Cable Connector Unlocking Structure for Smooth Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing stem-type cable connectors face issues with the flexible arms' ability to unlock smoothly due to the height of the protrusive structure, which can lead to elastic fatigue and unlocking failures over time.
Innovation Solution
A cable connector design featuring a shell with non-coplanar sliding troughs and a protrusive structure that allows for increased outward swing of the flexible arm, combined with an elastic member to facilitate easy unlocking and prevent jamming, ensuring the unlocking portion can be effectively pushed away from the second plane without being jammed by height differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the height of the protrusive structure is increased to ensure effective spreading of the flexible arm for unlocking, then the unlocking function is improved, but the male head cannot be smoothly inserted into the female head
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding trough is divided into two non-coplanar planes: a first plane for guiding insertion and a second plane for enabling unlocking. This segmentation allows the protrusive structure to serve dual purposes - guiding the flexible arm during insertion on the first plane and providing sufficient height for spreading on the second plane, thereby resolving the contradiction between insertion smoothness and unlocking effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding trough transitions from a single-plane structure to a two-plane non-coplanar structure. The first plane is positioned at a lower height for smooth insertion, while the second plane is positioned at a higher height to enable effective flexible arm spreading. This dimensional change allows both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously
2Ease of operation
If the height of the protrusive structure is decreased to allow smooth insertion of the male head, then the insertion process is improved, but the flexible arm cannot be effectively spread out to perform unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding trough is segmented into two distinct planes with different heights. The first plane provides a lower height surface for smooth insertion guidance, while the second plane provides a higher height surface for effective unlocking. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing separate functional zones within the same structural feature
Solution Approach 2:
The non-coplanar two-plane structure creates a dynamic transition path for the flexible arm. During insertion, the flexible arm follows the first plane; during unlocking, it transitions to the second plane which provides the necessary height for spreading. This dynamic adaptation to different operational phases resolves the height contradiction
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the flexible arm is used repeatedly for unlocking, then the connector maintains functionality, but elastic fatigue occurs causing unlocking failure over time
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member (spring) provides self-service by automatically restoring the flexible arm to its original position after each unlocking operation. This continuous restoration prevents permanent deformation and reduces elastic fatigue accumulation, thereby extending the connector's service life while maintaining reliable unlocking function
Solution Approach 2:
The spring provides beforehand cushioning by continuously applying a restoring force to the flexible arm. This pre-applied elastic force compensates for the cumulative effect of repeated bending stresses, preventing elastic fatigue failure before it occurs and extending the operational lifespan of the unlocking mechanism
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
This design significantly increases the outward swing amplitude of the flexible arm, allowing for easy and rapid unlocking, reducing the risk of elastic fatigue and unlocking failures, while maintaining high-speed transmission performance.
Implementation Method 1
When the stem is released, the paddle is pushed by the elasticity of the elastic member to return to the original position so as to restore the unlocking assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A cable connector includes a shell, a protrusive structure, and an unlocking assembly. The shell has an inserting end and a connecting end. A side plane is formed between the inserting end and the connecting end. The side plane is provided with a sliding trough. The sliding trough has a first plane and a second plane. The protrusive structure is disposed in the sliding trough. The unlocking assembly includes a stem and a flexible arm. The flexible arm includes an arm body and an unlocking portion which contact the first plane and the second plane, respectively. The unlocking portion abuts against the protrusive structure to make the unlocking portion be outward pushed away from the second plane when the stem is being pulled toward an extending direction of the connecting end.