Ring Sleeve Plug Locking Structure to Prevent Connector Dropout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Male and female plugs tend to loosen due to external forces, leading to potential short circuits and fires, especially in outdoor lighting setups, and are difficult to reconnect at elevated positions.
Innovation Solution
An anti-dropout structure featuring a ring sleeve with anti-dropout walls and position-limiting structures that secure male and female plugs together, using soft materials for one-piece molding and integration with extension lines and collars for easy installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If male and female plugs are connected without anti-dropout structure, then the connection can be easily assembled, but the plugs tend to loosen and detach due to external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-dropout structure is nested within the plug housing, with the ring sleeve containing anti-dropout walls that protrude into the through hole. The position-limiting structures are integrated into the ring sleeve, creating a compact nested arrangement that prevents detachment without adding external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-dropout walls protrude radially into the through hole from the ring sleeve, utilizing the radial dimension to create mechanical interference with the plugs. This dimensional approach transforms the connection from a simple linear fit to a multi-dimensional mechanical lock that resists detachment forces.
2Ease of operation
If plugs are connected at elevated positions, then outdoor lighting can be installed, but reconnection of loose plugs becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The position-limiting structures are pre-configured on the plugs and the anti-dropout walls are pre-positioned on the ring sleeve. When the plugs are inserted, the position-limiting structures automatically engage with the anti-dropout walls, creating a self-locking mechanism that secures the connection without requiring additional actions at elevated positions.
3Reliability
If anti-dropout walls protrude into the through hole, then plug detachment is prevented, but the insertion space becomes more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The ring sleeve is designed with a circumferential gap that allows it to expand radially during insertion. The anti-dropout walls can move dynamically within the through hole, protruding less during insertion to facilitate plug entry, and then engaging with the position-limiting structures to prevent detachment once connected.
Data Source
AI summary
An anti-dropout structure for plugs and a plug are provided. The anti-dropout structure comprises a ring sleeve having an axial through hole, and the through hole of the ring sleeve is configured for accommodating a male plug and a female plug. The ring sleeve is provided with a circumferential gap including an opening and closing structure. The male plug and female plug are configured to enter the through hole through the circumferential gap, and the ring sleeve further comprises anti-dropout walls protruding toward the through hole for preventing the male plug from being disconnected with the female plug. The anti-dropout walls comprise first position-limiting structures, and each of the male plug and female plug is provided with second position-limiting structures. The first position-limiting structures are configured to abut the second position-limiting structures to prevent the male plug from being disconnected with the female plug.