Connector Release Tab Design for Improved Grip
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
RJ-type connectors face difficulties in insertion and removal due to the common locking tab design, which can be caught or snagged, leading to durability issues and faulty terminal connections.
Innovation Solution
The design enhances the locking tab by positioning it outside the output section, allowing for increased surface area and easier gripping, along with a reverse lock-tab configuration and raised pressure areas to improve contact pressure and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking tab is positioned within the output section of the connector body, then the connector structure is more compact, but the locking tab is difficult to grip and operate
Solution Approach 1:
The locking tab is repositioned from a lateral position within the output section to a longitudinal extension beyond the output section. This dimensional repositioning allows the locking tab to extend outward in the direction of insertion/removal, providing ample surface area for finger gripping while maintaining the overall compactness of the connector body.
2Reliability
If the locking tab is positioned within the output section, then the connector structure is simpler, but the locking tab can be caught or snagged on cables or foreign objects
Solution Approach 1:
The locking tab is extracted from the confined space within the output section and repositioned to extend beyond the output section. This extraction removes the locking tab from the problematic zone where it could be caught or snagged on cables or foreign objects, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing structural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the locking tab is positioned within the output section, then the connector body is smaller, but insertion and removal operations are difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking tab is repositioned to extend longitudinally beyond the output section in the direction of insertion and removal operations. This provides a larger surface area for finger engagement, making it easier to grip and operate during insertion and removal, while the connector body length is only minimally increased by the extension.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector having an improved means of providing contact or locking with the connector comprising a connector body having an input section and an output section, wherein said output section is dimensioned for insertion into a corresponding socket. A connector tab having a locking device, said connector tab having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to and lies within the input section of the connector body and the second end is spaced away from connector body, wherein said locking device is positioned at the second end, wherein the locking device is within the output section. An enhanced contact pressure connector may comprise at least one raised pressure area, wherein said raised pressure area may be positioned to be within the output section of the connector body on the other side, and further wherein when said raised pressure area directs force to the at least one contact when compressed.