Connector Releasable Latch Mechanism Axial Pull Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical connectors with latching mechanisms often require complex and difficult procedures for disconnection, and are prone to damage under axial pull forces, lacking a simple and controlled release mechanism.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a pivotable latch member with a hook tip and actuator segment, where rearward movement of the shell engages a ridge with a ramp surface to pivot the latch from a locking to a release position, allowing easy disconnection without damaging the connectors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional latching mechanism is used to secure connectors, then the connectors can maintain a stable mated configuration, but the disconnection procedure becomes complex and difficult requiring tools or fingers to pry the latch

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestable mated configurationVSAvoiddisconnection procedure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The latch member is designed to be dynamically movable between a latched position (secured to catch surface) and an unlatched position (released from catch surface). The movable characteristic allows the latch to transition between locked and unlocked states, enabling easy disconnection while maintaining stable connection during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator segment serves as an intermediary element that translates the pulling force applied to the connector into rotational motion of the latch member. This intermediary mechanism converts linear motion into rotational motion, enabling the latch to release from the catch surface without requiring direct manual manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If the latching mechanism is designed to resist axial pull forces, then the connectors remain securely connected, but the mechanism and components may be damaged if the pull force exceeds the upper limit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxial force resistanceVSAvoiddamage prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The latch member is designed with a preliminary release mechanism that activates before excessive force can damage the components. When axial pull force is applied, the actuator segment engages the catch surface's release feature, which preliminarily counteracts the pulling force by initiating latch rotation, preventing the force from reaching damage-level thresholds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The axial pull force that could potentially damage the connector is converted into a beneficial releasing action. The pulling force causes the actuator segment to engage with the catch surface's release feature, which rotates the latch member to the unlatched position, thereby converting a potentially harmful force into a useful disconnection mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of operation

If a deflectable latch is used that requires prying with tools or fingers, then the latch can be actuated, but it becomes difficult to locate, access, and properly actuate the latch

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatch actuationVSAvoidlatch location and access

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The connector system performs the latch actuation automatically through the pulling action itself. When the connector is pulled for disconnection, the actuator segment automatically engages with the catch surface's release feature, causing the latch to rotate and release without requiring the user to manually locate, access, or manipulate the latch mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 solution enables simple and controlled release of electrical connectors, preventing damage from axial pull forces and facilitating easy disconnection by moving the shell rearward, which pivots the latch member from a locking to a release position.

Implementation Method 1

Rearward movement of the shell causes the latch member to pivot from a locking position to a release position due to sliding engagement between the ridge and the ramp surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRamp surface sliding engagement: Wedge

Data Source

PatentUS10283908B1Connector with releasable latch member

Publication Date: 2019.05.07 TE CONNECTIVITY SOLUTIONS GMBH

AI summary

An electrical connector includes a housing that holds multiple electrical conductors, a latch member pivotably coupled to an outer surface of the housing, and a shell surrounding the housing. The latch member includes stem extending between a front end and an opposite rear end. The latch member has a hook tip at the front end, a ramp surface at the rear end, and a pivot location disposed therebetween. The hook tip couples to a locking tab of a mating connector. A ridge of the shell protrudes inward from an interior surface of the shell and engages the ramp surface. Rearward movement of the shell causes the latch member to pivot from a locking position to a release position due to sliding engagement between the ridge and the ramp surface. The hook tip is disposed more proximate to the housing in the locking position than in the release position.