Electrical Connector Side-Access Unlocking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors require significant space between adjacent units to access the unlocking mechanism, making them inefficient in terms of space utilization when installed side by side.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector design features a plug portion connected to a mating connector in one direction, with the cable extending perpendicular to that direction, and an operation portion extending opposite to the plug direction, allowing for easy unlocking without obstructing each other, thus minimizing the required space between connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operation portion is positioned on the housing, then the locking mechanism can be accessed for unlocking, but significant space is required between adjacent electrical connectors for user access
Solution Approach 1:
The operation portion is repositioned from a conventional location on the housing to the plug portion that extends in the first direction. This spatial relocation allows users to access the operation portion from the side of the connector rather than requiring access from the front, thereby eliminating the need for significant clearance between adjacent connectors while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into functional segments with the operation portion separated from the main housing body and integrated into the plug portion. This segmentation allows independent positioning of the operation portion at the extremity of the plug, enabling compact side-by-side installation while preserving operational accessibility.
2Productivity
If multiple electrical connectors are installed side by side, then space utilization improves, but accessing the operation portion becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The operation portion is relocated to the plug portion extending in the first direction, enabling users to access it from the lateral side of the connector. This dimensional repositioning allows multiple connectors to be installed side by side with minimal clearance while maintaining ease of operation, as users can access the operation portion without reaching between connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug portion acts as an intermediary structure that carries the operation portion to an accessible location. By extending the operation portion through the plug in the first direction, the design mediates between the need for compact installation and the need for operational accessibility, allowing users to operate connectors from the side rather than requiring front access.
3Ease of operation
If the cable extends perpendicular to the plug direction, then the operation portion can extend to the edge of the housing without obstruction, but the configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is configured to extend in the second direction perpendicular to the plug's first direction, creating a L-shaped arrangement. This orthogonal configuration allows the operation portion to extend freely to the edge of the housing in the first direction without being blocked by the cable, while the cable exits through the housing in a different plane, minimizing interference and maintaining operational accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes: a housing; a locking mechanism held on the housing and including a holding portion secured to the housing, a locking portion for locking with a mating connector, and an operation portion for unlocking the locking portion from the mating connector; a plug portion including a wide surface and being connected with the mating connector in a first direction; and a cable electrically connected to the plug portion and extending out of the housing; wherein the cable extends out of the housing in a second direction that is parallel to the wide surface and perpendicular to the first direction, and the operation portion extends to an edge of the housing in a third direction opposite to the first direction.