Electrical Adapter With Energy Storage Ejection Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional connectors with damaged retention latches are difficult to remove from receptacles, often requiring external tools or replacement of the entire cable, as existing solutions are either complex to manufacture or incompatible with undamaged latch positions.

Innovation Solution

An electrical adapter with a retention member featuring an energy storage section and release mechanism, allowing automatic ejection of the connector plug when a button is pressed, compatible with both damaged and undamaged retention latches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the retention latch is damaged (broken), then the connector cannot be retained in the receptacle, but if the stem is broken off, the connector becomes difficult to remove

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention functionVSAvoidremoval difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary tool with a pressing member that mediates between the user and the damaged retention latch. The pressing member engages with the retention latch stem and applies force to release the connector from the receptacle, solving the problem of difficult removal when the stem is broken off.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The retention latch design allows the pressing member to engage directly with the existing stem structure, enabling the system to use its own components for release without requiring external specialized tools or complete replacement of the connector.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the entire cable with plug is replaced, then the connector reliability is restored, but the cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector functionVSAvoidcost effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential retention latch component from the entire connector assembly. The pressing member selectively engages with and manipulates only the retention latch stem, allowing repair of the specific failed component without replacing the entire cable and connector assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of discarding the entire cable assembly when the retention latch is damaged, the patent enables recovery and continued use of the connector by providing a simple tool to manually release the damaged latch, thereby recovering the value of the existing cable infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Reliability

If a replacement latch with multiple parts is used, then the retention function is restored, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention functionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of modifying the connector by adding complex replacement parts to the damaged latch, the patent inverts the approach by providing a simple external pressing member that interacts with the existing latch structure. This avoids increasing the complexity of the connector itself while still restoring the retention function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The pressing member is designed as a simple, standalone tool that replicates the pressing action required to release the retention latch, without requiring integration into the connector structure. This simple copied function can be manufactured easily and does not add complexity to the original connector design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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

Enables easy and automatic removal of connector plugs with damaged or undamaged retention latches, reducing the need for tool-assisted disconnection and cable replacement, enhancing usability and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

The retention member comprises a holder section, an energy storage section, and an energy release section. The energy storage section is provided for storing energy resulting from when the connector plug engages the retention member. When the energy storage section releases the energy stored therein, the connector plug is automatically ejected from the adapter.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy storage and release mechanism: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS7901250B2Electrical adapter for a connector having a retention latch

Publication Date: 2011.03.08 LENOVO GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES SWITZERLAND INTERNATIONAL GMBH

AI summary

An electrical adapter is provided for engaging a connector plug. The adapter comprises a male end, a female end, and a retention member. The male end is disposed at one end of the adapter for connecting the adapter to a female receptacle corresponding to the connector plug. The female end is disposed at another end of the adapter for engaging the connector plug. The female end comprises a top cap having a button disposed thereon. The retention member comprises a holder section, an energy storage section, and an energy release section. The holder section holds the connector plug. The energy storage section stores energy resulting from when the connector plug engages the retention member. When engaged by the button, the energy release section releases the energy stored in the energy storage section such that the connector plug automatically ejects from the adapter.