Swivel Connector Ring Lock for Accidental Disconnection Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swivel connectors are prone to accidental disconnection due to the design of the spring-loaded push button, which can be triggered inadvertently, leading to insecure connections and potential release of the male part from the female part.
Innovation Solution
A swivel connector design featuring a ring lock with pivot bars and positioning flanges that can be rotated into a locked position to secure the male and female parts, utilizing a groove and flange engagement for secure seating and preventing vertical movement, along with a snap-locked configuration or spring element to prevent inadvertent unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spring-loaded push button is used to release the two parts, then the connector can be easily unlocked, but the connector is prone to accidental disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful spring-loaded push button mechanism is extracted and replaced with a ring lock system that uses rotational motion instead of linear spring pressure, eliminating the accidental activation risk while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a push button that moves perpendicular to the swing direction, the invention uses a ring lock that rotates around the female part, with the locking action occurring in a direction opposite to what would cause accidental release
2Strength
If the push button has a long, thin extension to secure the two parts, then the connector can be locked, but the flexible shape creates risk of inadvertent release
Solution Approach 1:
The ring lock uses a circular/rotational geometry instead of a linear thin extension, allowing the locking mechanism to wrap around the female part and engage pivot bars that block the open face, creating a more reliable lock that resists inadvertent release
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a one-dimensional linear spring extension to a two-dimensional rotational ring structure with pivot bars that engage at multiple points, adding dimensional stability and preventing inadvertent release
3Adaptability or versatility
If the male part can swing freely, then rotation is allowed, but the swing direction can push the button to open accidentally
Solution Approach 1:
The ring lock acts as an intermediary between the male and female parts, allowing rotation while the pivot bars within the ring lock serve as mediators to block the open face and prevent the swing from triggering release
Data Source
AI summary
A swivel connector has a female part and a male part that are connected to each other so as to swivel. The female part has a main body with an interior cavity and an open face, and a strap connector. The male part has a plug portion and a strap connector. A ring lock locks the male portion to the female portion and is formed by two side walls connected by two pivot bars, the side walls of the ring lock being rotatably connected to the female part. The male part is locked to the female part by inserting the plug portion into the interior cavity, and the ring lock is held by spring in a locked position where the open face is blocked by one of the pivot bars. The male part is released from the female part by rotating the ring lock against the force of the spring until the open face is not blocked by the pivot bar.