Electrical Connector Lever Mechanism for Low-Force Coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical connectors requiring high contact pressure and/or used in confined spaces are difficult to plug in and out, with existing mechanisms failing to simplify both the plug-in and plug-out operations simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A device with a handle and a pulling and pushing mechanism that rotates around an axis, allowing for simplified coupling and decoupling of electrical connectors using a lever action, reducing the required operating force through a curved shape and recess interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high contact pressure is used in electrical connectors, then connection reliability is improved, but the force required to plug in and plug out the connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic latching mechanism with movable latch members that can shift between engaged and disengaged states. The latch members are biased by springs to automatically engage with the connector housing during insertion, providing high contact pressure for reliable connection without requiring sustained high operating force. The mechanism transitions from a static high-force connection to a dynamic self-latching system.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into modular components including separate latch members, biasing springs, and engagement features distributed at different locations. This segmentation allows the connection force to be distributed across multiple contact points rather than concentrated at a single point, reducing the peak operating force required while maintaining overall connection reliability.
2Reliability
If high contact pressure is used in electrical connectors, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through spring biasing. During insertion, the latch members automatically engage with the housing features without requiring manual intervention. The springs provide the necessary force to secure the connection, making the system self-serving and eliminating the need for users to apply high forces manually.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic latching mechanism allows the connector to automatically transition from an open to a locked state during insertion. The movable latch members respond to the insertion motion and spring forces to secure the connection, making the operation intuitive and easy to perform without requiring precise force control or complex manual manipulation.
3Volume of moving object
If electrical connectors are used in confined spaces, then space utilization is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with distributed latch members positioned at multiple locations around the connector body. This segmentation allows the latching function to be achieved through small local movements at each latch point rather than requiring large-scale manual manipulation, making the connector easy to operate even in confined spaces with limited access.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic latching mechanism with spring-biased movable latch members automatically engages during insertion without requiring the user to apply force in tight spaces. The springs provide the necessary actuation force, eliminating the need for users to manually manipulate large components in confined areas, thereby maintaining ease of operation despite reduced space requirements.
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 device enables easy coupling and decoupling of electrical connectors with reduced force, minimizing space requirements and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A device with a handle and a pulling and pushing mechanism that rotates around an axis, allowing for simplified coupling and decoupling of electrical connectors using a lever action
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1d
Figure 2I~2IV
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (300) for coupling and decoupling a first electrical connector (100) and a second electrical connector (200) relatively to each other. The device (300) comprises a handle (310) and a pulling and pushing device (320) coupled to the handle (310). When the handle (310) is operated by a user of the device in a coupling operation, the pulling and pushing device (320) pulls the first electrical connector (100) in a coupling direction (C1) to the second electrical connector (200), or vice versa. Furthermore, when the handle (310) is operated by the user of the device in a decoupling operation, the pulling and pushing device (320) pushes the first electrical connector (100) in a decoupling direction (C2) away from the second electrical connector (200), or vice versa. With the help of the device (300) the first electrical connector (100) and the second electrical connector (200) can thereby be both coupled and decoupled relative to each other.