Quick Link Connector Locking Mechanism to Prevent Miss-Connections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing belay devices for climbing and descender systems have issues with costly and difficult-to-attach harness connectors, high-wear ground/wall anchor components, and user errors such as miss-connections and unintended line releases, leading to safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A connector apparatus with a housing and locking mechanism featuring a rotatable disk and latch arms, using identical quick link connectors and magnets to ensure secure attachment and release, preventing miss-connections and unintended line releases, and reducing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a specialized shape connector is used for harness connection, then connection security is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and attachment difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using identical quick link connectors for both harness attachment and ground/wall anchor attachment. The connector component features two channels that can each receive the same quick link connector design, eliminating the need for specialized different-shaped connectors while maintaining connection security through the locking mechanism.
2Reliability
If a specialized shape connector is used for harness connection, then connection security is improved, but ease of attachment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses identical quick link connectors for both attachment points, making them easier to attach since users only need to learn one connector type rather than two different specialized shapes. The universal design maintains security through the locking mechanism while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism automatically engages when the quick link connector is inserted into the channel, providing self-service locking without requiring additional manual steps. This maintains connection security while simplifying the attachment process.
3Reliability
If a key component is used for ground/wall anchor, then connection security is improved, but component wear increases leading to inoperability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the high-wear key component with a disposable quick link connector that can be easily replaced. The locking mechanism uses a rotatable disk with latch arms that engage with the quick link connector, eliminating the wear-prone key interface while maintaining connection security. When wear occurs, the entire quick link connector can be replaced rather than the critical locking key.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses identical quick link connectors for both harness and anchor attachments, creating a redundant copy of the connector design. This eliminates the need for a unique high-wear key component and allows for easy replacement if wear occurs.
4Ease of operation
If users can freely attach and release connectors, then ease of operation is improved, but safety issues arise from miss-connections and unintended releases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism provides feedback through its locking state - the rotatable disk with latch arms clearly indicates when the quick link connector is securely locked. The magnetic interaction between the magnet on the quick link connector and the magnetically actuable latch arm provides automatic locking feedback, ensuring users know when proper connection has been achieved, preventing miss-connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the user and the connection, requiring specific actions (insertion into channel, rotation to engage latch) that ensure proper connection. The magnetic latch arm serves as an intermediary that automatically engages to prevent unintended releases, maintaining safety while allowing ease of operation.
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
The connector apparatus enhances user safety and efficiency by preventing miss-connections and unintended line releases, while being cost-effective and easy to use, with redundant safety features to secure the attachment process.
Implementation Method 1
The latch arm includes a magnet, and the second quick link connector magnetically actuates the latch arm towards the unlatched position
Implementation Method 2
The disk includes a magnet and the housing includes a magnet, the magnet on the disk and the magnet on the housing generating a repellant magnetic force that biases pivoting movement of the disk
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A connector apparatus includes a first connector and a second connector. A housing defines a first channel and a second channel and a locking mechanism configured to secure one of the first and second connectors within the first channel or the second channel. The locking mechanism includes a disk with a rotational stop, and a latch arm pivotable between at least a latched position and an unlatched position. When the first connector is secured within the first channel by the disk and the second connector is inserted into the second channel, the second connector actuates the latch arm towards the unlatched position such that the disk is enabled to pivot and secure the second connector to the housing while simultaneously releasing the first connector from the housing.