Waterproof Retention Locking Connector for CB Radio Handsets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Citizen's band (CB) radio devices face issues with maintaining a secure, waterproof connection between the handset and the radio device due to exposure to forces and water, which can damage the components.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism system comprising a connecting assembly with a collar and a receiving assembly that forms a waterproof connection through interlocking flanges and a seal, ensuring the connection remains secure under external forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple connector design is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates under pulling and water exposure forces
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple functional segments: a connector body for basic connection, a collar for engagement, flanges for interlocking, and a seal for waterproofing. Each segment performs a specific function, allowing the complex reliability requirements to be met through modular design while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes for each individual component.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar is positioned around the connector body, creating a nested structure where the collar encompasses the connector body. This nested arrangement allows the engagement portion with flanges to provide enhanced mechanical interlocking while the seal is integrated within the connector body structure, achieving high connection reliability through layered protection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a waterproof seal is added, then protection against water ingress is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is merged with the connector body as an integrated component rather than a separate attachment. The engagement portion with flanges is also integrated into the collar structure. This merging of sealing and engagement functions into unified components achieves waterproof protection while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal functions as a flexible barrier element that conformally seals the interface between the connector body and the receiving assembly. This flexible sealing approach provides effective water protection through a relatively simple thin-film-like structure rather than requiring complex rigid waterproofing mechanisms.
3Strength
If a locking mechanism with flanges is implemented, then connection strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to rotation requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is designed to be rotatable around the connector body, providing a dynamic engagement mechanism. The flanges on the collar rotate into engagement with corresponding features on the connector body, creating a strong locked connection through rotational motion. This dynamic mechanism achieves high connection strength while maintaining reasonable ease of operation through a simple twisting action.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure is a locking mechanism system that provides for a watertight seal that is capable of retaining connection when exposed to external forces. The system comprises a connecting assembly, having a connector body, a collar, a seal, and a connector plug. The collar, may be positioned around the connector body and includes a rotation portion, an engagement portion, and a plurality of flanges, wherein the collar is configured to at least partially rotate around the connector body. The seal is coupled to the connector body, and the connector plug is coupled to the seal. The receiving assembly may include an input device receptacle, which includes retention flanges, a gasket, and a receiving receptacle. In response to rotation of the collar, the retention flanges interlock with the collar's flanges and the engagement portion is cinched into the input device receptacle to form a lasting, waterproof connection.