YadZone Outdoor Ground-Socket System Engineering

I am developing a new modular outdoor ground-socket system called YadZone and am looking for an engineer with specific experience in cam-lock and mechanical locking mechanisms.

The system uses a removable pole inserted into a permanent ground socket. We are currently developing an original approximately 90-degree bayonet/cam mechanism that provides positive axial retention while applying preload to minimize pole wobble.

An important feature is that the locking mechanism will be contained in a replaceable receiver cartridge, while a separate permanent structural sleeve remains embedded in concrete.

I came across your work developing cam-lock mechanisms and thought your experience could be particularly relevant.

I would like to discuss whether you could assist with concept development, locking geometry, CAD, tolerances, prototyping and DFM for this mechanism.

I can provide our current engineering concept and reference material after an NDA if this is within your area of interest

The two concepts I would ask for are:

Concept A — Heavy-duty quarter-turn bayonet: simple lugs and retaining shoulders, positive 90° stop, long cylindrical bearing, and a simple anti-backout feature. Optimize for ruggedness, dirt tolerance, low part count, and easy manufacturing.

Concept B — Preloaded bayonet/cam: same basic insert-and-turn operation, but the final portion of rotation uses an original cam/ramp geometry to pull the pole firmly into its seat and reduce wobble. Keep the cam and wear surfaces inside the replaceable receiver.