Magnetic Pivot Connector Locking for Controlled Housing Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors with rotatable housing parts lack a mechanism to selectively control and secure the rotational freedom between the parts, leading to unnecessary free rotation which may not be desired or efficient.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a magnetic bolt preloaded by a spring force that can transition between locking and release states by applying a magnetic force, allowing for controlled rotational fixation and release of the housing parts about an axis of rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the housing parts are configured to be rotatable relative to each other about an axis of rotation, then the electrical connector allows free rotation between housing parts, but this free rotation is not necessarily desired and may lead to instability or improper positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt is designed to transition between two basic states: a first state where it secures the housing parts against rotation, and a second state where it releases the housing parts to allow free rotation. This dynamic state change is achieved through magnetic actuation, allowing the connector to adapt its rotational characteristics based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic bolt changes the rotational parameter of the housing parts by transitioning between locked and released states. When magnetically actuated, the bolt moves between positions that either constrain or permit rotation about the axis of rotation, thereby changing the system's rotational freedom parameter.
2Force
If a magnetic bolt preloaded by spring force is used to control rotation, then precise control over rotational freedom is achieved with high locking force, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces a purely mechanical locking mechanism with a magnetic field-actuated system. Instead of using complex mechanical linkages, cam mechanisms, or multiple moving parts to achieve locking and release, the invention uses magnetic force to actuate the bolt, simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining high locking force through magnetic attraction and spring preload.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field acts as an intermediary to control the bolt's position and thereby control the rotational freedom of the housing parts. This intermediary approach allows for contactless actuation and precise control without requiring complex mechanical transmission elements.
3Ease of operation
If the bolt is magnetic and preloaded by spring force, then the transition between locked and released states can be induced by magnetic force, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded magnetic bolt is designed to automatically transition between locked and released states based on the application or removal of magnetic force. The spring force provides the necessary preload to maintain the locked state, and the magnetic force serves only to overcome this preload and enable state transition, simplifying the control mechanism.
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
This solution enables precise control over rotational freedom, providing a high locking force and improved sealing, along with reduced wear and tear during rotation, while allowing for free rotation when needed.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one bolt is magnetic and preloaded by a spring force, and a transition of the bolt from a first basic state to a second basic state is inducible by application of a magnetic force to the at least one bolt
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes: at least a first housing part and a second housing part, an engagement region of one of the first housing part and the second housing part engaging at least partially and concentrically with an other of the first housing part and the second housing part, the first housing part and the second housing part being rotatable in the engagement region relative to each other about an axis of rotation; at least one bolt disposed in the engagement region, which in a first basic state secures the first housing part and the second housing part against rotation of the housing parts relative to each other about the axis of rotation, and in a second basic state releases the housing parts. The at least one bolt is magnetic and preloaded by a spring force.