Audio Connector Assembly With Locking Actuator and Releasable Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio device connection assemblies lack a secure and easy-to-use configuration, particularly for self-contained modules like microphones that require quick and reliable connection and disconnection.
Innovation Solution
A connection assembly featuring a connector module with an electronic component, a locking structure with threaded portions, and an actuator that moves between locked and unlocked positions to engage and disengage a latch, ensuring secure and easy connection and disconnection.
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 security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into a first connector portion and a second connector portion that can be independently assembled. The locking structure is further segmented into a locking protrusion, locking cavity, and biasing member, allowing each component to be manufactured separately and then assembled, simplifying the manufacturing process while ensuring secure connection through the interlocking mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The locking protrusion is nested within the locking cavity to form an interlocking mechanism. The biasing member is nested within the connector body, providing continuous pressure to maintain the locked state. This nesting approach allows complex functionality to be achieved through compact, integrated components that are relatively simple to manufacture
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is added, then connection security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and lock when the connector portions are mated, without requiring manual intervention. The biasing member automatically applies force to maintain the locked state, and the connector itself provides the locking action through its geometric features, eliminating the need for separate locking components
Solution Approach 2:
The design replaces complex multi-component mechanical locking systems with a simplified geometric interlocking mechanism. The locking protrusion and cavity use complementary shapes to provide secure attachment, eliminating the need for threads, set screws, or multiple moving parts that would increase device complexity
3Reliability
If a latch mechanism is added, then connection security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking and latching functions are extracted as integral geometric features of the connector body itself, rather than being separate mechanisms. The locking protrusion and cavity are formed directly in the connector housings, and the biasing member is embedded within the structure, allowing secure connection to be achieved through simple insertion and removal motions without complex operating procedures
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 solution provides a secure and easy-to-use connection for audio devices, allowing quick attachment and detachment with minimal force, while maintaining a stable connection, even in varying manufacturing tolerances.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member configured to engage the actuator and bias the actuator toward the first position
Implementation Method 2
the first locking structure comprises a first threaded portion and the second locking structure comprises a second threaded portion that is configured to selectively engage the first threaded portion
Data Source
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AI summary
A connection assembly for connection to an audio device includes a connector module including a connector configured for electronic connection to a mating connector of the audio device and a releasable latch configured for retaining the connector module to the audio device, an actuator engageable with the connector module and being moveable to release the latch for removal of the connector module from the audio device, and locking structure configured to selectively resist movement of the actuator to release the latch.