Locking Sleeve Connector Assembly for Straight-Insertion Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies face challenges in achieving bidirectional cut-off functionality, quick connection in small spaces, and compatibility across various application scenarios, particularly in battery packs of new energy vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly design featuring a female connector with a rotatable locking sleeve and a male connector with a locking protrusion, allowing straight insertion and locking without rotational operation, and incorporating valve units for bidirectional flow control, with interchangeable components to reduce manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional rotational connection method is used, then connection strength is improved, but operation space requirement increases and operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional rotational connection method by using a straight insertion/push operation. Instead of rotating the housing to lock the connectors, the locking sleeve rotates automatically during linear insertion to engage the locking groove, achieving secure connection without rotational maneuvering.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking sleeve acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the insertion force and the locking action. During straight insertion, the locking protrusion moves along the guiding groove, causing the locking sleeve to rotate and engage with the locking groove, thereby translating linear motion into rotational locking motion.
2Reliability
If housing rotation is required for connection, then locking reliability is improved, but stress on fluid pipeline connection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the sequence of operations by performing locking through linear insertion rather than rotation. The locking sleeve rotates automatically during insertion due to the guiding groove mechanism, eliminating the need to rotate the housing and thus avoiding stress on the fluid pipeline connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational locking function is extracted from the housing and transferred to the locking sleeve. This separation allows the housing to remain stationary during connection, preventing stress transmission to the fluid pipeline while the locking sleeve independently performs the rotational locking action.
3Reliability
If bidirectional cut-off function is added, then fluid containment reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cut-off function into the existing connector structure by integrating valve units within the first and second tubular bodies. The valve units are combined with the locking mechanism, where the locking protrusion's movement during insertion automatically actuates both the locking action and the valve opening/closing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly performs self-service by automatically actuating the valve units during the locking process. As the locking protrusion moves along the guiding groove and engages the locking groove, it simultaneously triggers the valve units to open or close, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms.
4Productivity
If quick connection in small space is required, then connection speed is improved, but connection reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional sequence by achieving locking through linear insertion rather than rotation. The straight push operation enables quick connection in limited spaces while the automatic rotation of the locking sleeve and engagement of the locking groove ensure reliable locking without requiring rotational space.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking sleeve serves as an intermediary that enables quick connection while maintaining reliability. During linear insertion, it automatically rotates to engage the locking groove, providing secure locking without requiring the connector to be rotated by the operator, thus achieving both speed and reliability in confined spaces.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present application provides a connector assembly which includes a female connector and a male connector for connecting with the female connector. The female connector includes: a housing; a first tubular body received within and fixed to the housing; and a locking sleeve rotatably sleeved outside the first tubular body and including a guiding groove and a locking groove. The guiding groove and the locking groove are arranged on a circumferential wall of the locking sleeve and are connected to each other. The male connector includes: a casing; and a second tubular body received within and fixed to the casing and including a locking protrusion arranged on an outer periphery thereof. The locking protrusion moves along the guiding groove and drives the locking sleeve to rotate until the locking protrusion enters the locking groove while the second tubular body is inserted between the locking sleeve and the first tubular body, and the locking protrusion engages with the locking groove after entering the locking groove to prevent the second tubular body from disengaging from the locking sleeve. The connector assembly according to the present application can conveniently realize the connecting and locking of the female connector and the male connector in a small operation space.