Electrical Connector Latch Mechanism With Pivotable Buttons

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical connector assemblies face challenges in achieving easy and reliable assembly and operation due to complex latch mechanisms and limited design flexibility.

Innovation Solution

The electrical connector assembly incorporates a pair of latches with spring arms and buttons featuring pivots, stoppers, and abutting portions, allowing for symmetrical design and easy operation, with the buttons mounted to the outer cover to facilitate secure engagement and disengagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex latch mechanism is used, then the reliability of engagement is improved, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of engagementVSAvoidcomplexity of latch mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: the spring arm provides resilient engagement force, the pressing portion interfaces with the button, and the securing portion locks to the connector. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply, achieving reliable engagement without overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spring arm is designed to automatically return to its engaged position after being pressed, providing self-service functionality. The resilient nature of the spring arm eliminates the need for additional return springs or complex resetting mechanisms, maintaining reliability while minimizing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a complex latch mechanism is used, then the reliability of engagement is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of engagementVSAvoidease of assembly and operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The button serves as an intermediary between the user and the latch mechanism. By pressing the button, the user indirectly actuates the spring arm to disengage the latch. This intermediary approach simplifies user interaction while maintaining reliable engagement through the spring arm's resilient action

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring the user to directly manipulate the spring arm or latch components, the design inverts the operation by using a button that presses against the spring arm. This inversion makes the operation intuitive and easy while preserving the reliability of the spring-based engagement mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If asymmetric latch design is used, then the ease of operation may be improved, but the design symmetry and flexibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of button operationVSAvoiddesign symmetry and flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The button is designed with asymmetric features including a sloped pressing surface that facilitates natural pressing motion, and a convex portion that provides tactile feedback. This asymmetric design improves ease of operation while the overall connector assembly maintains symmetry through the use of identical latch-button pairs on both sides

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The latch and button assembly is designed as a universal module that can be applied to both sides of the connector identically. The spring arm, button, and associated features are standardized components that provide consistent functionality regardless of position, maintaining design symmetry and flexibility for different application scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This design enhances the ease and reliability of assembly and operation by providing a simple and intuitive mechanism for engaging and disengaging the latches, ensuring secure connections while maintaining design symmetry and flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

each of the pair of latches includes a spring arm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11569612B2Electrical connector assembly having a pair of latches and a pair of buttons pivotable to operate the latches

Publication Date: 2023.01.31 FOXCONN (KUNSHAN) COMPUTER CONNECTOR CO LTD

AI summary

An electrical connector assembly includes a plug connector, a cable electrically connecting to the plug connector, an outer cover enclosing the plug connector and the cable, a pair of latches mounted to the plug connector, and a pair of buttons mounted to the outer cover for operating the pair of latches, wherein each of the pair of latches includes a spring arm, a securing portion at an inner side of the spring arm, and a pressing portion at an outer side of the spring arm, and each of the pair of buttons includes a pivot at one end thereof, a stopper at an opposite end thereof, and an abutting portion coupled to the pressing portion.