Electrical Connector Latching Structure for Low-Force Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical connector locking mechanisms face challenges in achieving high locking strength while requiring low insertion and release forces, making it difficult to ensure stable connections without excessive user effort.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a cantilever structure with latching arms and hooks that deform elastically, utilizing gaps and inclined surfaces to facilitate low-force insertion and high-strength locking, enhanced by an unlocking lever and side barriers for easy separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a locking mechanism is designed to provide high locking strength, then the connectors are firmly fastened and not easily separated, but the insertion force and release force required become excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into multiple functional segments: the root portion forms a first fulcrum, the latching arm forms a second fulcrum, and the hook engages with the stopper. This segmentation allows different parts to perform different functions - the fulcrums provide mechanical advantage for low insertion force, while the hook-stopper engagement provides high locking strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching arm is designed as a flexible component that can dynamically change its position and deformation state. During insertion, the latching arm elastically deforms to overcome the stopper with low force. Once locked, the arm maintains a stable engaged position providing high locking strength. The dynamic flexibility allows the mechanism to adapt between low-force insertion and high-strength locking states.
2Device complexity
If the locking mechanism uses a simple hook and stopper structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the locking strength becomes insufficient to prevent unintentional release
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and emphasizes the fulcrum function from the overall locking mechanism. By designing the root portion and latching arm to form distinct fulcrums, the mechanism gains mechanical advantage without adding complex components. The fulcrums serve as leverage points that amplify the user's insertion force while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple functions into the latching arm component: it serves as both the engaging element (hook) and the leverage element (arm with fulcrums). The latching arm combines the hook portion for engagement with the stopper and the arm portion that provides mechanical advantage through the fulcrums, eliminating the need for separate components and maintaining simplicity while achieving high locking strength.
3Reliability
If the latching arm is made rigid to provide high locking strength, then the locking reliability is improved, but the insertion force required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state and mechanical properties of the latching arm. Instead of being completely rigid, the arm is designed with controlled flexibility to allow elastic deformation during insertion. This parameter change enables the arm to absorb insertion energy through deformation while maintaining sufficient rigidity in the locked state to provide reliable locking strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible latching arm acts as a cushioning element before the final locking engagement. During insertion, the arm elastically deforms to absorb the impact and force required to overcome the stopper, protecting the rigid hook and stopper components from excessive stress. This beforehand cushioning through elastic deformation reduces the peak insertion force while ensuring reliable locking once engaged.
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 solution enables reliable coupling with low insertion and release forces, ensuring high locking strength and stability against external forces, while providing clear assembly feedback.
Implementation Method 1
a latching arm extending to the front end with the upper end of the root as a second fulcrum to form a hook
Data Source
AI summary
A plug connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the housing of the plug connector includes a mating portion extending forward and a latching portion equipped in the housing. The latching portion may include, as a root having a lower end connected to the upper surface of the housing, a root extending to the upper end with the lower end of the root as a first fulcrum to form a cantilever structure; and as a pair of latching arms having a rear end connected to an upper end of the root, a pair of latching arms extending to the front end with the upper end of the root as a second fulcrum to form a pair of hooks. Each front end of the pair of latching arms may include an outward protrusion.