Ratcheting Lever Connector Reduces Connection Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies with lever-slide devices require excessive force to compensate for variations in lever length and engagement force, exceeding ergonomic limits during connection, due to the need for additional force to connect electrical connectors.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly incorporating a ratcheting mechanism that allows the operating lever to move through multiple strokes, coupled with a slide that uses a cam groove and latch pin to draw connectors together, reducing the force required for connection by allowing longer travel and shallower cam groove slopes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lever-slide device is used to connect plug and socket connectors, then the connectors can be connected with minimal effort, but additional force is required to compensate for variation in lever length and engagement force, which may exceed ergonomic limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a ratcheting mechanism that allows the operating lever to move through multiple strokes dynamically. Each stroke advances the slide incrementally, converting a single high-force action into multiple lower-force actions. The ratchet teeth engage with corresponding surfaces on the slide to prevent reverse motion, maintaining progressive advancement while reducing peak force requirements to within ergonomic limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection process is segmented into multiple discrete strokes rather than a single continuous motion. The ratcheting mechanism divides the total displacement into incremental steps, where each stroke accomplishes a portion of the connection task. This segmentation allows the operator to apply manageable force in repeated cycles, avoiding the need to generate excessive force in one action.
2Ease of operation
If the operating lever moves through multiple strokes to reduce force requirements, then ergonomic strain is reduced, but the connection process takes longer
Solution Approach 1:
The ratcheting mechanism enables periodic action through repeated strokes, where the lever oscillates between forward and return positions in a rhythmic cycle. Each forward stroke advances the connection, while the return stroke prepares for the next advancement. This periodic motion pattern allows operators to maintain a steady pace, reducing overall connection time compared to manual incremental methods while keeping force within ergonomic limits.
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 ratcheting mechanism reduces the ergonomic strain by lowering the force needed to connect electrical connectors, improving ease of use and efficiency while maintaining secure coupling and uncoupling.
Implementation Method 1
The slide is configured to move in a second direction that is generally perpendicular to the first direction. The cam groove and the latch pin cooperate to draw the first and second connectors together in the first direction from an uncoupled position to a fully coupled position when the slide is translated in the second direction.
Implementation Method 2
The connector assembly additionally includes a ratcheting mechanism coupling the operating lever to the slide. The ratcheting mechanism is configured to allow the operating lever to move from the final position to the initial position without translating the slide in a third direction opposite the second direction.
Implementation Method 3
The operating lever is hinged to the casing and rotatable about a first pivot having a first axis generally perpendicular to the first and second directions. The operating lever is coupled to the slide and is configured to translate the slide in the second direction as the operating lever is moved from an initial position to a final position.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly including a first and second connector configured to be connected to the first connector. The first connector has a slide including a cam groove for receiving a latch pin defined by the second connector. The slide is moved by a lever such that the cam groove and the latch pin cooperate to draw the first and second connectors from an uncoupled position to a fully coupled position when moved from an initial to final position. A ratcheting mechanism couples the lever to the slide allowing the lever to return from the final position to the initial position without disconnecting the first and second connectors. The lever is configured to move through more than one stroke from the initial position to the final position to bring the first and second connectors from the uncoupled position to the fully coupled position.