Vibration Resistant Connector With Friction Prevailing Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vibratory environments, such as aircraft or moving vehicles, lock wires used to secure connectors are difficult to attach, time-consuming, and contribute to scrap material migration into critical areas, making their use undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A vibration-resistant connector design that employs a friction member, typically an O-ring, between the coupling nut and the connector body to create a prevailing torque, preventing loosening due to vibrations, and includes a dielectric member for impedance matching, eliminating the need for lock wires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lock wires are used to secure the coupling nut in vibratory environments, then the connector reliability is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to difficult and time-consuming attachment procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the lock wire component entirely from the connector system. Instead of using a separate lock wire that must be manually attached, the invention integrates vibration resistance directly into the coupling nut through a friction member, eliminating the need for external locking mechanisms and simplifying the overall assembly process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of the coupling nut and vibration protection into a single integrated component. The friction member is built into the coupling nut structure itself, merging the fastening function with the vibration resistance function, thereby eliminating the need for separate lock wires and reducing assembly steps
2Reliability
If lock wires are used to secure the coupling nut, then the connector reliability is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming attachment procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The friction member is pre-installed and integrated into the coupling nut during manufacturing, so that vibration protection is already in place before the connector is used. This preliminary integration eliminates the need for time-consuming lock wire attachment procedures during assembly or maintenance operations
Solution Approach 2:
By removing the lock wire component entirely and replacing it with an integrated friction member, the patent eliminates the multi-step lock wire attachment process, thereby significantly improving assembly productivity without compromising vibration protection
3Reliability
If lock wires are used to secure the coupling nut, then the connector reliability is improved, but the loss of substance worsens due to scrap material migration into critical areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the lock wire component entirely, removing the source of scrap material that could migrate into critical areas. By replacing lock wires with an integrated friction member, the invention prevents metal shavings and lock wire fragments from contaminating the vibratory environment while maintaining connector security
Solution Approach 2:
The friction member is designed as a non-consumable, integrated component that remains in place throughout the connector's service life, unlike lock wires that can break, loosen, and create scrap material. This durable, built-in solution prevents material loss and contamination in critical areas
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 effectively maintains a secure connection in vibratory conditions without lock wires, providing a reliable seal and impedance matching, while reducing material waste and attachment time.
Implementation Method 1
a friction member, typically an O-ring, between the coupling nut and the connector body to create a prevailing torque, preventing loosening due to vibrations
Implementation Method 2
includes a dielectric member for impedance matching, eliminating the need for lock wires
Data Source
AI summary
A vibration resistant connector is disclosed. The connector employs a friction member to create a resistance between a coupling nut of the connector and a connector body of the connector that is disposed in a cavity formed by the coupling nut. In some embodiments, the friction member is in the form of an O-ring that encircles a portion of the connector body and that is compressed by the coupling nut.