Locking Sleeve Anti-Twist Feedback for Electrical Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector systems lack clear feedback mechanisms for users to confirm correct locking during quick connection, leading to uncertainty and potential misalignment between connector parts.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an anti-twist device with a spring element and snap-in latch on the locking sleeve, along with a corrugated spring for axial and rotational stability, providing haptic and acoustic feedback for defined locking and unlocking positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a locking sleeve is held without play in the axial direction by a loading spring, then axial stability is improved, but the locking sleeve lacks clearly defined positions in the circumferential direction and can assume any position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an anti-twist device comprising a spring element fixed to the connector housing and a snap-in latch on the locking sleeve. When the locking sleeve rotates to defined angular positions, the snap-in latch engages with the spring element, producing haptic and acoustic feedback to the user. This feedback mechanism provides clearly defined circumferential positions and confirms proper locking alignment.
2Productivity
If quick connection technology is used for simple axial plugging, then connection speed is improved, but clear feedback for correct locking is lost leading to user uncertainty
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-twist device provides both haptic feedback through the engagement of the snap-in latch with the spring element and acoustic feedback through clicking sounds during rotation. This dual feedback mechanism confirms to the user that the connector has reached the correct locked position, eliminating uncertainty while maintaining the speed advantage of quick connection technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking sleeve has multiple defined angular positions with periodic engagement points where the snap-in latch interacts with the spring element. Each engagement position provides periodic haptic and acoustic feedback, allowing the user to recognize the correct locked position through repeated engagement patterns during rotation.
3Ease of operation
If the locking sleeve can rotate freely without defined positions, then ease of alignment is improved, but unintentional rotation and misalignment occur
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-twist device creates asymmetric engagement positions through the snap-in latch and spring element arrangement. The locking sleeve is designed with specific angular positions where the latch engages the spring element, creating defined stable positions and unstable intermediate positions. This asymmetric design prevents unintentional rotation while maintaining reliable alignment through the engaged positions.
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
Ensures secure and reliable connection with clear tactile and auditory feedback, preventing unintentional rotation and ensuring proper alignment between connector parts, enhancing user experience and connection security.
Implementation Method 1
an anti-twist device with a spring element and snap-in latch on the locking sleeve
Implementation Method 2
providing haptic and acoustic feedback for defined locking and unlocking positions
Implementation Method 3
a corrugated spring for axial and rotational stability
Implementation Method 4
holding the locking sleeve without play in the axial direction
Implementation Method 5
an anti-twist device with a spring element fixed on the outside of the connector part housing and at least one snap-in latch associated therewith and formed on the inside of the locking sleeve
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
Electrical plug-in connector part and plug-in connection system, comprising a locking sleeve which has rotatable locking means, wherein the plug-in connector part can be plug-connected and detachably fixed to a mating plug part which has a tubular mating locking section which is associated with the locking sleeve and has mating locking means which are designed in a complementary manner to the locking means, and wherein the locking sleeve and the mating locking section axially interengage and can be fastened to one another by rotating the locking sleeve when the plug part is plug-connected to the mating plug part, and the locking sleeve is held on the plug part housing without play in the axial direction by means of a loading spring which is designed as a wave-form spring and is held in a rotationally fixed manner, and a distinct haptic and acoustic noise is produced by a spring element with a particular guide curve on the inner side of the locking sleeve in the event of locking.