Rotating Cable Retainer for Vibration-Resistant Power Supply Connectors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved cable retention in power supplies to prevent inadvertent disconnection of electronic devices in vehicles, particularly in moving environments where access to the power supply is limited and driver attention cannot be diverted.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system featuring a cable retainer that secures the connection between a cable connector and a power supply connector through axial rotation, ensuring engagement with a cable retainer to prevent disconnection, using a radial projection and pocket mechanism to lock the cable in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard connector is used without retention mechanism, then the cable can be easily connected and disconnected, but the cable may inadvertently disconnect due to vibrations or external factors in a moving vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates a dynamic retention mechanism where the cable connector can be easily inserted in a straight-line motion, then rotated to engage with the cable retainer. This allows the connection process to transition from a simple insertion motion to a locked state through rotation, providing both ease of initial connection and secure retention against vibrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into functional segments: an insertion phase where the cable connector simply engages with the power supply connector, and a retention phase where rotation engages the cable retainer features. This segmentation allows the same connector to provide both easy connection and secure retention without requiring separate components.
2Reliability
If the cable connector can be easily disconnected, then the cable can be quickly removed, but the cable may disconnect inadvertently during vehicle operation
Solution Approach 1:
The connector uses a dynamic retention system where a simple rotational motion engages or disengages the cable retainer. The cable connector can be rotated to lock into the cable retainer features for secure retention, or rotated in reverse to release. This adds minimal complexity while providing reliable retention during vehicle operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex locking mechanism that requires multiple steps to secure, the design inverts the approach by using a simple rotation in the opposite direction to release the lock. The cable connector rotates one way to engage retention features and rotates the other way to disengage, providing intuitive operation with minimal complexity.
3Reliability
If a rotation mechanism is added to prevent disconnection, then cable retention is improved, but the connection process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation mechanism is designed to be a simple single-motion operation. The cable connector rotates once in a straightforward motion to engage the cable retainer features, providing secure retention. The same simple rotational motion in reverse releases the connection. This maintains ease of operation while significantly improving cable retention reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Power supplies and methods of use thereof are disclosed. One power supply includes an electrical power source, a power supply connector, a housing, a cable retainer, and an electrical cable. The power supply connector is in electrical communication with the electrical power source. The housing at least partially contains the electrical power source and supports the power supply connector. The cable retainer is coupled to the housing. The electrical cable has a cable connector configured to be connected to the power supply connector to communicate with the electrical power source. The cable connector is configured to be axially rotatable while connected to the power supply connector between a first position, in which the cable connector can be disconnected from the power supply connector, and a second position, in which the cable connector engages with the cable retainer to prevent disconnection of the cable connector from the power supply connector.