Pull-Release Electrical Connector With Pivoting Thread Disengagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing military connectors face durability issues due to the deflection-by-force method of dislodging threading, which can cause damage over time, particularly in high-stress applications like launch scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring pivotable inner coupling nut members secured by a lanyard that disengages threads upon pulling, allowing for reliable and durable disconnection without thread damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the deflection-by-force method is used to dislodge threading in existing military connectors, then disconnection can be achieved, but thread damage and wear occur over time reducing durability
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate functional components: a coupling mechanism for engagement and a lanyard-based release mechanism for disengagement. This segmentation allows the threading to remain intact during normal use while providing a dedicated disconnection path that does not damage the threads.
Solution Approach 2:
The lanyard acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the connector components. Instead of applying force directly to the threaded connection (which causes damage), the lanyard transmits pulling force through the body and cavity to actuate the coupling nuts, providing indirect control that preserves thread integrity.
2Reliability
If a lanyard-based release mechanism is implemented, then thread damage is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lanyard mechanism combines multiple functions into a single integrated system: the lanyard itself serves as both the user interface and the force transmission element, while the cavity and body structures serve dual purposes as both structural components and mechanical advantage levers. This merging reduces the need for separate complex disengagement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The cavity and body are designed to move together as a unified structure during the disengagement process, maintaining relative positional relationships that simplify the mechanism. The pivotable coupling nuts rotate within defined paths that are geometrically constrained by the body geometry, reducing the need for additional guiding components.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector plug comprises two or more pivotable nut members that are configured to engage one or more threads on a receptacle to secure the connector plug to the receptacle in a closed position. A lanyard or merely a pivoting mechanism is configured to cause pivoting of the nut member to disengage the one or more threads in an open position to allow disengagement of the connector plug from the receptacle.