Cable Retention Mechanism With Spring Biasing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic device connections lack secure retention mechanisms, leading to unintended disconnection due to inadvertent forces, particularly in mobile and temporary connections, which disrupt productivity.
Innovation Solution
A cable retention mechanism featuring a retention housing with a biased mounting arrangement and spring wire that applies increasing force to prevent cable disconnection from input/output connectors, using a combination of lateral forces and friction to secure the cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If locking screws are used to secure cable connections, then connection strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring extreme force for removal and complex installation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a retainer with gripping features that engages the cable, and a mounting arrangement with biasing members that apply retaining force. This segmentation allows the mechanism to provide strong locking while maintaining ease of operation through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing members (springs) provide dynamic retaining force that automatically adjusts to cable insertion and tension. The mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic state where the springs compress and expand, allowing easy insertion while maintaining secure retention during use.
2Ease of operation
If simple friction-based retention is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates under inadvertent forces
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping features incorporate curved surfaces that conform to the cable shape, increasing contact area and friction. The biasing members apply radial compressive force that creates reliable friction-based retention, preventing disconnection under inadvertent forces while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily replaced if needed. The spring-based mechanism provides reliable retention without complex moving parts, ensuring durability and consistency over the product lifecycle.
3Strength
If separate physical retention components are used, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity increases due to difficult installation and service
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer and mounting arrangement are integrated into a single assembly that can be installed as one unit. The biasing members are pre-positioned within the mounting arrangement, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and reducing installation complexity while maintaining strong retention force.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing members automatically apply retaining force when the cable is inserted, requiring no manual adjustment or additional components. The mechanism self-regulates the retention force through spring compression, simplifying both installation and service procedures.
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
Effectively prevents cable disconnection from electronic device ports under inadvertent forces, ensuring stable connections and maintaining productivity by applying a predetermined and increasing force to counteract removal attempts.
Implementation Method 1
a spring wire configured to apply a force on the cable to prevent an end of the cable from being removed from an input/output (I/O) connector of the electronic device
Implementation Method 2
a biasing member coupled to the mounting arrangement, the biasing member compressing a portion of the mounting arrangement adjacent to the channel
Implementation Method 3
using a combination of lateral forces and friction to secure the cable
Data Source
AI summary
A cable retention mechanism locks an external connector with an input/output (I/O) connector of an electronic device. The mechanism includes a retention housing having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the second surface adjacent to the device housing when the retention mechanism and the electronic device are coupled to one another. The mechanism includes a retainer including a mounting arrangement defining a channel receiving a cable of the external connector, the mounting arrangement biased to apply a first retaining force to the cable. The retainer includes a biasing member compressing a portion of the mounting arrangement such that a width of the channel decreases as the channel approaches the second surface, the biasing member applying a second retaining force to the mounting arrangement to increase the first retaining force. When tension is applied to the cable, the biasing member increases the second retaining force.