innovation Solution
A locking arrangement featuring a V-shaped resilient member with a detent formation and a release tab, combined with a mounting member and fastening element, ensures secure attachment of the connecting device to the support by rotating the attaching arrangement to engage the detent formation within an opening, preventing twisting and loosening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple wire or cable is used to suspend carriers from ceilings or roofs, then the device is easy to install and low cost, but the connecting device has a tendency to twist relative to the carrier and eventually work itself loose
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arrangement is segmented into distinct functional components: a resilient member with detent formation for engagement, a mounting member for attachment to the attaching arrangement, and a release tab for actuation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall simplicity of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member is designed to be dynamically deformable, allowing it to flex during installation and operation. The arms of the V-shaped resilient member can deform to accommodate installation variations and then return to their original position to maintain consistent locking pressure, preventing the connecting device from working loose over time.
2Reliability
If a locking arrangement with a resilient member is added to prevent twisting and loosening, then the connection stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member with detent formation automatically engages with the opening in the first article during installation, providing self-locking functionality without requiring additional fastening steps or complex adjustment mechanisms. The release tab allows for simple manual actuation to disengage the lock when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member is designed as a thin, flexible component with V-shaped arms that can deform elastically. This flexible design allows the locking mechanism to accommodate variations in installation alignment and maintain reliable engagement without requiring precise manufacturing tolerances or complex adjustment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the resilient member is made more robust to prevent deformation and ensure reliable locking, then the locking reliability is improved, but the ease of operation for release decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The release function is segmented from the resilient member itself and implemented through a separate release tab attached to one of the arms. This allows the resilient member to maintain its robustness for reliable locking while the release tab provides a dedicated, easy-to-actuate interface for unlocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The release tab acts as an intermediary between the user and the resilient member. By providing a larger, more accessible tab that can be easily grasped and manipulated, the user can apply sufficient force to deform the resilient member and release the lock without directly manipulating the smaller, more robust resilient member itself.
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 solution provides a stable and secure attachment of the connecting device to the support, preventing twisting and loosening, thereby ensuring the reliable suspension of articles from ceilings or roofs.
Implementation Method 1
the locking arrangement comprises a detent formation configured to be received by said opening in the first article; wherein the detent formation comprises a resilient member, the resilient member being receivable in said opening in the first article
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A
Figure 4B
AI summary
A connecting device (10) is provided for connecting a first article (14) to an elongate second article (24). The connecting device (10) comprises a securing arrangement (25) for securing the device (10) to the elongate second article (24), and an attaching arrangement (26) for attaching the connecting device to the first article (14). The attaching arrangement (26) is receivable through an opening (22) in the first article (14). The attaching arrangement (26) comprises a locking arrangement (40) for locking the connecting device (10) to the first article (14). The locking arrangement (40) comprises a detent formation (42) configured to be received by an opening in the first article (14).