Quick Disconnect Connector Angled Wall Breakaway
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick-disconnect connectors fail to release when force is applied perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, causing damage and user harm, and often require precise alignment for mating.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector assembly features a housing with a mating projection and recess having angled walls and resilient members, allowing for 360-degree mating and easy breakaway regardless of force direction, with circular contacts and seals for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional quick-disconnect connectors are designed to release when force is applied along the longitudinal axis, then they can break away in straight-line pulls, but they fail to release when force is applied perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, causing equipment damage and user harm
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs asymmetric angled walls (first angled wall and second angled wall at different angles) within the longitudinal bore that are selectively engaged by resilient members. This asymmetric geometry converts perpendicular pull forces into longitudinal release forces, enabling the connector to reliably break away regardless of the direction of applied force while preventing equipment damage and user harm.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design changes the mechanical parameter of force direction conversion by using angled walls at specific angles (e.g., 30-60 degrees) relative to the longitudinal axis. When force is applied perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the angled walls convert this lateral force into a longitudinal component that triggers the breakaway mechanism, thereby expanding the range of forces that reliably cause release.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional connectors require precise alignment for mating, then mechanical stability is improved, but connection time increases and usability in low-visibility or quick-connect scenarios deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design provides universal mating capability by allowing connection from multiple directions (0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, or any angle in between) while maintaining stable mechanical engagement. The circular cross-section and angled wall geometry enable the connector to mate reliably regardless of approach angle, eliminating the need for precise alignment while ensuring mating stability through the resilient member engagement mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector employs a circular cross-sectional bore and angled walls that provide curved engagement surfaces. This circular geometry allows the connector to be approached and mated from any rotational orientation, eliminating alignment requirements. The curved surfaces of the angled walls guide the mating process smoothly while maintaining stable engagement once connected.
3Ease of operation
If breakaway force is set to be low for easy release, then quick-disconnect functionality is improved, but the connector may release under normal operational stress; if breakaway force is set high for operational stability, then connection reliability is improved, but easy release functionality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector uses resilient members (springs) that provide dynamic, adjustable engagement force. The resilient members can be designed with specific spring rates to provide sufficient holding force during normal operation while requiring only moderate pull force to overcome the spring force and trigger breakaway. This dynamic mechanism allows the connector to adapt to operational loads while maintaining easy release capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The angled walls are pre-configured at specific angles that automatically convert lateral pull forces into longitudinal release forces before the breakaway point is reached. This preliminary geometric arrangement ensures that when a user applies perpendicular pull force, the force is automatically redirected to overcome the resilient member engagement, making release easy without requiring excessive force that could compromise connection reliability during normal use.
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
Enables secure mating from any direction and easy release when a designated force is applied, preventing equipment damage and user harm while simplifying connection processes.
Implementation Method 1
A resilient member is provided in the mating recess. The resilient member is configured to be resiliently deformable away from a longitudinal axis of the mating recess.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector assembly for mating with a mating connector assembly. The connector assembly includes a housing with a cable receiving portion and a mating portion. The housing has a first surface and an oppositely facing second surface. A mating projection extends from the first surface in a direction away from the second surface. The mating projection has a circular cross-sectional configuration. The mating projection has an angled wall which extends from the first surface to a mating face, the angled wall is angled relative to a plane of the first surface and a plane of the mating face. The mating face has contacts extending therethrough. The contacts have circular engagement sections arranged concentrically about a center of the mating face. A securing recess is provided in the angled wall, the securing recess extends about the outside circumference of the angled wall.