Electrical Connector Release Tab Cantilever Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high-density electrical connector applications, the small spacing between connectors makes it difficult to access the latching mechanism, requiring cumbersome tools for release, and existing solutions require specific connector designs that increase size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A compact release tab design with a cantilever projecting from the body, featuring a hook-like structure that allows the unlocking nose to engage with the latch window, enabling secure unlatching without the need for additional space or complex designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the latching mechanism is positioned at the mating interface of the connector, then the connector can be securely coupled, but the cables and adjacent connectors block access to the latching mechanism making it difficult to release
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tether as an intermediary element that connects to the latch mechanism remotely. The tether extends through the housing and can be actuated from outside the connector assembly, allowing the operator to release the latch without directly accessing the mating interface where cables and adjacent connectors block access.
2Adaptability or versatility
If special tools are used to reach into tight spaces to release the latching mechanism, then the connector can be removed in high density applications, but the tools are cumbersome to use
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design incorporates the release mechanism as an integrated part of the connector housing itself. The tether is built into the housing structure, allowing the connector to be released using the connector's own components rather than requiring external special tools. This makes the system self-sufficient and easier to operate.
3Ease of operation
If the tether is mated with the latch by including an embossment that extends into a window of the latch, then the latch can be transferred to the unlatched position, but the connector requires a specific design with an elevated hood portion that increases space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the tether and embossment configuration to be compatible with standard latch windows without requiring a specialized elevated hood structure. The tether can be routed through existing housing features and the embossment engages the latch window in a manner that works with conventional connector designs, eliminating the need for additional space-consuming structural modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a release tab (37) for an electrical connector (1), comprising a body (38) and an unlocking nose (42) for unlatching a latch (13) securing the electrical connector (1) connected with a mating connector (2), as well as to an electrical connector (1) comprising a housing (4), a latch (13) for securing the housing (4) to a mating connector (2), the latch (13) extending from the housing (4), having an opening (19), as well as being transferable to an unlatched position, and a release tab (37) being arranged movable between a released position and an actuated position, and having an unlocking nose (42) extending into the opening (19) to transfer the latch (13) to the unlatched position when moving the release tab (37) from the released position to the actuated position. For providing an improved release tab and an improved electrical connector of a simple and compact design, allowing the connector to be unplugged in high density applications, the unlocking nose (42) is arranged at a cantilever (41) projecting from the body (38), and the release tab (37) of the present invention is arranged at the electrical connector.