Connector Housing Latch With Two-Stage Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector assemblies with latches can inadvertently release when not intended, posing a risk of unintended separation of housings during repair or replacement.
Innovation Solution
A connector housing design featuring radially outward release stops, cantilevered deflection buttons, and a longitudinally extending latch arm with a pivot base, where the latch is securely engaged only when the deflection buttons are actuated, preventing accidental disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a latch mechanism is provided to hold the housings together, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the risk of inadvertent release increases if the release mechanism is easily actuated
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism incorporates a dynamic two-stage actuation process: first pressing the button laterally to disengage the latch lock from the barb, then pressing radially inward to release the button from the release stop. This dynamic sequence prevents inadvertent release by requiring deliberate, sequential actions rather than a single simple press.
Solution Approach 2:
The release mechanism is segmented into two distinct functional stages: the button pressing stage (lateral movement to disengage latch) and the release stop stage (radial pressing to free the button). This segmentation separates the release function into discrete steps, making accidental activation unlikely while maintaining secure engagement during normal operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the release mechanism requires multiple actions to disengage, then inadvertent release is prevented, but the ease of operation for intentional release decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The two-stage release process, while requiring sequential actions, uses spring-loaded buttons that provide tactile feedback and natural movement progression. The lateral pressing action naturally leads to latch disengagement, which then allows the radial pressing action to complete the release, making the multi-step process intuitive and easy to perform intentionally.
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
Ensures secure engagement and controlled disengagement of the connector housings, preventing unintended separation and allowing for intentional assembly and disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
The connector housing 22 is formed from an elastic material that allows for flexing (deflection) when a force is applied and then returns to the non-deflected state when the force is released.
Implementation Method 2
a pair of deflection buttons extending longitudinally cantilevered from a pivot base having a lateral axis and having free ends extending toward the first end
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes a connector housing having a first end and an opposed second end, a pair of release stops extending generally radially outward and adjacent to the first end, and a pair of deflection buttons extending longitudinally cantilevered from a pivot base having a lateral axis and having free ends extending toward the first end and located adjacent to and radially outward from respective ones of the release stops when in an unflexed state. The electrical connector also includes a latch arm extending longitudinally cantilevered from the pivot base toward the second end, with a free end of the latch arm including a latch lock configured to selectively engage a barb on a mating connector.