Sliding Connector Assembly with Segmented Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for fabric articles with webbing lack security against inadvertent disengagement, especially under force in the sliding direction.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly comprising a female portion with a longitudinal channel, a male portion with a locking post, and a locking cover with teeth and indentations that securely engage and disengage by aligning the teeth with the post's indentations, requiring simultaneous lifting of the locking cover and sliding apart to disengage, preventing accidental release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a locking post slides into a locking channel with a locking pawl engaging a wall, then the connector can be assembled and disassembled, but the connector can be inadvertently disengaged under force in the sliding direction
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: the locking post with indentations, the locking channel with protrusions, and the locking pawl. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function while working together to provide both ease of operation and reliability. The post can be easily inserted, and the pawl automatically engages, but disengagement requires deliberate action to release the pawl.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pawl is pre-positioned to engage with the wall outside the channel before the post is fully inserted. This preliminary engagement ensures that as soon as the post enters the channel, the locking mechanism is already active, preventing inadvertent disengagement from the outset.
Solution Approach 3:
The locking pawl acts as an intermediary element between the post and the external environment. It mediates the locking action by engaging the wall and preventing the post from being pulled out, while still allowing the post to be inserted easily. The pawl translates the simple insertion motion into a secure locked state.
2Ease of operation
If the locking features are exposed and accessible, then the connector can be easily operated, but the locking features can be inadvertently activated if the buckle assembly is externally contacted
Solution Approach 1:
The locking features (pawl, post, and channel) are nested within the body of the connector assembly. The locking pawl is positioned inside the locking channel, and the post slides within the channel. This nested arrangement protects the locking features from external contact while still allowing them to function when deliberately operated.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking channel and surrounding structure act as a protective shell that encloses the locking features. This shell prevents external objects from directly contacting and inadvertently activating the locking mechanism, while still allowing the post to move freely within the channel when needed.
3Device complexity
If a single locking mechanism is used, then the device complexity is low, but the stability and security of the connection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism merges multiple functions into a single integrated system. The locking post, channel, and pawl work together as one cohesive unit to provide both the locking action and the prevention of inadvertent disengagement. This merging achieves high stability without requiring multiple separate locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking post serves multiple functions: it is the element being locked, it provides the indentation that engages the pawl, and it prevents further insertion through interaction with the channel protrusions. This multi-functionality allows a single component to contribute to the overall stability and security of the connection.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly is formed from a female portion, a male portion and a locking cover. The female portion has a longitudinal channel with an opening and a slot that extends into the channel. The male portion has a locking post and an indentation that aligns with the slot when the post is inserted into the channel. The locking cover has a locking tooth that extends through the slot and into the channel. The male portion is connected to the female portion by sliding the locking post into the channel until the indentation aligns with the slot, so that the locking tooth rests in the indentation. The male portion is released from the female portion by pulling the locking cover away from the female portion until the locking tooth clears the indentation in the post which is mounted in the channel, and sliding the male portion and female portion away from each other.