Ball-Lock Socket Connector for Accidental Plug Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power extension cables with female socket connectors are prone to accidental disconnection due to the plug falling off when contacted accidentally.
Innovation Solution
A socket connector with a locking mechanism featuring an insulative body, conductors, balls, and sliders, where the slider is slidable along a channel to lock the plug in place using a ball and a latch mechanism, and can be released by pressing a push button.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple socket connector is used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability is poor due to accidental disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic locking mechanism where the slider can move between locked and unlocked positions. The ball member dynamically transitions between engaging the socket to lock the plug and being disengaged to allow removal. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by providing reliable locking when needed while maintaining the ability to disconnect when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball member acts as an intermediary element between the slider and the plug terminal. When the slider moves to the locked position, the ball is pushed by the slope to engage with the socket, indirectly securing the plug terminal. This intermediary mechanism provides reliable locking without requiring direct complex engagement between the slider and plug.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent accidental disconnection, then the reliability improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to additional steps required
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic slider mechanism allows users to easily transition between locked and unlocked states by simply pushing the slider laterally. The elastic restoring force automatically returns the slider to the locked position after insertion, eliminating the need for manual locking steps. For removal, a single lateral push on the slider releases the ball, allowing easy plug extraction. This dynamic design maintains ease of operation while ensuring reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic part provides self-service by automatically restoring the slider to the locked position after plug insertion, without requiring user intervention. The slope automatically pushes the ball into the socket when the slider moves forward, creating a self-locking mechanism. This reduces operational steps and maintains ease of use while ensuring reliable connection.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism with multiple components is implemented, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the slider component: it serves as both the actuating element for locking and the structural element that guides the ball member. The slope is integrated directly into the slider, eliminating the need for separate locking surfaces. The elastic part is incorporated within the insulative body, combining support and restoring functions. This merging reduces overall component count while maintaining reliable locking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball member serves multiple functions: it acts as a locking element when engaged with the socket, a positioning element during insertion, and a release element when pushed by the slider. The slider simultaneously provides lateral movement for locking, vertical guidance for the ball, and structural support through the elastic part. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components.
Data Source
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AI summary
A socket connector includes an insulative body (100), a conductor (200), a ball (300) and a slider (400). The insulative body (100) has a socket (101), a slide channel (102) and a communicating path (103), and the communicating path (103) is connected to one side on the socket (101) and one sided on the slide channel (102). The conductor (200) is arranged in the socket (101), and the communicating path (103) is disposed corresponding to one side of the conductor (200). The ball (300) is disposed in the communicating path (103). The slider (400) is disposed in the slide channel (102), and the slider (400) has a slope (401). The slider (400) is slidable along the slide channel (102) to a locking position to press the ball (300) by the slope (401) so as to push the ball (300) into the socket (101) to abut against the conductor (200).