Torque Sleeve Connector Assembly with Directional Slip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coaxial cable connectors face damage and suboptimal electrical performance due to overtightening, and existing designs wear out components as they require the same torque for tightening and loosening.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly with a torque limiting feature, including a slip element and engaging element, that applies different torque forces for tightening and loosening, preventing overtightening and reducing wear by limiting torque in the tightening direction and increasing it in the loosening direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the same torque is applied for both tightening and loosening the connector, then the connector can be properly tightened to maintain electrical connection, but the mating components wear out over time
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly employs different torque values for tightening and loosening operations. The tightening torque is controlled to prevent overtightening and component damage, while the loosening torque is higher to ensure easy removal. This dynamic torque adjustment resolves the contradiction by optimizing both connection reliability and component lifespan through direction-specific torque characteristics.
2Reliability
If higher torque is applied to tighten the connector, then the electrical connection is more secure, but the connector and mating components may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly incorporates a torque limiting feature that prevents application of excessive tightening torque. By establishing a predetermined maximum torque threshold before damage can occur, the design proactively counteracts the harmful effect of overtightening while still achieving secure electrical connection through adequate (but not excessive) torque application.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the connector is designed with different torque for tightening and loosening, then wear on components is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly achieves different torque characteristics for tightening and loosening through a relatively simple mechanical design. The torque limiting feature uses basic elements such as a torque sleeve, grip element, and release mechanism that naturally provide direction-dependent torque without requiring complex control systems or multiple specialized components.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly that has a connector including a coupling member rotatably coupled to a body, a gripping sleeve that receives a portion of the body and a portion of the coupling member, and a torque limiting feature associated with one or both of the gripping sleeve and the coupling member. The torque limiting feature has first and second predetermined torque limits. Rotation of the gripping sleeve applies torque to and rotates the coupling member in a tightening direction until the first predetermined torque limit is reached such that no additional torque is applied to the coupling member by the gripping sleeve that is greater than the first predetermined torque limit. The gripping sleeve rotates with respect to coupling member in a loosening direction until the second predetermined torque limit is reached thereby allowing the gripping sleeve to rotate the coupling member in the loosening direction.