Shielded Multicore Cable Connector With Ratchet Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric connectors for shield-equipped multicore cables face challenges in reliably connecting cables with varying core wire counts and thicknesses, requiring adaptability in outer diameter and thickness, while ensuring secure fixation and easy on-site connection.
Innovation Solution
The electric connector features sawtooth-shaped locking pieces, a dented contact piece design, and a ratchet mechanism with adjustable elasticity, allowing reliable connection and fixation across different cable thicknesses through a coupling mechanism that accommodates various diameters and wire counts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the electric connector is designed for a specific cable thickness, then the connection is secure for that thickness, but it cannot accommodate cables with different thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The locking piece is designed with elastic deformation capability, allowing it to dynamically adjust its locking force. When a cable is inserted, the locking piece elastically deforms to accommodate the cable thickness and then locks securely. This dynamic adaptation enables the same connector to reliably connect cables of various thicknesses without compromising connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism utilizes changes in elastic parameters of the locking piece. By designing the locking piece with specific elastic properties, it can change its physical state (deformed vs. locked) based on the cable thickness, thereby maintaining reliable connection across different cable dimensions while preserving connection reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the locking mechanism is simplified for easy operation, then on-site connection becomes easier, but the cable may become easily detached
Solution Approach 1:
The locking piece features asymmetric tooth-shaped engagement surfaces where the insertion direction allows easy movement along the slope, while the locking direction requires significant force to overcome the tooth engagement. This asymmetric design enables easy on-site connection by simply pushing the cable in, while preventing easy detachment as the cable would need to overcome the mechanical interlocking of the teeth.
Solution Approach 2:
The tooth-shaped locking surfaces utilize curved geometries that facilitate smooth insertion while providing mechanical interlocking for prevention of detachment. The curved surfaces allow the locking piece to flex during insertion and then lock securely, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliable anti-detachment performance.
3Reliability
If the locking piece has high elastic force for secure locking, then the cable is firmly fixed, but the connection process becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking piece utilizes dynamic elastic deformation during the connection process. During insertion, the locking piece elastically deforms to accommodate the cable, requiring minimal force. Once locked, the elastic force provides firm fixation. This dynamic behavior allows high locking reliability while maintaining ease of operation, as the elastic deformation absorbs the insertion force.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5C
AI summary
Provided is a technique of reliably easily making connection even in a case where the thickness of a cable is changed in an electric connector for a shield-equipped multicore cable. The electric connector includes a tubular conductive shell 30, covers 40 and 50 provided outside the shell 30 to cover at least part of the shell 30, and a movable cover 60 coupled to the cover 50 through a rotary shaft 63. The cover 40 has locking pieces 41 on a cable side. The movable cover 60 has locking pieces 61 to be engaged with the locking pieces 41. At least one of the locking piece 41 or the locking piece 61 includes multiple locking pieces arranged along a circumferential direction of a circle about the rotary shaft 63. The locking pieces 41 and the locking pieces 61 form a ratchet mechanism, and have such a structure that the locking pieces 41 and the locking pieces 61 are movable in an approaching direction and movement in a direction in which the locking pieces 41 and the locking pieces 61 are separated from each other is restricted.