Polygonal Connector Stud Locking for Low-Profile Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector systems lack a robust, low-profile design that ensures secure attachment of equipment while minimizing the risk of inadvertent release, particularly in safety-critical applications.
Innovation Solution
A connector stud with a head component featuring a regular polygonal shape, an annular groove, and a circular boss, combined with a connector dock having a cantilevered tab and indexing mechanism, ensures secure engagement and prevents accidental disengagement through a locked configuration and discrete angular positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connector system uses a robust retention design to prevent inadvertent release, then reliability is improved, but the profile height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector stud is divided into distinct functional segments: the head portion with annular groove for engagement, the neck portion for structural connection, and the base component with attachment interface. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently, achieving secure retention through the annular groove and protrusion interaction while maintaining a compact overall profile without requiring excessive height
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement mechanism transitions from a purely vertical/axial retention approach to incorporating radial engagement features. The annular groove in the head portion engages with a protrusion from the dock in a radial direction, creating a locked configuration that prevents inadvertent release while maintaining a low axial profile. This dimensional shift from axial to radial engagement enables robust retention without increasing height
2Length of moving object
If a connector stud uses a low-profile design, then the length is reduced, but the robustness of attachment may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connector stud employs a composite construction combining the head component (with head portion and neck portion) and the base component with different functional properties. The head component provides engagement functionality through the annular groove, while the base component with threaded insert provides secure mounting capability. This composite approach allows optimization of each component for its specific function while maintaining overall robustness within a compact profile
Solution Approach 2:
The annular groove and protrusion are pre-configured to engage in a locked configuration before any load is applied. The exit slot is pre-formed to allow controlled disengagement only when intentionally actuated. This preliminary configuration ensures that robust attachment is achieved from the outset without requiring excessive profile height, as the engagement geometry is optimized in advance
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
According to the present disclosure there is provided a connector stud comprising: a head component comprising a head portion and a neck portion extending from a first side of the head portion, the head portion having a regular polygonal shape; wherein the head component comprises an annular groove in the first side of the head portion, the annular groove being configured to receive a protrusion of a connector dock. There is also provided a connector dock comprising: a receiving portion for receiving the head portion of the connector stud, the head portion having a regular polygonal shape; a cantilevered tab provided at a front of the receiving portion, the tab having a protrusion which projects from a rear surface of the tab and extends towards a rear of the retaining portion; wherein the protrusion is configured to engage an annular groove formed in a first side of the head portion of the connector stud. There is also provided a connector system comprising the connector stud and connector dock.