Electrical Connector Latch Release Collar Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical connectors often require separate tools to release latches, making them more complex, costly, and bulky, and lacking an integrated latch release feature for uncoupling.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design featuring a circular housing with a flexible latch and a slidable release collar that includes an actuator ramp to deflect the latch, allowing for tool-less uncoupling by moving the release collar in an axial direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional latches are used to secure electrical connectors, then the connectors can be securely held together, but the design becomes more complicated, costly and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The release collar integrates multiple functions: it serves as both the release mechanism and the interface for applying force to deflect the flexible latch. The actuator ramp on the release collar combines the leverage mechanism and the force application point into a single integrated component, reducing overall complexity while maintaining securing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The release collar performs multiple functions: it provides the release actuation interface, amplifies user force through its ramp geometry, and directly engages the flexible latch's pull hook. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate release tools or complex linkage mechanisms, reducing device complexity while ensuring reliable connector securing and release.
2Reliability
If traditional latches are used, then connectors can be securely held together, but a separate tool is required to release the flexible latch member
Solution Approach 1:
The release collar is designed to be manually actuated directly by the user without requiring external tools. The collar's geometry and engagement with the pull hook create a self-contained release mechanism where the user's finger force is directly converted into latch deflection, enabling tool-less operation while maintaining secure connector holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The release collar acts as an intermediary between the user's manual force and the flexible latch. The actuator ramp on the collar mediates the force application, providing mechanical advantage and directing the force efficiently to deflect the latch and engage the pull hook, making the release operation easy while maintaining securing reliability.
3Device complexity
If an integrated latch release feature is added, then the design is simplified and cost is reduced, but the mechanism requires precise geometric alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator ramp is pre-formed as an integral part of the release collar during molding, eliminating the need for separate machining or assembly steps. The collar and ramp are designed with built-in alignment features that ensure proper geometric relationship without requiring high-precision post-processing or complex assembly procedures, reducing manufacturing precision requirements while simplifying overall design.
Solution Approach 2:
The release collar and actuator ramp are designed with optimized geometric parameters that provide sufficient mechanical advantage and alignment tolerance. By carefully selecting the ramp angle, collar thickness, and engagement dimensions, the design achieves reliable force transmission and alignment without requiring ultra-precise manufacturing, thus reducing complexity while maintaining manufacturability.
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
Enables easy and tool-less release of the flexible latch from the mating connector, simplifying the design and reducing complexity and cost by integrating the latch release mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
The release collar has a spring between the rear end and the flange. The spring biases the release collar to the forward position.
Implementation Method 2
The actuator ramp engages the pull hook to deflect the flexible latch to release the flexible latch from a latch of the mating connector as the release collar is moved in the axial direction to the rearward position.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes a circular housing having a cavity configured to receive a mating connector. The housing holds power terminals in the cavity. The housing has a mating end having a generally circular cross-section. The housing has a flexible latch at the mating end configured to engage a latch of the mating connector. The flexible latch has a pull hook extending therefrom. A release collar is slidably coupled to the housing at the mating end in an axial direction between a forward position and a rearward position. The release collar has an actuator ramp facing the pull hook. The actuator ramp engages the pull hook to actuate the flexible latch to release the flexible latch from a latch of the mating connector as the release collar is moved in the axial direction to the rearward position.