Measurement Sensor Cable Locking for Secure End Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measurement sensors, such as Rogowski coils, face issues with the secure retention of the cable end within the housing, leading to potential inadvertent withdrawal during use.
Innovation Solution
A dual locking mechanism comprising resilient fingers and a locking member that limits deformation of the fingers, ensuring the cable end is securely retained in the socket through interlocking protrusions and an elastic member, with a detent mechanism to maintain the locked configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If only resilient fingers are used to retain the cable end, then the cable end can be easily inserted and removed, but the cable end may be inadvertently withdrawn during use
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism is segmented into two independent components: resilient fingers for initial engagement and a locking member for secure retention. The resilient fingers provide easy insertion by deforming to accommodate the cable end, while the locking member (with radially inward protrusions) engages with the fingers to prevent inadvertent withdrawal, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and retention security.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient fingers perform preliminary action by deforming radially outward to facilitate cable end insertion, then the locking member is actuated to engage with the fingers before the cable end is fully inserted. This preliminary deformation and subsequent locking sequence ensures both easy insertion and secure retention, preventing inadvertent withdrawal during use.
2Reliability
If a locking member is added to limit deformation of resilient fingers, then cable end retention security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed to be movable between an unlocked configuration (allowing finger deformation for insertion) and a locked configuration (limiting finger deformation for secure retention). This dynamic design allows the mechanism to adapt its state based on operational needs, providing both ease of insertion and secure retention without requiring a permanently complex structure. The movable nature of the locking member simplifies the overall design compared to permanently engaged locking structures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The dual locking mechanism effectively reduces the likelihood of inadvertent cable end withdrawal, enhancing the sensor's reliability and usability by securing the cable end during operation.
Implementation Method 1
The housing comprises at least one resilient finger... When the free second end of the cable is received by the socket, at least one resilient finger may releasably retain the free second end of the cable within the socket
Implementation Method 2
The locking member is moveable between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration. In the locked configuration, the locking member limits deformation of the at least one resilient finger
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
There is provided a measurement sensor 2. The measurement sensor 2 comprises a housing 4, and a cable 6 having a first end 8 that extends from the housing 4 and a free second end 10. The housing 4 comprises at least one resilient finger 16, and a socket 18 that is defined, at least in part, by the at least one resilient finger 16. The socket 18 defines a central axis 20. The free second end 10 of the cable 6 is receivable by the socket 18 such that the at least one resilient finger 16 engages the free second end of the cable 6 to releasably retain the free second end 10 of the cable 6 within the socket 18. The measurement sensor 2 further comprises a locking member 12 that is mounted to the housing 4. The locking member 12 is moveable between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration. In the locked configuration, the locking member 12 limits deformation of the at least one resilient finger 16.