Compact Push-Pull Plug With Segmented Elastic Locking Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional push-pull connectors have a large cross-sectional size due to their locking and unlocking mechanisms, making them unsuitable for many applications despite providing a high holding force.
Innovation Solution
A compact push-pull latch design featuring a spring-elastic locking element with multiple latching arms and a cross brace, allowing for efficient locking and unlocking with minimal space requirements, utilizing a single entry device and distributing forces symmetrically for enhanced usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a conventional push-pull locking mechanism is used, then a high holding force is achieved, but the connector housing cross-section becomes too large
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple locking arms (at least two) that are distributed around the connector housing. Each locking arm engages with a corresponding locking pin on the mating connector, allowing the holding force to be distributed across multiple contact points rather than requiring a single large locking structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arms are arranged radially around the connector housing in different directions, utilizing angular distribution rather than linear arrangement. This dimensional change from a single-plane to a multi-angular configuration allows the same holding force to be achieved with a smaller cross-sectional area.
2Ease of manufacture
If the locking element is made spring-elastic, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the deformation required for locking may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed as a spring-elastic component that dynamically adapts during the locking process. The elastic material allows the locking arms to flex and deform controllably, absorbing the deformation requirement through material elasticity rather than requiring excessive displacement. This dynamic response enables cost-effective manufacturing using simpler elastic materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-elastic material properties are selected and tuned to optimize the balance between manufacturing cost and deformation characteristics. By changing the material parameters (elastic modulus, yield strength) and geometric parameters (arm thickness, length, cross-section), the deformation distance is controlled to be sufficient for reliable locking while minimizing the total travel required.
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 design achieves a high holding force with minimal space usage and reduced deformation requirements for locking and unlocking, ensuring a compact and cost-effective connector solution.
Implementation Method 1
The locking and unlocking element is at least partially made of a spring-elastic material to ensure its aforementioned mobility
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b~1c
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
The aim of the invention is to achieve a compact design. This aim is achieved by a push-pull latching system for a rectangular plug, in which push-pull latching system at least one locking and releasing element (11) is held against a broad side of a plug housing in such away that said locking and releasing element can be moved parallel to said broad side of the plug housing (1). For this purpose, the locking and releasing element (11) can be formed integrally with the plug housing (1) from an elastic plastic and can have a plurality of locking arms (111) having locking hooks (113). The movement necessary for releasing is then inversely proportional to the number of locking arms (111); the elasticity is also determined by the shape of the locking arms, in particular the width of the locking arms.