Tamper-Resistant Connector With Cam Locking Posts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies for motor vehicle emissions circuits lack tamper-resistance and high-temperature resistance, often requiring special tools and additional components for assembly and are not easily secured to incompatible plastic ducts like polypropylene and polyamide.
Innovation Solution
A tamper-resistant connector assembly featuring a tubular adapter and sleeve with flexible cam locking posts and cutouts, allowing for secure, non-removable connection between components without twisting, using materials like polypropylene and polyamide, and assembled without special tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a connector assembly uses high-temperature resistant materials like polyamide, then temperature resistance is improved, but compatibility with incompatible plastic ducts like polypropylene deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is divided into separate components: a polyamide port component for high-temperature resistance and a polypropylene adapter component for duct compatibility. This segmentation allows each material to be optimized for its specific function while working together as a complete assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The polypropylene adapter component acts as an intermediary between the polyamide port component and the polypropylene duct. This intermediate adapter enables connection between incompatible materials without requiring the port component itself to be compatible with the duct material.
2Ease of operation
If a connector assembly allows easy assembly without special tools, then ease of operation is improved, but tamper-resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector uses a dynamic cam locking mechanism where the locking posts flex during assembly to allow easy insertion, then lock into place to prevent removal. The flexibility during assembly provides ease of operation, while the locked position provides tamper-resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam locking posts use a curved cam surface that allows the locking mechanism to be engaged with simple rotational motion during assembly, but creates a mechanical lock that prevents reverse motion for removal. The curved geometry enables easy assembly while ensuring tamper-resistance.
3Strength
If a connector assembly uses multiple component parts for secure connection, then strength is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional features are merged into single components: the adapter component combines connection geometry, locking engagement surfaces, and anti-rotation features; the sleeve integrates multiple locking posts and engagement surfaces. This merging provides strong connections while limiting the total number of separate parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter component serves multiple functions: it provides the connection interface, engages the locking mechanism, prevents rotation, and enables compatibility with different duct materials. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
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 connector assembly provides a cost-effective, tamper-resistant, and high-temperature-resistant connection that cannot be disassembled without damage, ensuring secure fluid flow in emissions circuits and simplifying assembly processes.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one flexible cam locking post engages with the at least one cutout section to prevent rotational movement of the adapter component relative to the port component
Implementation Method 2
the at least one cutout section and the projecting tab prevent sliding withdrawal of the adapter component from the port component
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly is disclosed for making a connection between a tubular adapter component and a port connector which, once connected to each other, are not able to be disassembled. At least one of the tubular adapter component or the port component may have at least one cutout section and the other may have a projecting tab. A tubular sleeve is positioned on the port component and is non-rotatable and non-removable from the port component. The tubular sleeve has at least one flexible cam locking post. When the adapter component is slidably engaged with the port component the cutout section and the projecting tab engage to prevent sliding withdrawal of the adapter component from the port component. The flexible cam locking post also engages with the cutout section and prevents the adapter component from rotating.