Connector Retention Mechanism for Stable Electronic Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connector inserts in electronic devices often become inadvertently detached or disconnected due to movement, vibrations, and other forces, leading to intermittent connections and user confusion, which can disrupt power supply and data transfer, especially in hard-to-reach locations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a connector receptacle with a friction mechanism that includes friction pads and an engagement mechanism to increase insertion force and prevent accidental extraction, along with a locking mechanism that can be manually or electronically toggled to secure the connector insert in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a connector insert is designed to be easily inserted and removed, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates as the connector may become inadvertently detached
Solution Approach 1:
The connector insert employs a dynamic retention mechanism where the retention force is not static but adapts based on insertion depth. As the connector insert is pushed into the receptacle, the retention force increases progressively, providing easy initial insertion while automatically strengthening the connection to prevent accidental detachment during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector insert changes the physical parameters of the connection during insertion. The retention force parameter is dynamically adjusted based on insertion depth, transitioning from a low-force state during insertion to a high-force state during operation, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and connection stability.
2Reliability
If a high retention force mechanism is applied to prevent accidental disconnection, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates as user effort during insertion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention force mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The retention force activates and increases progressively as the connector insert is inserted into the receptacle, rather than being constantly high. This allows easy initial insertion while ensuring strong retention once connected.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism performs preliminary action by preparing the retention force structure in advance but only engaging it partially during insertion. The full retention force is not applied until the connector insert reaches its final position, allowing easy insertion while ensuring strong connection stability.
3Reliability
If a friction mechanism with engagement mechanism is used to increase extraction force, then reliability is improved by preventing accidental extraction, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The friction mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a friction pad for contact, an engagement mechanism with front and back sides for directional control, and a spring for force application. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement mechanism uses dynamic geometry with front and back sides that create asymmetric friction forces. The front side allows easy insertion with low friction, while the back side creates high friction resistance to extraction attempts, providing reliable accidental extraction prevention through a relatively simple geometric design.
4Reliability
If friction pads are positioned to contact the connector insert shield, then reliability is improved by preventing side-to-side movement, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The friction mechanism is divided into separate components including the friction pad, engagement mechanism, and spring. This segmentation allows the friction pad to be positioned and adjusted independently, reducing the overall manufacturing precision requirements while still achieving reliable side-to-side movement prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded engagement mechanism provides self-adjusting friction pad positioning. The spring force automatically compensates for minor manufacturing variations in pad position, allowing the friction mechanism to maintain reliable contact and prevent side-to-side movement without requiring extremely precise manufacturing tolerances.
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 friction and locking mechanisms effectively prevent accidental disconnection and side-to-side movement of connector inserts, ensuring stable connections and reducing user effort during insertion while increasing extraction difficulty, thus maintaining reliable power and data transfer.
Implementation Method 1
a friction mechanism to provide friction between a connector insert and a connector receptacle when the connector insert is inserted in the connector receptacle
Implementation Method 2
The friction mechanism may further include an engagement mechanism. The engagement mechanism may increase a force applied by the friction pad against the connector insert shield when the engagement mechanism comes into contact with the connector insert shield
Data Source
AI summary
Mechanisms that may help to secure connector inserts in place when they are plugged into a connector receptacle on an electronic device. One example may provide a connector receptacle having a friction mechanism to provide friction between a connector insert and a connector receptacle when the connector insert is inserted in the connector receptacle. Other examples may provide a connector receptacle having a locking mechanism to hinder or prevent extraction of a connector insert.