Connector With Pivot Fastener and Elastomer for Single-Handed Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors require two hands to plug and unplug due to structural weaknesses and poor signal stability, leading to potential damage and reduced service life.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a fastener in pivot joint with a hook end and press end, supported by an elastomer, allowing single-handed operation through a pivot joint mechanism and enhanced structural strength, along with a bracer facilitating plugging and unplugging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the connector volume is reduced for miniaturization, then the connector can be used in thin and small electronic equipment, but the structural strength is weakened and the connector may be damaged easily
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs composite material design by combining different materials with complementary properties. The housing uses a combination of rigid and flexible materials, while the elastic plate is made of elastomeric material that provides both flexibility and structural integrity. This composite approach allows miniaturization while maintaining adequate structural strength through material property optimization rather than increasing size.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates dynamic elements including the elastic plate that can deform elastically during engagement and disengagement, and the movable bump that responds to applied forces. This dynamic design allows the miniaturized connector to absorb stresses and forces through controlled deformation, preventing damage while maintaining small dimensions.
2Ease of operation
If the bracer is forced and drawn to move the bump to release engagement, then the connector can be unplugged, but the user must use two hands (one to hold connector, one to pull bracer) making operation inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The bracer is merged with the housing structure, forming an integrated component rather than a separate movable part. The bracer is positioned to be directly accessible on the housing, allowing the user to apply force to it while holding the connector body with the same hand. This integration eliminates the need for two-handed operation while maintaining the engagement release function.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design allows the bracer to be actuated by the natural gripping motion of a single hand. When the user grips the connector, their fingers naturally contact and can apply force to the bracer, enabling self-service operation where the connector's own structure facilitates its own disengagement without requiring separate control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the contact angle between the elastic plate and the bump is incorrect, then the elastic resilience cannot effect the movement of the bump, but correcting the angle requires precise manufacturing increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The bump is designed as a movable element that can shift position in response to forces applied during engagement. Rather than relying on a precisely fixed contact angle, the dynamic bump adjusts its position to achieve proper engagement geometry, tolerating variations in manufacturing while maintaining reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows the contact geometry between the elastic plate and bump to vary within a range of acceptable parameters. The elastic plate's resilience and the bump's movability create a system that can accommodate parameter variations in the contact angle while still achieving functional engagement, reducing the need for extremely precise manufacturing control.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If the bump is not moved such that the elastic plate is oppressed too long, then permanent deformation of the elastic plate occurs, but preventing this requires additional structural elements
Solution Approach 1:
The bump is designed to move dynamically during engagement and disengagement, ensuring that the elastic plate is not held in a compressed state for extended periods. The movable bump allows the elastic plate to return to its neutral position when not in use, preventing permanent deformation through controlled dynamic behavior rather than additional structural constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic plate's own resilience serves to prevent permanent deformation by automatically returning to its original shape after each engagement cycle. The design leverages the inherent properties of the elastomeric material to self-correct and maintain its functional properties over time, without requiring additional protective structural elements.
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 reliable single-handed plugging and unplugging while maintaining engagement stability and extending the connector's service life by providing elastic support and improved structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
two ends of the elastomer contact the press end of the fastener and the connector body to accept support of the connector body, and provide elastic force to the press end of the fastener
Data Source
AI summary
A connector is provided, including a connector body, a fastener and an elastomer. The fastener is pivoted on the connector body with a hook end and a press end positioned on both sides thereof, respectively. The two ends of the elastomer contact the connector body and the press end of the fastener, respectively. The connector of the invention may accomplish plugging and unplugging of an electronic equipment in a single hand press way without bracer arrangement by a configuration of the press end, and may maintain an engagement state between the hook end and the electronic equipment with an arrangement of the elastomer.