Flat Angular Connector Latch for Blind One-Handed Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional connectors are bulky, require visual inspection for engagement, and are prone to dirt and dust accumulation, making them inconvenient for use by emergency responders, medical personnel, soldiers, or police.

Innovation Solution

A flat angular cable connector with a latch mechanism featuring elastically biased latch handle portions that can be slid from an engagement to a release position, allowing one-handed operation without visual inspection, and a mating connector with flush contacts to reduce dirt and dust accumulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a connector is designed for easy insertion and removal, then the coupling operation becomes simpler, but the risk of accidental disconnection increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of couplingVSAvoidaccidental disconnection risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism employs a dynamic spring-loaded design where the latch member is biased by a spring to automatically engage with the counter-latch member when connectors are mated. The spring force provides continuous pressure to maintain engagement, while allowing controlled release when deliberately actuated, thus preventing accidental disconnection while enabling easy coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spring element pre-stores mechanical energy to create a cushioning force that maintains latch engagement. This pre-loaded spring mechanism ensures that the latch remains securely engaged under normal conditions, providing a buffer against forces that might otherwise cause accidental disconnection, while still allowing intentional release.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If a latch mechanism is added to prevent accidental disconnection, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism is integrated directly into the connector housing structure, with the latch member and counter-latch member formed as part of the connector assembly. This merging of the latch function into the existing connector structure minimizes additional components and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining connection stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The latch mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage without requiring external actuation devices or complex control systems. The spring-loaded latch member self-activates upon connector mating and can be released by simple manual pressure, making the system self-sufficient and reducing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the latch mechanism requires precise alignment during coupling, then engagement reliability improves, but the coupling operation becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatch engagement accuracyVSAvoidcoupling operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The latch member and counter-latch member are designed with curved engagement surfaces that guide alignment during the coupling operation. The curved geometry provides natural alignment cues and tolerance for minor misalignments, allowing the components to self-align as they come together, thereby maintaining engagement reliability without requiring precise manual alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement parameters of the latch mechanism are designed to transition from a loose, tolerant state during approach to a precise, locked state upon full engagement. The spring force and geometric constraints progressively increase engagement accuracy as the connectors come together, allowing easy initial coupling that automatically achieves precise alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design minimizes obstruction when worn on uniforms, facilitates easy engagement and release, and enhances cleanliness, providing a more convenient and practical connection solution for emergency responders and similar personnel.

Implementation Method 1

The first and second latch members are elastically biased towards their engagement position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic bias: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4307491B1Set comprising a flat angular connector with latch mechanism and a mating connector

Publication Date: 2026.05.06 ODU GMBH & CO KG

Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3

AI summary

A flat connector (1) with a latch mechanism (5) comprising two latch handle portions (8) provided at opposite sides of the connector (1), which latch handle portions (8) can be moved from an engagement position to a release position. The connector is an angular cable connector and for both handle portions (8) the direction of the path from the engagement position to the release position is towards the cable (2) end of the connector. The latch handle portions (8) are elastically biased towards their engagement position. The path from the engagement position to the release position is linear. The path from the engagement position to the release position is towards the cable (2) end of the connector and extends in the plane of the handle portion (8).