Push-On Connector Structure for Gap-Free Threaded Fitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors face issues with fitting accuracy and versatility due to gaps and rattling during connection, particularly in push-on connectors, and require complex screw tightening in screw-type connectors.
Innovation Solution
A connector system with a male-side connector featuring an outer engagement member and holder that covers the female-side connector's screw thread from the outside, reducing gaps and increasing contact area, and a shifted position of engagement members to minimize rattling, allowing for easy insertion and pullout without screw tightening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a push-on connector is used to eliminate screw tightening, then ease of operation is improved, but fitting accuracy deteriorates due to gaps and rattling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a holder as an intermediary component that fills the gap between the coupling and the screw thread apex. This holder acts as a mediator that eliminates the harmful space causing rattling, while maintaining the push-on connection mechanism. The holder is made of elastic material that can deform to fill the gap completely, ensuring no rattling occurs during connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the holder material from rigid to elastic, allowing it to deform and fill the gap dynamically. The elastic material can compress and expand to adapt to the gap between the coupling and screw thread apex, eliminating the fixed gap that causes rattling in traditional rigid structures.
2Reliability
If a screw-type connector is used to ensure secure connection, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and operation time increase due to screw tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful function of the screw thread apex that causes gaps and rattling, while retaining the beneficial screw thread structure for engagement. The holder removes the problematic space without eliminating the screw thread's locking function, achieving a simplified structure that maintains reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the coupling structure into distinct functional zones: the screw thread engagement zone, the holder filling zone, and the coupling body. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally - the screw thread provides secure engagement while the holder eliminates gaps, without requiring the entire structure to be complex.
3Manufacturing precision
If the holder inner circumference diameter is increased to reduce gaps, then fitting accuracy is improved, but the holder may not fit over the screw thread apex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the holder dynamic through its elastic material properties. The holder's inner circumference diameter is not fixed but can expand and contract as needed. During installation, it can compress to fit over the screw thread apex, then expand to fill the gap completely, adapting its size dynamically to satisfy both constraints.
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
Improves fitting accuracy and versatility by reducing rattling and simplifying the connection process, enabling stable and efficient engagement without complex screwing, while maintaining compatibility with common female-side connectors.
Implementation Method 1
the holder (28) is made of an elastic material and has a predetermined shape
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
To provide a connector capable of improving fitting property while a widely common female-side connector can be used as it is. A connector includes a female-side connector and a male-side connector that includes an inner engagement portion and an outer engagement member or an outer engagement portion. The outer engagement member or the outer engagement portion has an outer engagement member body or an outer engagement portion body that covers the female-side engagement portion from outside when the male-side connector is inserted into the female-side connector. The outer engagement member or the outer engagement portion has a holder that is provided integrally with, or separately from and inside the outer engagement member body or the outer engagement portion body and that, when the male-side connector is inserted into the female-side connector, covers the screw thread on the female-side engagement portion from the outside, and fills a gap between the female-side engagement portion and the outer engagement member body or the outer engagement portion body. The holder is disposed on an end portion side of the male-side connector from the inner engagement portion in a longitudinal direction of the male-side connector, and is disposed so as to pinch the female-side engagement portion in cooperation with the inner engagement portion when the male-side connector is inserted into the female-side connector.