Locking Ring Cable Connector for Hygienic Linear Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical linear actuator systems in medical equipment face challenges in maintaining a high hygienic standard due to moisture ingress and unintended unplugging of plugs during cleaning, while requiring secure and easy detachment for maintenance and replacement.
Innovation Solution
A plug/socket connection with a rotatable locking ring that can only be unlocked using a tool, ensuring secure locking and easy detachment, and incorporating a sealing ring for water and dust protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If a plug/socket connection is used for ease of detachment, then maintenance and replacement become easier, but unintended unplugging occurs during cleaning and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring is provided in a default locked position that prevents unplugging before any operation occurs. The user must actively rotate the locking ring to an unlocked position to detach the plug, ensuring that unplugging cannot occur accidentally during cleaning or operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking ring acts as an intermediary mechanism between the plug and socket connection. It provides a controlled transition state between locked and unlocked positions, requiring deliberate user action through the aperture to change the connection state, thereby preventing unintended unplugging.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent unintended unplugging, then connection reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented into a separate, independent locking ring component that rotates independently from the plug body. This modular approach allows the locking mechanism to be added without fundamentally redesigning the entire plug structure, maintaining relative simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism operates in a rotational dimension around the axial connection direction. The locking ring rotates 90 degrees between locked and unlocked positions, adding a dimensional aspect to the connection control without increasing axial or radial complexity.
3Reliability
If the plug is made secure and locked, then connection reliability improves, but ease of operation for authorized detachment worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring is extracted as a separate, accessible component that can be independently manipulated through the aperture. Authorized personnel can easily access and rotate the locking ring using a finger or tool, providing simple detachment when needed while maintaining secure locking during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking ring design allows for self-service operation where authorized personnel can easily unlock and detach the plug themselves without requiring tools or assistance. The aperture provides direct access for finger manipulation, making the secure locking mechanism self-operable.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If sealing means are added to prevent moisture ingress, then hygienic standard improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged with the existing locking ring structure. The locking ring serves dual purposes: providing mechanical locking through rotation and providing sealing through its contact interface with the socket, thereby preventing moisture ingress without adding separate sealing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking ring is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a mechanical locking mechanism and as a sealing element. This universal component prevents moisture ingress while maintaining the locking function, reducing overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate sealing rings or gaskets.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~5c
AI summary
A linear actuator system with a controller, said controller comprising a controller and programmable means for controlling the operation of an electrical motor. The electrical linear actuator system comprises a user control unit (1 ), an electrical cord with a plug for connecting the user control unit (1 ) and the controller, where the controller and/or the user control unit comprises a socket (1a) for receiving the plug (2). The plug (2) comprises a locking ring (5), which is rotatable relative to the plug (2), and the socket (1 a) comprises an opening (16) for receiving the plug (2) including the locking ring (5) in the opening (16) of the socket (1 a). The socket (1 a) further comprises an aperture (4) through which a part of the locking ring (5) is accessible when the plug (2) including the locking ring (5) is inserted into the opening (16) of the socket (1a). The locking ring (5) and the opening (16) of the socket are adapted such that the locking ring (5), when inserted in the opening (16), can be rotated between an unlocked position and a locked position: where, in the unlocked position, a protrusion (8a, 8b) is received in and aligned with an axial part (12a, 12b) of a recess (12), such that the plug (2) may freely be inserted into or removed from the socket (1a), and where, in the locked position, the protrusion (8a, 8b) engages the radial part (12c,12d) of the recess (12), such that the plug (2) is prevented from being unplugged.