Rotary Connector Groove Locking for Correct Connection Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing connectors, incorrect rotational start positions can lead to engagement of the plug and socket components in unintended ways, causing users to mistakenly believe a connection is complete when it is not, due to the engagement between the protrusion and groove not being properly operated.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a rotatable second connection member with a connection groove system that includes a first groove for guiding movement and a second groove for restricting movement, along with a restricting portion to prevent rotation, ensuring the claw portion is correctly aligned and preventing erroneous connection recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the connector uses a simple engagement protrusion and groove mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of correct connection recognition deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection groove is divided into multiple segments: a first groove portion for initial engagement, a second groove portion for rotational movement, and a third groove portion for final locking. This segmentation allows the mechanism to provide reliable connection recognition through multiple distinct positions while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement protrusion is designed to preliminarily engage with the first groove portion before rotational movement occurs. This preliminary action guides the connection process and ensures that subsequent rotational movements occur from the correct starting position, preventing erroneous connection recognition.
2Ease of operation
If the connector allows free rotation during engagement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision required deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The first groove portion is positioned to receive the engagement protrusion in advance, creating a predetermined starting position for rotation. This preliminary positioning ensures that even with free rotation during operation, the connection process begins from the correct orientation, reducing manufacturing precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement protrusion acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the socket holder and plug holder. It guides the rotational movement through the grooves and ensures proper alignment, allowing ease of operation while maintaining acceptable manufacturing tolerances.
3Reliability
If the connector provides clear feedback for correct connection, then the reliability of connection recognition is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector structure itself provides feedback through the mechanical interaction of the engagement protrusion with the different groove portions. The user can feel the distinct positions (initial engagement, rotational movement, final locking) through the natural resistance and movement of the components, eliminating the need for separate feedback mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector provides tactile feedback analogous to visual feedback, where the user can distinguish connection states through touch rather than sight. The different groove portions create distinct tactile sensations that indicate connection progress and completion, similar to how color changes indicate state in other systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector includes a plug including a first connection member and a socket including a second connection member. The first connection member includes a first body portion and a claw portion. The second connection member includes a second body portion and a connection groove portion. The connection groove portion includes a first groove portion configured to guide movement of the claw portion in the first direction in a state where the second connection member is located at the first position and a second groove portion configured to restrict movement of the claw portion in the first direction and in a direction approaching the plug in a state where the second connection member is located at the second position. The second body portion includes a restricting portion configured to accommodate the claw portion and to restrict rotation of the socket with respect to the plug in the circumferential direction.