Self-Aligning Connector Assembly for Blind-Mate Vibration Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies require manual adjustment of the relative position between female and male connectors for alignment before insertion, complicating the connection process and are not adaptable to various fluid pipelines or components, and lack structural integrity during vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly with a locking sleeve featuring guiding protrusions that allow for blind-mating connections by guiding locking protrusions into locking slots, and bearing surfaces to distribute lateral loads, ensuring structural integrity and ease of connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment adjustment is required before insertion, then connection precision can be achieved, but connection complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking slots are pre-formed with guiding segments that automatically guide the locking protrusions into correct alignment during insertion. This preliminary preparation of the locking mechanism eliminates the need for manual alignment adjustment, as the guiding segments perform the alignment function automatically as connectors are inserted.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding segments act as an intermediary element between the locking slots and locking protrusions. These guiding segments provide a transition path that mediates the alignment process, allowing connectors to self-align through the guiding action rather than requiring direct precise positioning or manual adjustment.
2Ease of operation
If locking mechanism allows rotational adjustment, then blind-mating connection is achieved, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking slot is segmented into distinct functional zones: a guiding segment for alignment and rotation, and a locking segment for final engagement. This segmentation allows the slot to perform multiple functions - the guiding segment enables rotational adjustment for blind-mating connection, while the locking segment provides strong final engagement that maintains structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system that allows controlled rotation during insertion. The locking sleeve can rotate relative to the connector body during the insertion process, enabling blind-mating connection, and then locks into a fixed position once engagement is complete, maintaining structural strength in the final state.
3Ease of operation
If locking sleeve is retained in rotatable manner, then blind-mating connection is enabled, but connection reliability under vibration may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The locking protrusions are designed with leading surfaces that engage the guiding segments first, performing the alignment and rotation function before final locking engagement. This preliminary action ensures that the rotatable locking sleeve is properly positioned and aligned before the locking protrusions engage the locking segments, preventing misalignment that could compromise reliability under vibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding segments provide continuous guidance throughout the insertion and rotation process, ensuring that the locking protrusions remain properly aligned with the locking slots throughout the entire motion. This continuous guiding action maintains connection reliability by preventing discontinuities or jumps in the engagement process that could occur with discrete alignment steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector includes a first connector body and a locking sleeve. The locking sleeve is rotatably retained on the first connector body and includes a locking slot and a guiding protrusion. The locking slot is provided in a tubular wall of the locking sleeve, and the guiding protrusion is arranged at an axial end of the tubular wall and is adjacent to the locking slot. The second connector includes a second connector body, and the second connector body includes a locking protrusion arranged at its outer periphery. During the insertion of the second connector body between the locking sleeve and the first connector body along the axial direction, the locking sleeve can rotate responsive to the locking protrusion pushing the guiding protrusion, allowing the locking protrusion to move along the guiding protrusion and into the locking slot.