Circular Latch for Micro-Connectors with Integral Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small diameter plastic circular connectors face challenges with high cost, low torque resistance, and damage-prone metal spring clips, which affect the retention force and reliability of mated connector pairs, especially in micro-miniature and nano-miniature connectors.
Innovation Solution
A circular latch with a unitary body and integral spring member is designed to fit around the connector assembly, providing enhanced retention force without protruding metal components, featuring a semi-circular radial cross-section spring, internal shoulders, a thumb tab, and a wire retainer for secure attachment and strain relief.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If metal spring clips are used to supplement retention force, then the resistance to separation force is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to damage and snagging during packaging and use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the latch body and spring member into a single unitary structure where the spring member is integral to the elongate body. This integration eliminates separate metal spring clips that protrude and are prone to damage, while maintaining the retention force function through the embedded spring mechanism within the protective housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongate body with internal passageway serves as an intermediary structure that houses the spring member. This mediator protects the spring mechanism from external damage and snagging while still allowing it to function internally for providing retention force to the mated connector pair.
2Force
If threaded coupling arrangement is used to secure connector halves, then the retention force is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase for small diameter connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the retention function into two independent components: the latch mechanism (elongate body with spring member) and the connector halves. This segmentation allows the latch to be a simple snap-fit device without complex threading, while still providing substantial retention force through the spring-loaded latching action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the retention mechanism from threaded mechanical engagement to spring-loaded elastic retention. This parameter change from rigid threading to flexible spring engagement simplifies the device structure while maintaining or improving retention force, especially for small diameter connectors where threading is problematic.
3Force
If retaining spring pair is used to supplement retention, then the resistance to axial separation is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to protruding metal components that are damage-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the latch body and spring member into a single unitary structure where the spring member is integral to the elongate body. This integration eliminates separate metal spring clips that protrude and are prone to damage, while maintaining the retention force function through the embedded spring mechanism within the protective housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongate body with internal passageway serves as an intermediary structure that houses the spring member. This mediator protects the spring mechanism from external damage and snagging while still allowing it to function internally for providing retention force to the mated connector pair.
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 circular latch significantly increases the resistance to separation force, from approximately 3 pounds to 40 pounds in micro-miniature connectors, while preventing damage and snagging, and ensures secure electrical connections without the need for additional latching hardware.
Implementation Method 1
a spring member integral to the elongate body, the spring member having a semi-circular radial cross-section
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and system for securing a mated connector pair with a latch. The latch is a unitary elongate body configured to receive the mated connector pair. The latch may include a spring member and an internal passageway configured to receive a miniature circular connector. The latch may include a wire retainer feature to secure the latch to a wire harness.