Connector Latch Mechanism Single Button Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors with locking structures require two buttons for engagement and disengagement, which is impractical in situations with limited space, and often lack multiple locking structures for optimal engagement.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a latch with two interconnected beams, where a single button operates both beams, allowing for locking and unlocking with minimal space usage, utilizing a force application element and a ridge in the housing to transfer force and move locking structures between locking and release positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two buttons are provided on opposite sides of the connector for controlling locking structures, then the connector can be reliably locked and released, but the space required for providing and accessing the buttons increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate button operations into a single button operation. The single button is mechanically coupled to both locking structures through the latch mechanism, allowing one button to control both locking structures simultaneously. This merging reduces the number of buttons from two to one, directly addressing the space constraint while maintaining the reliability of dual locking structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The single button serves multiple functions: it controls both locking structures for engagement and release operations. The button is designed to interact with both beams of the latch mechanism, making it a multi-functional control element that replaces what would traditionally require two separate buttons, thereby reducing space requirements.
2Reliability
If multiple locking structures are provided for optimal engagement, then the connection reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is segmented into two independent beams (first beam and second beam), each with its own locking structure. This segmentation allows each beam to function independently while being controlled by a single button, reducing the overall complexity compared to a monolithic multi-locking structure design. Each beam can be optimized separately for its locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The two beams are arranged asymmetrically with respect to each other, with the first beam having a force application element and the second beam interacting with the connector housing. This asymmetric arrangement allows for simplified force transmission paths and reduces the complexity of the control mechanism while maintaining multiple locking structures.
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 efficient locking and unlocking of connectors with minimal space requirements, utilizing a resilient latch with multiple locking structures that can be operated by a single button, ensuring secure engagement and easy release in constrained environments.
Implementation Method 1
The latch (3) is resilient and comprises a first beam (13) and a second beam (14), which first and second beam are connected with each other via a connection element (15)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a connector including a connector housing and a latch including a first beam and a second beam, which first and second beam are connected with each other. The first beam includes a first locking structure and the second beam includes a second locking structure capable of locking said connector onto a counterpart in a locking position of said first and second locking structure. The first beam includes a force application element and the second beam and the connector housing are arranged to interact with each other in order to move the second locking structure from said locking position to a release position on application; of a force on said force application element. The invention further relates to a latch and a method of releasing a cable connector from a board connector.