Quick-Connect Electrical Fixture Latch With Transverse Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and removal of electrical fixtures, such as lighting and fans, typically require the assistance of a qualified electrician and involve time-consuming and hazardous procedures, including hand-wiring and mechanical connections, which can be challenging and unsafe for inexperienced individuals.
Innovation Solution
A plug and socket combination with a release and attachment latch mechanism that allows for tool-less connection and mounting, featuring a spindle with radially movable balls and a rod that can be axially positioned to release or lock the connection, enabling easy installation and removal without specialized tools or expertise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional electrical fixture installation methods are used, then reliable electrical connections and mechanical support are achieved, but the installation process requires qualified electricians, specialized tools, and is time-consuming and hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection and mechanical support functions are segmented into separate components: electrical contacts for electrical connection and a spindle with balls for mechanical support. This allows independent optimization of each function and simplifies the overall installation process by enabling tool-less assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The balls are nested within recesses in the spindle, and the electrical contacts are nested within the socket body. This nested structure allows compact design while maintaining separate functional zones for electrical and mechanical connections, reducing overall complexity.
2Ease of repair
If traditional fixture removal procedures are used, then mechanical connections are broken, but the process requires tools and specialized knowledge and poses safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is designed to be self-operating through the lever and cam system. The lever translates user input into cam follower motion that automatically moves the rod to release the balls from the ridge, enabling tool-less removal without specialized knowledge and reducing safety hazards.
3Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is used to ensure reliable connection, then mechanical stability is improved, but the mechanism becomes more complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static locked state (balls resting on ridge) to a dynamic release state through cam follower action. The cam surface converts the simple lever motion into precise rod displacement, dynamically controlling the release sequence while maintaining reliability through the mechanical advantage of the cam geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam follower acts as an intermediary between the lever and the rod. It translates the lever's linear motion into controlled rod displacement, mediating the force transmission and enabling easy operation while maintaining the reliability of the locking mechanism through precise mechanical control.
4Strength
If separate mechanical connections are used for supporting fixtures, then mechanical support is achieved, but the installation time increases and the process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection and mechanical support functions are merged into a single integrated assembly process. The plug and socket design allows both electrical contacts and the spindle with balls to be engaged simultaneously during one insertion motion, eliminating the need for separate mechanical connection steps and doubling the installation speed.
Data Source
AI summary
A known quick connect electrical connector has plug which has a spindle through which a rod is passed. Metal balls are contained within the spindle and can be pushed radially outwardly by a widened portion of the rod to lock the spindle to a passage in a corresponding socket. To separate the plug and socket, the rod must be pushed to move the widened portion away from the balls. To accomplish this, a cam follower is attached to the rod. Slide supports are attached to the plug. A lever slides within the slide supports and has a cam surface which pushes the cam follower when the lever is slid within the slide supports. When the cam follower is pushed, it moves the rod to enable the metal balls to move radially inwards to release the plug from the socket.