Rotary Locking Connector for Reliable Floating Device Coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flotation devices lack a quick and reliable mechanism for connecting and disconnecting connecting cords, leading to inefficiencies in assembly and disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a first and second housing with engaging arms and bosses, limiting protrusions, and curved channels that allow for secure locking and unlocking through relative rotation, ensuring easy connection and disconnection of floating devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional connecting cords are used without a locking mechanism, then the connection process is simple, but the connecting cords can be accidentally separated and the connection is not reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a dynamic locking mechanism where the first and second connectors rotate relative to each other to engage the protruding finger with the engaging boss. This rotational movement transforms a static connection into a dynamic one that automatically locks, preventing accidental separation while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging arm with the protruding finger is nested within the housing structure, and the limiting protrusion is nested within the limiting recess. This nested arrangement allows the locking mechanism to be integrated into the connector body without significantly increasing external dimensions or operational complexity
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism with relative rotation is implemented, then the connection reliability is improved, but the operation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into distinct functional components: the housing, the engaging arm with protruding finger, the engaging boss, and the limiting protrusion with recess. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall operation intuitive and easy to understand despite the locking mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The limiting recess is designed with a curved surface that guides the limiting protrusion during the rotation process. This curvature provides a natural path for the rotation movement, making the locking action smooth and easy to perform without requiring precise alignment or excessive force
3Reliability
If multiple engagement points are added to prevent separation, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector merges multiple functions into a unified structure: the engaging arm simultaneously provides the protruding finger for locking and the curved surface for guiding rotation, while the housing integrates the limiting protrusion and recess directly into its wall. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining reliable connection through multiple engagement points
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a connector and a floating device. The connector includes a first housing and a second housing abutted against each other, the first housing and the second housing defines an accommodating cavity for receiving a connecting cord between the first housing and the second housing. A first end of the connector is provided with a through hole in communication with the accommodating cavity and configured to allow the connecting cord to pass through. An end surface of a second end of the first housing is provided with an engaging arm projecting outward, and the engaging arm is provided with a protruding finger extending about a rotation axis of the connector. An outer peripheral wall of a second end of the second housing includes a curved wall provided with an engaging boss projecting outward. When two connectors are connected to each other, the second ends of the two connectors are abutted against each other, and the protruding finger of any one of the connectors is engaged with the engaging boss of the other of the connectors by a relative rotation of the two connectors, thereby preventing the two connectors from being separated from each other in the rotation axis.