Low Voltage Connector Hinge Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RJ-type connectors, such as RJ45, face issues with wire disengagement during assembly due to excessive force on the cable, which requires reassembly and is not addressed by existing solutions like the flange mechanism described in US6371794, as it is located on the part with insulation displacement contacts and does not prevent disengagement at the wire organizer level.
Innovation Solution
A low voltage connector with a hinge mechanism allowing the second part to articulate around a first axis of rotation, featuring a locking member that can pivot between open and closed positions, and includes a clamping mechanism with a spring for securing the cable, ensuring wires remain in place on the organizer support, preventing disengagement during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If excessive force is applied during connector closing, then the connector can be assembled, but the wires disengage from their locations on the organizer support
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is activated before the closing operation to pre-lock the cable and wires in position. This preliminary action prevents the wires from disengaging during the subsequent closing process, directly resolving the contradiction between assembly feasibility and wire positioning reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The cable locking mechanism is engaged in advance before the actual connector closing. This preliminary locking ensures that when closing force is applied, the wires remain securely positioned on the organizer support, eliminating the need for reassembly
2Ease of operation
If a flange mechanism is added to the first part, then connector assembly is facilitated, but wire disengagement at the wire organizer level is not prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted from the first part (where the flange mechanism is located) and placed on the second part. This separation allows the locking mechanism to directly secure the cable and wires at the wire organizer level, preventing disengagement while still facilitating easy assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member on the second part acts as an intermediary that directly secures the cable and wires before closing. This intermediary mechanism ensures wire positioning reliability while the flange mechanism on the first part continues to facilitate easy connector assembly
3Ease of manufacture
If the connector is designed in two parts for easy assembly, then manufacturing is simplified, but wire disengagement occurs during closing
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is activated before the closing operation to pre-lock the cable and wires in position. This preliminary action prevents the wires from disengaging during the subsequent closing process, directly resolving the contradiction between assembly feasibility and wire positioning reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into two parts with the locking function segregated to the second part. This segmentation allows the locking mechanism to directly secure the cable and wires at the wire organizer level, preventing disengagement while maintaining the simplified two-part structure
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 solution ensures easy and secure assembly of the connector by locking the cable in place, preventing wire disengagement from the organizer support, facilitating a straightforward and reliable connection process.
Implementation Method 1
the locking member comprises a clamping part which is movable in translation transversely relative to the passage path of the cable and assembled on a spring
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The connector has a connector part (1) connected by its front face on a complementary male connector. An opening (21) of another connector part (2) forms a passageway of a cable. A hinge mechanism articulates the latter part with respect to the former part around a rotation axis (R1) to open or close the connector. A locking element (22) is assembled on the latter part for locking the cable in the opening of the latter part. The locking element comprises a closing unit (220) cooperating with a complementary closing unit realized on the former part for fixing the former part on the latter part. An independent claim is also included for a method for mounting a low voltage connector on a cable.