Modular Quick-Disconnect Connector for Standard Housing Diameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circular connectors with both screw and quick-disconnect connections face challenges in size compatibility due to the need for larger diameters to accommodate both types of connections, making them unsuitable for standard device housings and increasing manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
The connector system features a locking latch divided between the plug part housing and adapter, with the internal thread positioned further inward, allowing the plug part to match standard diameters and enabling a quick-disconnect connection without increasing the overall diameter, facilitated by a plug adapter that can be fixed non-destructively to the housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a connector is designed with both screw connection and quick-disconnect connection, then the connector provides versatile connection options, but the connector diameter must be increased to accommodate both connection types
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate functional components: a screw connection portion and a quick-disconnect portion. Each portion is optimized independently for its specific connection type, allowing the overall connector to maintain a compact diameter while providing both connection versatility. The screw connection uses traditional threaded engagement, while the quick-disconnect uses a latch mechanism with locking lugs, and both can coexist on the same connector body without requiring increased diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-disconnect mechanism utilizes the radial dimension by positioning locking lugs that extend radially outward from the connector body, rather than requiring additional axial length. This allows the quick-disconnect functionality to be integrated into the connector's side profile, maintaining a compact overall diameter while providing both screw and quick-disconnect capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a connector is designed with both screw and quick-disconnect connections, then the connector provides multiple connection options, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the connector into distinct screw connection and quick-disconnect components, each can be manufactured using optimized processes for its specific function. The screw portion can be formed using standard threading operations, while the quick-disconnect portion with its latch and locking lugs can be manufactured as a separate molded or machined component, reducing overall manufacturing complexity compared to integrating both functions into a single complex structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If the locking latch is formed entirely on the plug part housing, then the housing structure becomes complex, but if formed entirely on the adapter, then the adapter complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking latch mechanism is segmented between the plug part housing and the adapter. The housing provides the primary latch structure, while the adapter contributes locking lugs that engage with the latch. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured with simpler geometry - the housing doesn't need to form the entire complex latch mechanism, and the adapter doesn't need to provide all locking features, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking latch acts as an intermediary mechanism between the housing and adapter, facilitating the quick-disconnect function through their interaction. The latch on the housing engages with locking lugs on the adapter, creating a simple yet effective connection system that distributes structural requirements across both components rather than concentrating complexity in one.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Plug-in connector system (1) for forming a quick-disconnect connection between a plug part (2) and a corresponding mating plug (3) with at least two latching lugs (12), wherein the plug part (2) comprises a sleeve-like plug part housing (4) and the plug part (2) has, in an area surrounding a plug-side end side, at least one catch (13), which acts in an axial direction, for the latching lugs (12) of the mating plug, wherein the longitudinal extent of the at least one catch (13) is limited by both at least one primary flank (21) and at least one secondary flank (22), wherein the primary flank (21) and the secondary flank (22) are arranged opposite each other and the primary flank (21) limits the catch (13) counter to the plug-in direction and the secondary flank (22) limits the catch (13) in the plug-in direction, wherein the catch (13) is formed at a transition from the plug part housing (4) to a plug part adapter (5) arranged on the plug side of the plug part housing (4).