Electrical Connector Push-Pull Lock Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors require both hands to disconnect and are prone to inadvertent disconnection due to vibration or accidental contact, reducing efficiency and reliability.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design featuring an inner plug housing with engaging arms and an outer plug housing that surrounds the inner housing, allowing for one-handed operation and secure engagement with a receptacle connector using a push-pull lock mechanism and engagement release portions to prevent unintentional disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coupling sleeve with flexible projecting sections is used to prevent disconnection, then connection reliability is improved, but disconnection operation becomes complex requiring both hands
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into an inner plug housing containing the coupling sleeve and an outer plug housing that surrounds it. The outer housing acts as a lever arm that amplifies the operator's pulling force, while the inner housing contains the engagement mechanism. This segmentation allows the engagement function to remain reliable while the disengagement function becomes easier to operate with one hand.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer plug housing serves as an intermediary lever between the operator's hand and the engaging arm. By pulling the outer housing, the operator indirectly actuates the engaging arm through the lever mechanism, making disconnection easier without compromising the direct engagement between the engaging arm and engaging member.
2Ease of operation
If the coupling sleeve is pulled to disconnect, then disconnection is achieved, but inadvertent disconnection occurs due to vibration or accidental contact
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging arm is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically respond to forces. During normal use, vibration or accidental contact is absorbed by the movable engaging arm without causing disconnection. When the operator intentionally pulls the outer plug housing, the accumulated force overcomes the engagement and achieves controlled disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever mechanism of the outer plug housing creates a mechanical advantage that requires a deliberate, sustained pulling action to disengage. This preliminary mechanical resistance prevents inadvertent disconnection from minor forces like vibration or accidental contact, while still allowing intentional disconnection when sufficient force is applied.
3Reliability
If both hands are required to disconnect the connector, then secure engagement is maintained, but working efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The disconnection operation is transformed from a direct linear pull on the engaging arm to a lever-based rotational motion of the outer plug housing. This dimensional change allows the operator to use body weight and arm strength more effectively, enabling secure disconnection with one hand and improving working efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes an inner plug housing having a front end portion that is received in a hood of a receptacle connector. The hood has at least one engaging member extending there from. An outer plug housing at least partially surrounds the hood. The outer plug housing is displaceable relative to the inner plug housing in a direction of insertion and removal of the inner plug housing from the hood. At least one engaging arm extends in a space between the outer plug housing and the inner plug housing that engages the engaging member on the hood. The outer plug housing has an engagement release portion opposing the engaging arm that interferes with the engaging arm to disengage the engaging arm from the engaging member when the outer plug housing is moved in the direction of removal of the inner plug housing from the hood.