Pull-Handle Connector Latch for Short-Stroke Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wire-end connectors face issues such as long insertion and extraction strokes, difficulty in operation, and limited housing design due to the need for fasteners that match the actuation stroke of the housing, restricting assembly direction.
Innovation Solution
The connector design includes a base with barriers and a latch mechanism comprising snapping plates, connecting straps, and a pull handle, allowing for easy unlocking and locking without the need for complex fasteners, thereby simplifying the design and reducing operational complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fasteners are used to fix wire-end connectors, then the connectors will not fall off and cause abnormal signal transmission, but the insertion and extraction strokes become long and operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastening function from traditional complex fasteners and implements it through a simple latch structure with snapping plates that can be easily actuated. The latch mechanism is separated from the housing and operates independently, allowing simple push-button operation without requiring long strokes or complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the fastening mechanism by using elastic snapping plates that require minimal force and short stroke to actuate. The latch transitions between locked and unlocked states through small movements of the snapping plates, dramatically reducing the insertion and extraction strokes compared to traditional fasteners.
2Ease of operation
If housing is designed to compress fasteners to cause them to pop out or retract, then the fasteners can be actuated, but the housing design is limited and assembly direction is restricted to only be perpendicular to the actuation direction of the fastener
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism designed in this patent can be applied to various housing configurations and assembly directions. The snapping plates and latch structure are not limited to a specific orientation or housing design, making them universally applicable to different connector types and assembly requirements, thereby increasing design flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the fastening function into independent components (latch, snapping plates, connecting arms) that can be separately designed and configured. This segmentation allows the housing to be designed with greater freedom, as the fastening mechanism does not need to be integrated into the housing structure in a fixed manner, enabling various assembly directions and housing configurations.
3Reliability
If complex fasteners are used to ensure connector stability, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The snapping plates are designed to be elastic and self-latching, automatically maintaining the locked state without requiring additional complex mechanisms. The elastic material provides the necessary force to maintain engagement, and the latch structure self-locks when engaged, eliminating the need for complex spring mechanisms, cam structures, or multiple moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simple elastic snapping plates made from cost-effective materials that can be easily manufactured. These snapping plates are designed as simple, single-piece components that can be produced through injection molding or similar processes, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost compared to traditional metal fasteners with multiple parts and assembly steps.
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 proposed connector design enhances operational ease by allowing for simple and efficient locking and unlocking mechanisms, reduces assembly direction restrictions, and lowers production costs while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
When the latch switches from an unlocking state to a locking state, each of the connecting arms is deformed and abuts against the stopping surface
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a base, two barriers, and a latch. The base includes a front surface, an upper surface, and two side surfaces. The barriers are connected to the upper surface. Each barrier has a first stopping surface perpendicular to the upper surface. The latch includes a pull handle connecting with two snapping plates via two connecting arms respectively. Each snapping plate covers a portion of the two side surfaces. A portion of the connecting arms is located on the upper surface. One of the snapping plates has a first hook protruding away from the base. When pull handle is pulled away from the base along a pulling direction, the latch switches from an unlocking state to a locking state. Meanwhile, each connecting arm is moved and abuts against the stopping surface and control movement of the first hook via the one of the snapping plates.