Rotary Connector Stopper Structure for Cable Tension Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary connector devices face issues with the electrical cable becoming loose and the intermediate portion collapsing when the cases rotate excessively, leading to potential malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A rotary connector device with a stopper structure that includes a movable member, a rotation restricting portion, and a guide portion, which restricts the relative rotation of the cases to a predetermined angle, preventing excessive rotation and maintaining cable tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cases are allowed to rotate freely, then the connector device has greater operational flexibility, but the electrical cable becomes loose and the intermediate portion collapses causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper member is designed to move dynamically between a first position (allowing rotation) and a second position (restricting rotation). The stopper structure transitions from a static to a dynamic constraint system, adapting its restraint level based on rotational position. This dynamic behavior allows the connector to accommodate necessary rotation while preventing excessive rotation that would loosen the cable.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper structure is pre-configured with the guide portion and stopper member positioned to engage at specific rotational angles. Before excessive rotation occurs, the guide portion directs the stopper member toward the first position, and the rotation restricting portion prevents further rotation by contacting the movable member. This preliminary action prevents cable loosening before it occurs.
2Reliability
If a stopper structure is added to restrict rotation, then cable tension is maintained and reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper structure integrates multiple functions into a single assembly: the guide portion (for directing movement), the stopper member (for restriction), and the rotation restricting portion (for limiting rotation) are combined into one cohesive structure. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining the reliability benefits of rotation limitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper structure is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the rotational position of the cases. The guide portion and stopper member work together in a self-actuating manner, requiring no external control mechanisms. The structure serves itself by using the rotational motion to trigger the stopping action, thereby maintaining reliability without adding complex control systems.
3Reliability
If the stopper member is kept at the second radial position, then rotation is restricted and cable looseness is prevented, but the movable member cannot return to the first radial position reducing operational range
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper member is designed to be dynamically positionable between the first and second radial positions rather than being fixed at one position. This dynamic positioning allows the system to maintain reliability when rotation restriction is needed while preserving operational flexibility when it is not required. The movable member can transition between positions based on operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide portion is designed to preemptively guide the stopper member back toward the first radial position after rotation restriction has occurred. This preliminary anti-action counteracts the tendency of the stopper member to remain at the second position, ensuring that the movable member can return to its initial position and restore the full operational range while having benefited from the temporary rotation restriction.
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary connector device includes a first case, a second case, an electrical cable, and a stopper structure. The stopper structure includes a movable member, a rotation restricting portion, and a guide portion. The movable member is movable relative to the second case between a first radial position and a second radial position in a radial direction. The rotation restricting portion is provided at the first case and contactable with the movable member in a circumferential direction to restrict a relative rotation of the first case and the second case in a state where the movable member is at the second radial position. The guide portion is provided at the first case and contactable with the movable member to guide the movable member toward the first radial position.