Threaded Connector Retention Clip for Vibration Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Threaded electrical connectors in electrical systems are prone to loosening due to vibrations, movements, or repeated twisting, leading to poor connections or disengagement, which is detrimental in environments with mechanical stresses and environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
A retention system comprising a threaded housing with engagement recesses and a vise anchor with jaws that clamp onto the housing to maintain the threaded hub in place, providing a secondary retention mechanism to stabilize the connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded connectors are used to provide secure mechanical connection, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but the connectors are prone to loosening under vibrations and movements
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism is pre-installed on the threaded connector before deployment. The spring-loaded jaws are positioned and ready to engage with the engagement recesses, providing immediate retention force as soon as the connector is installed, preventing any loosening that might occur during subsequent vibrations or movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded jaws apply a continuous retaining force that acts in opposition to the loosening forces generated by vibrations and movements. This preliminary anti-action counteracts the harmful effects before they can cause the connector to loosen or disengage.
2Stability of the object's composition
If additional components like adhesives are added to maintain connection, then connection stability is improved, but the system complexity and potential performance issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism is self-activating through the spring-loaded jaws that automatically engage with the engagement recesses when the connector is installed. The spring force provides continuous retention without requiring external intervention, adjustment, or additional materials like adhesives, thereby maintaining simplicity while improving stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If threaded connectors are subjected to repeated twisting and movements, then connection reversibility is maintained, but the connectors gradually loosen leading to disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism is pre-installed and positioned before the connector undergoes any twisting or movements. The spring-loaded jaws are ready to immediately counteract any loosening forces, maintaining connection retention even after repeated operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism applies a continuous counteracting force that opposes the loosening tendency created by repeated twisting and movements. This preliminary anti-action prevents the gradual loosening that would otherwise lead to disengagement, thereby maintaining both reversibility and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A retention system for a threaded fastener is contemplated. The retention system optionally includes a threaded housing having one or more engagement recesses extending through a portion of the housing wall. A threaded hub including a plurality of teeth and a trough between each tooth of the plurality of teeth is coupled with the threaded housing. A vise anchor, (e.g., a clip, clasp, clamp, or other similar fastener) includes two or more jaws interconnected by a bridge. Each jaw includes an engagement portion where the engagement portion is sized and shaped to extend through the one or more engagement recesses and be received within the trough. Each jaw is formed to maintain retention of the threaded hub received within the housing.