Ganging Device for Simultaneous Connector Locking and Individual Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools for connecting and extracting modular connectors, such as RJ45, do not allow individual cable/connector removal after installation in a ganged configuration, and their operation is often cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly with a plunger member and ganging device that allows simultaneous locking and unlocking of multiple connectors, enabling easy insertion or removal from receiving ports, using a plunger member that can be oriented to secure or release locking tabs, and a housing release button to depress locking tabs for individual connector removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple connectors are ganged together using existing tools, then simultaneous connection speed is improved, but individual connector removal becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The ganging device is designed with individual slots for each connector housing, allowing the housing to be separated from the ganging device after initial simultaneous connection. This segmentation enables the connector to be detached from the ganging device while remaining connected to the receiving port, thus allowing individual removal capability while maintaining simultaneous connection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The ganging device acts as an intermediary tool that facilitates simultaneous connection of multiple connectors to receiving ports. After connection, the ganging device can be removed from the connectors, leaving the connectors permanently attached to the ports. This intermediary role allows the tool to enable bulk operations while not permanently constraining individual connector access.
2Loss of time
If existing ganging tools are used to connect multiple connectors, then assembly time is reduced, but operational flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ganging device incorporates a dynamic plunger mechanism that can be actuated to simultaneously release all connectors from the ganging device. This dynamic feature allows rapid deployment of multiple connectors at once, reducing assembly time, while still permitting individual connectors to be accessed and removed from ports as needed, maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The ganging device performs preliminary action by pre-positioning multiple connectors in the correct orientation and location before insertion into receiving ports. This preliminary arrangement enables rapid simultaneous connection, reducing assembly time, while the design allows connectors to be individually accessed afterward, preserving operational flexibility for maintenance or reconfiguration.
3Reliability
If locking tabs are used to secure connectors, then connection reliability is improved, but connector extraction becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connector housing includes an integrated release button that allows the user to manually actuate the locking tab for individual connector removal. This self-service feature enables the connector to unlock itself when the release button is pressed, maintaining secure connection during normal operation while facilitating easy extraction when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and extraction ease.
4Reliability
If a plunger mechanism is used to lock connectors, then locking reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger mechanism serves multiple functions: it locks the connector housing to the ganging device during connection, locks the locking tabs in the engaged position to maintain connection reliability, and can be actuated to simultaneously release all connectors for easy removal. This multi-functionality achieves high locking reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity, as a single plunger mechanism performs multiple locking and releasing tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are provided for use in connecting and disconnecting cable connectors to and from communication ports. In some embodiments, a connector assembly has a ganging member, a plunger member, and a key. The ganging member can retain a plurality of cable connectors, and be used to simultaneously connect/disconnect groups of cable connectors. The plunger member can have a plurality of elongated plungers usable to simultaneously unlock or lock the cable connectors.