Electrical Connector Detachable Protective Cap Rotational Latching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors with detachable protective caps face issues with wear and damage due to the forceful pressing and frictional withdrawal methods, which complicate easy operation and retention.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector assembly featuring a protective cap with a planar body, first latching sections, and an operation section that allows for easy rotation and upward withdrawal from a securing seat using a twisting mechanism, reducing wear and damage by distributing the force through a longer force arm and minimizing engagement between latching sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If forcible pressing and frictional withdrawal methods are used to attach/detach the protective cap, then the cap can be securely retained, but the retention structure suffers from wear and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static friction-based attachment into a dynamic rotational latching mechanism. The operation section rotates to engage/disengage latching sections, converting continuous frictional contact into discrete engagement points that minimize wear on the retention structure while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching sections act as intermediary elements between the protective cap and the connector body. Instead of direct frictional contact between the cap and housing, the latching sections mediate the connection, distributing forces and reducing wear on critical retention surfaces.
2Reliability
If forcible pressing is used to attach the protective cap, then secure retention is achieved, but the operation becomes difficult and requires excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces rotational motion as a dynamic element to the attachment process. Instead of linear pressing, the operation section rotates along the peripheral surface, converting a high-force linear operation into a lower-force rotational operation that is easier to perform while achieving secure latching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the operation from a one-dimensional linear pressing motion to a two-dimensional rotational motion along the peripheral surface. This dimensional change allows the user to apply force tangentially rather than axially, reducing the required force while maintaining retention security.
3Reliability
If frictional withdrawal is used to detach the protective cap, then secure retention is maintained, but wear and damage occurs on the retention structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static friction-based withdrawal with a dynamic rotational disengagement process. The latching sections are designed to rotate open, converting the withdrawal force from a friction-intensive linear motion to a controlled rotational motion that minimizes wear on the retention structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the latching function from the frictional contact surfaces and concentrates it into specific latching sections. This extraction allows the majority of the cap surface to be friction-free, with wear concentrated only in the small latching engagement points that can be easily replaced or designed for durability.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector assembly includes an electrical connector and a protective cap assemble thereon. The electrical connector includes an insulative housing forming receiving cavity, and a plurality of contacts disposed in the housing and extending into the receiving cavity. The protective cap includes a planar body, a first latching section linked with the planar body, and an operation section extending above the planar body. A securing seat surrounds the housing and includes a second latching section engaged with the first latching section. By applying fingers upon the operation section to rotate/twist the cap, the first latching section and the second latching section is disengaged from each other, and the cap can be easily upwardly withdrawn from the securing seat.