Break-away Electrical Connector with Lever Arm and Biasing Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for wearable and portable computers are prone to damage when cords become snagged, as securing the cord to prevent separation can lead to either socket damage or peripheral device damage, and current solutions do not adequately address separation issues in dynamic environments where cords are frequently pulled and stressed.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a plug member and socket portion with angled engagement claws, a lever arm, and a biasing member that allows break-away when a specified force is applied, incorporating chamfered side edges for directional flexibility and a strain relief to absorb tension, ensuring secure connection without permanent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cord plug is strongly secured to the portable computer socket, then cord separation is prevented, but the socket may be pulled out of the computer housing or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into a plug member and a socket portion as separate, detachable components. This segmentation allows the connection to be strong during normal use but enables controlled separation when excessive force is applied, preventing damage to either component while maintaining connection stability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector utilizes angled surfaces with specific geometric parameters that change the mechanical interaction between plug and socket. The angled surfaces create a self-locking mechanism during normal use but allow controlled break-away when force exceeds a threshold, transforming the connection from permanently strong to conditionally strong based on applied force parameters.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the anchoring point at the socket is strengthened, then socket damage is prevented, but the cords may pull away from their attachment to the peripheral device
Solution Approach 1:
The plug member acts as an intermediary component between the cord and the socket portion. It absorbs and distributes mechanical stresses, protecting both the peripheral device attachment point and the socket from damage. The plug member's break-away mechanism serves as a sacrificial element that prevents force transmission to vulnerable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design incorporates a predetermined break-away mechanism that acts as a cushioning element before damage can occur. When excessive force is applied, the controlled separation of the plug from the socket absorbs the impact energy, preventing stronger components from being damaged in the first place.
3Reliability
If the connector provides strong securement, then connection reliability is improved, but the connector cannot separate when snagged
Solution Approach 1:
The connector transitions from a static, permanently strong connection to a dynamic connection that adapts its strength based on applied forces. During normal use, the angled surfaces create strong mechanical interlocking. When excessive force is applied, the system dynamically transitions to a separated state, providing both security and necessary adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design anticipates potential snagging or excessive force scenarios by incorporating a predetermined break-away mechanism. This preliminary anti-action prepares the system to safely handle abnormal forces by designed separation, preventing the harmful outcome of complete connector failure while maintaining normal connection security.
4Reliability
If the cord is permanently attached to the peripheral device, then cord separation from the device is prevented, but damage to the peripheral device occurs when the cord is snagged
Solution Approach 1:
The plug member is designed as a sacrificial, replaceable component that protects the more valuable peripheral device. When damage occurs due to snagging, only the inexpensive plug needs to be replaced rather than the entire peripheral device, enabling continued operation with minimal disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug member serves as a protective intermediary between the cord and the peripheral device. It absorbs the mechanical stress and potential damage from snagging events, shielding the valuable peripheral device from harm while maintaining secure cord attachment during normal use.
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 connector provides a secure electrical connection that breaks away at a predetermined force, preventing damage to the computer, peripheral device, or cord, while allowing easy reconnection and maintaining robustness in dynamic environments.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member disposed between said plug member and said lever arm for biasing said lever arm toward said first position with a biasing force
Implementation Method 2
cause said second angled surface to slide over the second complementary angled surface of the terminal connector portion by overcoming the biasing force
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 3A
AI summary
An electrical connector 12 for electrically connecting a terminal to a cord 18 of a peripheral device 16, the electrical connector 12 including a plug member 20, a lever arm 40 pivotally attached to the plug member 20, and a biasing member 44. The plug member 20 and lever arm 40 each include an engagement claw 36, 38 adapted to engage complementary surfaces on the terminal, and the biasing member 44 imparts a biasing force on the lever arm 40 to force the engagement claws 36, 38 to close onto the complementary surfaces on the terminal. The lever arm 40 advantageously includes a first gripping surface 52 with a contoured concave profile 48 for a user to apply a releasing force against the biasing force to remove the plug member 20 from the terminal. A second surface 72 includes a concave surface 74, 76 for engaging a user's finger and forming a grip bump 77.