Rotatable Plug Coupling Sleeve for Azimuthal Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric plug couplings suffer from azimuthal tolerances that can prevent the achievement of a complete, final coupled state between coupling halves, leading to potential misalignment and instability.
Innovation Solution
A coupling half design featuring a threadless rotatable sleeve system, comprising an outer and inner sleeve, where the inner sleeve is movable relative to the outer sleeve and guided by a spring-like mechanism, ensuring precise alignment and a defined rotational force threshold for achieving a secure, final coupled position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a singlepiece sleeve is used that is fixed to the housing, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easier, but azimuthal tolerances cannot be compensated and the final coupled state may not be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve is divided into two separate parts: an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve. The outer sleeve is fixed to the housing, while the inner sleeve can rotate relative to the outer sleeve. This segmentation allows the inner sleeve to compensate for azimuthal tolerances and achieve precise alignment with the locking means, while the outer sleeve maintains the simple fixed structure for ease of manufacture.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the sleeve is rotated to achieve the final coupled state, then connection stability is improved, but azimuthal tolerances may prevent complete coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The inner sleeve acts as an intermediary between the outer sleeve (fixed to housing) and the locking means. It provides a movable interface that can rotate to compensate for azimuthal tolerances, ensuring reliable engagement with the locking means while maintaining connection stability through the outer sleeve's fixed position.
3Manufacturing precision
If a threadless rotatable sleeve system is used, then azimuthal tolerance compensation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inner sleeve is nested within the outer sleeve, with the inner sleeve rotating inside the outer sleeve. This nested configuration achieves precise azimuthal alignment through the inner sleeve's rotation while the outer sleeve maintains a simple fixed structure, minimizing overall device complexity despite the added functional capability.
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
The design ensures consistent and reliable achievement of the final coupled state between coupling halves, reducing azimuthal tolerances and providing both optical and haptic feedback for user confirmation, enhancing connection stability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
guided by a spring-like mechanism, ensuring precise alignment and a defined rotational force threshold for achieving a secure, final coupled position
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect of the invention relates to a coupling half (1) for an electric plug (2), which is configured for coupling to a further coupling half (3) of the electric plug (1), comprising a housing (4) and comprising a contact carrier (7) for electric contacts, the contact carrier (7) being arranged in the housing (4), and comprising a sleeve (8), which is separate from the housing (4) and which is arranged on the housing (4) to be threadlessly rotatable, wherein the sleeve (8) forms a connector (8a) of the coupling half (1) for connecting to the further coupling half (3), wherein the sleeve (8) comprises an outer sleeve (9), which is threadlessly rotatably arranged on the housing (4), and the sleeve (8) comprises an inner sleeve (15), which is separate from the outer sleeve (9), wherein the inner sleeve (15) is arranged on the outer sleeve (9) and the inner sleeve (15) is movable in the direction of a longitudinal axis (A) of the coupling half (1) relative to the housing (4) and to the outer sleeve (9). One aspect relates to an electric plug (2). One aspect relates to a method.