Multi-Lock Counter Connector for Push-Pull, Break-Away, and Threaded Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector systems lack versatility in accommodating multiple locking mechanisms, limiting their applicability and increasing costs due to the need for specific designs for each type of locking system.
Innovation Solution
A counter connector with a hollow cylindrical housing featuring three types of locking means: a groove, an elastically deflectable latching part, and a thread, allowing compatibility with push-pull, break-away, and thread-based locking systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a counter connector is designed with a specific locking mechanism (push-pull, break-away, or thread-based), then the connection reliability for that specific mechanism is improved, but the adaptability to work with multiple types of connectors is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The counter connector is designed with three distinct locking means (a groove, an elastically deflectable latching part, and a thread) that can engage with different types of engagement parts from various connector designs. This universal design allows a single counter connector to work reliably with push-pull, break-away, and thread-based locking systems without requiring multiple specialized designs.
2Reliability
If different counter connectors are designed for different locking mechanisms, then the connection reliability for each specific mechanism is improved, but the device complexity and variety of designs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges three different locking mechanisms (groove-based engagement, elastic latching, and threading) into a single counter connector design. Instead of creating separate counter connectors for push-pull, break-away, and thread-based systems, all three locking means are integrated into one device, allowing it to engage with various engagement parts from different connector types.
3Reliability
If multiple specialized counter connectors are produced for different locking systems, then the connection reliability for each system is improved, but the manufacturing costs and loss of substance increase
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a universal counter connector that can work with multiple locking systems, manufacturers can produce a single standardized component instead of multiple specialized ones. This reduces manufacturing costs, material consumption, and inventory complexity while maintaining reliable connections across different connector types.
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
Enhances the range of suitable applications, promotes standardization, improves convenience, and reduces costs by enabling a single counter connector to work with various locking systems.
Implementation Method 1
a counter latching part (6) that can be deflected elastically in a radial direction of the counter connector
Data Source
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AI summary
A counter connector for mating with a connector, the counter connector having a hollow cylindrical housing. The counter connector comprises at least two, preferably three, of the following three types of locking means for locking the counter connector to the connector: a) Arranged on a perimeter on a cylindrical surface of the housing or of a sleeve located inside the housing, a counter engagement part in the form of a groove, a collar, or a series of radially extending apertures, recesses or protrusions, the counter engagement part being adapted to engage with at least one engagement part or at least one latching part of the connector; b) A counter latching part that can be deflected elastically in a radial direction of the counter connector and comprises at least one of a radially extending groove, collar, aperture, recess or protrusion adapted to engage with a latching part of the connector; and c) A counter thread adapted to engage with a thread of the connector. And a system comprising a counter connector according to one of the preceding claims and at least one connector that can be mated with the counter connector, wherein the connector is of one of the following three types: a) A push-pull connector; b) a break-away connector; and c) a threaded connector.