Communication Connector Tab Operating Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication connectors face issues with locking tab breakage, improper insertion due to excessive bending, and difficulty in removal, which compromise connection reliability and user safety.
Innovation Solution
A communication connector with a tab operating mechanism featuring a press member and spring means, where the press member is pivotally mounted and the spring engages with the locking tab to store energy for returning it to its normal position, while the press member limits excessive bending.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the locking tab is made of polycarbonate material, then the elasticity is good, but the toughness is insufficient causing breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The locking tab is divided into two separate components: the connector body and the locking tab itself. The locking tab is made of a different material (POM or other tough material) than the connector body, allowing each part to have optimized properties for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite construction by combining different materials - the connector body can be made of polycarbonate while the locking tab is made of POM or other materials with superior toughness. This allows the assembly to have both elasticity and breakage resistance.
2Reliability
If the locking tab is made of POM material, then the toughness is increased, but the elasticity is compromised preventing return to normal position
Solution Approach 1:
A spring mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between the locking tab and the connector body. This spring provides the elastic restoring force that the POM locking tab lacks, enabling the tab to return to its normal position after being depressed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter of the locking tab from polycarbonate to POM or other tough materials, and compensates for the lost elasticity by introducing a mechanical spring mechanism, thus achieving both toughness and elastic behavior.
3Ease of operation
If the locking tab exposed portion is short, then the connector structure is compact, but it is inconvenient for user operation and may damage fingernails
Solution Approach 1:
A press member is introduced as an intermediary component that extends the user's interaction point. This press member provides a larger, more accessible surface for the user to depress, while the actual locking tab remains in its proper position for connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The press member extends the operational interface in a different spatial dimension, providing leverage and accessibility without increasing the overall footprint of the connector body.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances the locking tab's durability and reliability by ensuring proper connection and easy removal, protecting it from external forces and improving user safety.
Implementation Method 1
the spring means can be compressed by the locking tab to store energy. Therefore, when the press member is released, the spring means can drive the locking tab to move upwardly
Implementation Method 2
the spring means can be compressed by the locking tab to store energy
Data Source
AI summary
A communication connector comprises a connector body and a tab operating mechanism. The connector body has a locking tab at a front top portion thereof and is fitted to a case at a rear portion thereof, wherein the case is provided with a pivot portion. The tab operating mechanism includes a press member and spring means. The press member is pivotally mounted to the pivot portion of the case. The spring means is disposed between the case and the locking tab for engaging with the locking tab from a lower position. With the present invention, the spring means can assist the locking tab 11 to return to its normal position, while the press member can limit the locking tab within an angle for protecting the locking tab from being overly bent by improper external force. Such features make the present invention a robust and reliable communication connector.