Cable Connector Latch Aligning Forces to Prevent Spring Bowing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable assembly connectors with latches suffer from plastic deformation upon repeated use, leading to reduced security and increased manufacturing complexity, along with a mismatched force direction between the latch and load forces, causing bowing of the retention spring and potential disengagement.
Innovation Solution
A latch assembly with a crossbar and latch arm that rotates about an anchor point, generating a latch force opposite to load forces, ensuring secure engagement and preventing bowing by positioning the latch point and anchor in a plane parallel to the connector's longitudinal axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retention spring is used to provide latch force perpendicular to the load force, then the latch can engage the mating connector, but the retention spring bows under load which reduces the load force necessary to de-latch and may allow disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional perpendicular arrangement by positioning the retention spring to engage the latch arm in line with the load force direction. This reversal allows the spring to push the latch arm directly along the same axis as the load force, eliminating the bowing problem that occurred with perpendicular arrangement. The spring force and load force now act collinearly, maintaining spring stability while providing reliable latching.
2Reliability
If the latch is made complex to prevent plastic deformation, then durability improves, but manufacturing cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the retention spring and latch arm into a more integrated structure where the spring directly engages the latch arm in line with the load force. This consolidation simplifies the overall latch structure by eliminating the need for complex perpendicular mounting arrangements and multiple components, while simultaneously improving durability by preventing plastic deformation through proper force alignment.
3Ease of manufacture
If the latch structure is simplified for easier manufacture, then manufacturing cost decreases, but the latch may become more susceptible to plastic deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the critical parameter of force direction alignment by repositioning the retention spring engagement point on the latch arm. This parameter change ensures that the spring force acts collinearly with the load force, which fundamentally alters the stress distribution in the latch components. The simplified structure now resists plastic deformation because the forces are properly aligned, eliminating the need for complex reinforcement features.
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 latch assembly maintains secure connection under load forces without bowing, enhancing durability and manufacturing simplicity by aligning latch and load forces, thus preventing disengagement and improving the overall performance of cable assembly connectors.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing mechanism engages the crossbar of the latch to bias the latch into the closed position... in the closed position the latch assembly generates a latch force on the mating connector in a direction opposite to a load force
Data Source
AI summary
A latch assembly for a connector is provided. The latch assembly includes a latch coupled to the connector. The latch includes a crossbar and a latch arm extending from the crossbar. The latch arm is configured to engage a mating connector. An anchor point engages the latch. The latch rotates about the anchor point between an open position, where the latch arm is configured to disengage from the mating connector, and a closed position. where the latch arm is configured to engage the mating connector. A biasing mechanism engages the crossbar of the latch to bias the latch into the closed position, wherein in the closed position the latch assembly generates a latch force on the mating connector in a direction opposite to a load force imposed on at least one of the connector and the mating connector.