Cable Connector Locking Mechanism for Secure Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable connectors with locking mechanisms can cause inconvenience and risk of damage when they loosen or fall off during use, especially in environments where movement or handling is involved, leading to potential harm or loss.
Innovation Solution
A cable connector design featuring an insulating housing with a barrel-shaped front housing, conductive terminals, and a locking mechanism comprising a sleeve element and feed assembly that increases insertion and withdrawal forces, along with a wedging portion to facilitate easy disconnection when tugged, preventing accidental disconnection during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to the cable connector to prevent loosening or falling off, then the connector reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases and the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into independent functional components: a locking protrusion on the cable connector, a corresponding locking groove on the mating connector, and a feed assembly with spring element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while keeping the overall structure manageable and manufacturable.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage when the cable connector is inserted into the mating connector. The feed assembly with spring element automatically pushes the locking protrusion into the locking groove without requiring manual intervention, and the connector self-locks once engaged.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to the cable connector to prevent loosening or falling off, then the connector reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism automatically engages during insertion and can be released by a simple pulling motion. The spring element in the feed assembly provides automatic locking action, and the wedge-shaped structure enables easy release when force is applied in the withdrawal direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions between locked and unlocked states dynamically. During normal operation, the locking protrusion engages with the locking groove to maintain a secure connection. When a pulling force is applied, the wedge-shaped structure allows the locking protrusion to disengage from the locking groove, enabling easy release.
3Reliability
If the cable connector is designed to be firmly connected to prevent loosening, then the connector reliability is improved, but the harmful factors increase when cables are tugged accidentally
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism provides stable locking during normal operation but allows dynamic release when subjected to excessive pulling forces. The wedge-shaped structure and spring element work together to maintain firm connection under normal conditions while enabling automatic release when the cable is tugged accidentally, preventing damage to electronic devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable connector includes an insulating housing, at least one conductive terminal disposed in the insulating housing, and a locking mechanism. The insulating housing includes a rear housing and a substantially barrel-shaped front housing. A periphery of a rear end of the front housing and the periphery of a front surface of the rear housing are connected with a connecting wall. The connecting wall defines at least one insertion groove. The locking mechanism includes a sleeve element and a feed assembly. The sleeve element is capable of moving forward and rearward along the rear housing. The feed assembly is disposed to a rear end of the rear housing. The feed assembly is connected to the sleeve element for controlling the sleeve element to move forward and rearward along the rear housing.