Ratchet Connector Preventing Casing Splitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for fluidically connecting devices are prone to casing splitting due to forces exerted on the ratchet during device attachment, necessitating the use of adhesives for secure attachment.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a housing with integrated ratchet and pawl mechanism that restricts rotation in the screwing direction, using a gear with orthogonal teeth and pawl engagement 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 prevented from being removed, but the force exerted on the ratchet can split the two casings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the engagement direction of the pawl from parallel to the protrusion (radial direction) to orthogonal to the protrusion (axial direction). This dimensional change allows the ratchet force to be transmitted along the axial direction where the protrusion-recess engagement can effectively resist splitting forces, rather than in the radial direction where the casings are vulnerable to separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is divided into two separate casings that are engaged through a protrusion and recess. The ratchet mechanism is integrated into one casing while the pawl is formed on the other casing, allowing the force transmission path to be segmented and directed through the protrusion-recess interface to prevent splitting.
2Strength
If adhesives are used to secure the two casings, then casing splitting is prevented, but the device complexity and manufacturing process are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the adhesive from the system by designing a purely mechanical solution. The protrusion-recess engagement combined with the orthogonally oriented pawl provides sufficient structural strength without requiring chemical bonding agents, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural design of the housing itself, with the protrusion and recess features, provides the necessary strength and alignment. The ratchet and pawl mechanism automatically engages and transmits forces through this self-contained mechanical structure, eliminating the need for external adhesives or additional fastening components.
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector that can prevent two casings from being split under a force exerted on a ratchet when a device is being screwed on can be offered. The connector includes a housing 30 having a first casing 36 and a second casing 37; a connection member 40 formed into a cylinder an interior of which constitutes a first flow path L1 and arranged in the housing 30 rotatably around an axis, a screw portion 42 being formed on the connection portion in such a manner that the syringe 1 can be screwed in; a flow path member 80 arranged in the connection member 40; and a ratchet 50 having a gear 51 arranged in the connection member 40 and having a plurality of teeth 51a in the peripheral direction and a pawl 52 arranged in the housing 30, and engaged in a protruding direction of the protrusion 36b of the first casing 36 from the first end surface 36a with the restricting surface 51b of the gear 51 rotating in the direction of the syringe 1 being screwed in so as to restrict the rotation of the gear 51.