Low Profile Connector Pull Tab Mechanism for High Density Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small and low-profile connectors used in electronic devices face issues with disconnection due to their size and complex latching mechanisms, which increase manufacturing costs and difficulty in operation, especially in high-density applications.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile plug connector with a latching mechanism positioned on its exterior surface, featuring a two-section housing with a sliding actuator and ergonomic pull tab, allowing for easy disengagement by pulling the actuator, which lifts the latching arm and its hooks out of engagement with the guide frame or housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a latching mechanism is incorporated into the plug connector housing, then the connector reliability is improved, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is merged with the guide frame structure rather than being a separate component in the plug connector. The latch arms and hooks are integrated into the guide frame, eliminating the need for separate latching components in the plug connector housing, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism is extracted from the plug connector housing and relocated to the guide frame. This separation allows the plug connector to remain simple while the guide frame provides the latching function, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity
2Volume of moving object
If the connector size is reduced for high-density applications, then the space usage is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pull tab extends in a direction perpendicular to the main connector body, utilizing a different spatial dimension. This allows the actuator to be positioned away from the compact connector housing, providing adequate leverage and grip area for easy operation without increasing the connector's footprint in the high-density application space
Solution Approach 2:
The pull tab features a curved or contoured shape that provides ergonomic grip surfaces. This curvature allows fingers to easily grasp and pull the tab, improving ease of operation while maintaining a compact overall connector size suitable for high-density applications
3Reliability
If a complex latching mechanism with multiple parts is used, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple latching functions are merged into the guide frame structure. The latch arms, hooks, and actuator mechanisms are integrated as part of the guide frame assembly, reducing the total number of separate parts and simplifying manufacturing and assembly processes while maintaining reliable latching functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The guide frame serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, guides connector insertion, and incorporates the latching mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated latching components, simplifying manufacturing while ensuring reliable operation
Data Source
AI summary
A small, low-profile plug connector for use with electronic devices provides a latching member with a pair of hooks that engage mating holes in a guide frame, and which can be easily delatched from the guide frame or opposing connector or housing. The hooks lock the plug connector into engagement with the frame or housing, but are readily released by way of a simple ramp and lobe mechanism in the plug connector. The ramp and lobe mechanism converts horizontal movement of a pull tab actuator into vertical movement of a latching member such that the hooks are lifted upward and disengaged from the guide frame or housing. The pull tab has a configured shape that fits within the width profile of the connector and which partially envelops the cable.