Rotatable Connector Shell for Flexible Cable Exit Orientation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive connector systems with cable-guiding shells often require complex designs with multiple conduits to achieve multiple orientations, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A connector shell design featuring a rotatable cable-guiding sleeve with a single curved conduit, allowing for various orientations by blocking rotation in pre-set angular positions using complementary shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a connector uses multiple conduits in the cable-guiding sleeve to achieve multiple orientations, then the adaptability for different cable orientations is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable-guiding sleeve is made rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the rear face of the connector, allowing it to dynamically change orientation. The blocking means (protrusions and recesses) enable the sleeve to be positioned at multiple predetermined angular positions (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°), providing adaptability for different cable orientations without requiring multiple separate conduits. This dynamic positioning mechanism resolves the contradiction by replacing static multiple conduits with a single rotatable conduit system.
2Device complexity
If a connector uses a single conduit in the cable-guiding sleeve, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability for different cable orientations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The single conduit is made rotatable to achieve multiple orientations. The blocking means consisting of protrusions on the cable-guiding sleeve and corresponding recesses on the connector cover allow the sleeve to be securely positioned at multiple predetermined angular positions. This enables a single conduit to provide the adaptability of multiple conduits by changing its orientation dynamically, thus resolving the contradiction between simplicity and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The single cable-guiding sleeve is designed to perform multiple functions by rotating to different angular positions. Instead of requiring separate conduits for each orientation, one universal conduit can serve multiple orientation requirements through rotation and positioning at predetermined angles, achieving multi-functionality with a single component.
3Ease of operation
If the cable-guiding sleeve is made rotatable with blocking means for predetermined positions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking means consisting of protrusions and recesses create a self-locking mechanism. When the cable-guiding sleeve is rotated to a predetermined angular position, the protrusions automatically engage with the recesses, providing automatic positioning and locking without requiring additional actuators or complex control mechanisms. This self-service positioning system improves ease of operation while keeping the added complexity minimal.
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3~4a
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Connector shell comprising a connector cover (9) and a cable-guiding sleeve (10) comprising a curved conduit (11). The cover (9) and the cable-guiding sleeve (10) are made up of two separate elements. The cable-guiding sleeve (10) is mounted on the cover (9) so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation (A). The cable-guiding sleeve (10) and the cover (9) comprise means for blocking the rotation of the cable-guiding sleeve (10) on the cover (9) in at least two different pre-set angular positions about the axis of rotation (A). These blocking means comprise shapes that engage with each other in a complementary way, and that are able to release each other and allow the passage from one angular position to the next.