Connector Latch Assembly with Longitudinal Slider Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical cable connectors often experience unintentional disconnection due to difficulty in accessing and actuating the latch mechanism, especially with small-sized connectors or those closely spaced, leading to disruptions in data or power transmission.
Innovation Solution
A compact latch assembly with a slider mechanism that is easily accessible and actuable, featuring a sunk section with a projecting end for grip and a locking cam or notch system, allowing for a single movement release and disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional latch finger mechanism is used, then the connector achieves secure locking, but the latch becomes difficult to access and actuate with small-sized connectors or closely spaced connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The latch finger is repositioned from a lateral configuration to a longitudinal configuration, extending along the longitudinal axis of the connector. This dimensional change allows the latch to be actuated from the end of the connector, making it accessible even when connectors are closely spaced, while maintaining secure locking functionality
Solution Approach 2:
A cam mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the latch finger and the connector housing. The cam converts the longitudinal movement of the latch finger into lateral movement that engages and disengages the locking engagement, enabling compact design while maintaining ease of operation
2Volume of moving object
If the latch assembly is made compact to minimize connector volume, then the connector size is reduced, but the accessibility of the release mechanism becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is repositioned from a lateral configuration to a longitudinal configuration, allowing actuation from the end of the connector. This enables the connector to maintain a compact cross-sectional profile while preserving full accessibility of the release mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The latch finger is designed to be actuated by simple longitudinal pulling motion that naturally occurs during connector removal. The cam mechanism automatically converts this pulling motion into the lateral movement needed to disengage the locking engagement, eliminating the need for complex user manipulation
3Reliability
If a slideable cover mechanism is used for latch release, then the connector achieves secure locking, but multiple components increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The latch finger and release mechanism are merged into a single integrated component. The latch finger itself serves as both the locking element and the release mechanism, eliminating the need for separate slideable covers or additional actuating components while maintaining secure locking functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The latch finger performs multiple functions: it provides the locking engagement through its lateral extension, serves as the release mechanism through longitudinal actuation, and interfaces with the cam mechanism for motion conversion. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count while maintaining reliability
Data Source
AI summary
Latch assembly for latching two mating connectors. The latch assembly includes a main body and a resilient latch finger extending from the main body. The latch finger includes a locking section, such as a locking cam. A release member, e.g., a slider, is moveable between a locking position and a release position. The release member a pressure surface profiled to flex the latch finger away when the release member is moved to the release position. The pressure surface is positioned between the locking section and the connected end of the latch finger, when the release member is in the locking position. The main body can, e.g., include a surface with a sunk section, the latch finger forming an extension of the sunk section, while the release member is a slider slideable in the sunk section.