Ratchet Connector Assembly That Prevents Casing Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for fluidically connecting devices face issues with casing separation due to forces exerted on ratchets, requiring adhesives for secure attachment, which complicates assembly and increases the risk of damage.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a housing with integrated ratchet and pawl mechanism that restricts rotation in the screwing direction while allowing removal, using a gear and pawl configuration that intersects with protrusions to prevent casing separation, eliminating the need for adhesives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ratchet mechanism is used to restrict rotation of the device securing unit, then the device can be securely attached, but the force exerted on the ratchet causes the two casings to split
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orientation of the ratchet pawl engagement from a radial direction (parallel to protrusion) to an axial direction (intersecting with protrusion). This dimensional change in the force application vector prevents the casings from splitting while maintaining the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary structural feature (the intersecting engagement geometry between pawl and gear teeth) that mediates between the ratchet locking function and the casing integrity requirement, distributing forces in a way that prevents casing separation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If adhesives are used to prevent casing separation, then the casings remain securely attached, but the assembly process becomes more complex and the risk of damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding method (adhesive) with a purely mechanical solution (ratchet pawl engagement in an intersecting direction). This eliminates the need for adhesives while maintaining casing attachment stability, simplifying the assembly process and reducing damage risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet mechanism provides self-locking functionality through its geometric design, where the pawl naturally engages with the gear teeth in an intersecting direction to prevent casing separation without requiring external bonding agents or complex assembly procedures.
3Ease of operation
If the ratchet pawl engages parallel to the protrusion direction, then the ratchet can restrict rotation, but the force causes the two casings to split
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reorients the ratchet pawl engagement from a radial direction (parallel to protrusion) to an axial direction (intersecting with protrusion). This dimensional change maintains the rotation restriction function while redirecting forces to prevent casing splitting.
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 design securely attaches devices without adhesives, preventing casing separation and reducing the risk of damage, while allowing easy attachment and detachment, enhancing the durability and usability of the connector.
Implementation Method 1
a ratchet including a gear and a pawl, the gear being formed on a peripheral surface on the other end side of the connection member and having a plurality of teeth in a circumferential direction, the teeth respectively having a restricting surface and a climbing surface, and the pawl being formed on the housing and engaged in a direction intersecting with a protruding direction of the protrusion from the first end surface with the restricting surface of the gear that rotates in the screwing direction to restrict rotation of the gear
Implementation Method 2
the teeth respectively having a restricting surface and a climbing surface, and the pawl being formed on the housing and engaged in a direction intersecting with a protruding direction of the protrusion from the first end surface with the restricting surface of the gear
Data Source
AI summary
The connector includes a housing having a first casing and a second casing; a connection member formed into a cylinder an interior of which constitutes a first flow path L1 and arranged in the housing rotatably around an axis, a screw portion being formed on the connection portion in such a manner that the syringe can be screwed in; a flow path member arranged in the connection member; and a ratchet having a gear arranged in the connection member and having a plurality of teeth in the peripheral direction and a pawl arranged in the housing, and engaged in a protruding direction of the protrusion of the first casing from the first end surface with the restricting surface of the gear rotating in the direction of the syringe being screwed in so as to restrict the rotation of the gear.