Connector With Tapered Protrusion For Controlled Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing device connectors are prone to damage due to unintentional external forces, such as being hit or pulled, which can lead to damage to both the connector and the receptacle, highlighting a need for a system that allows easy and secure release without causing harm.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a support portion with a protrusion portion that tapers from a proximal to a distal end, allowing the connector to pivot and release from the receptacle when forces are applied, utilizing a fulcrum mechanism to facilitate easy removal without damaging the connector or receptacle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the connector extends from the housing to allow easy access and connection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the connector becomes vulnerable to unintentional external forces causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates a pre-designed failure mechanism with a protrusion portion that can fracture at a predetermined location. This preliminary anti-action prepares the connector to safely fail before external forces can damage the receptacle or cause harmful effects, transforming potential harm into a controlled, safe failure mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The vulnerable protrusion portion is designed as a separate, extractable element that can be intentionally or unintentionally removed from the connector body. This extraction of the vulnerable part allows the main connector and receptacle to remain intact, preventing damage to the more critical components while maintaining ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If the connector is designed to be easily removable, then the ease of operation is improved, but the structural strength and reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into a main body and a separate protrusion portion that can be independently removed. This segmentation allows the main connector to maintain its structural integrity and strength while the protrusion portion provides the easy removal capability through its designed fracture point.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion portion has locally different mechanical properties compared to the main connector body. The protrusion is designed with reduced strength or a predetermined weak point, creating local quality variation that enables easy removal at that specific location while the rest of the connector maintains full structural strength.
3Ease of operation
If the connector uses a tapered protrusion portion for easy release, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism utilizes a change in geometric parameters along the protrusion portion, specifically a taper that transitions from the connector body to the distal end. This parameter change creates a mechanical advantage that facilitates easy release while the taper angles are designed within tolerances that balance manufacturing feasibility with functional performance.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus can include a support portion of a connector and at least a portion of wire component coupled to a first side of the support portion. The apparatus can include a protrusion portion have a distal portion, a proximal portion, and an opening disposed between the distal portion and the proximal portion. The proximal portion can be coupled to a second side of the support portion, and the protrusion portion can have a width tapering from the proximal portion to the distal portion. A contact can be disposed in the protrusion portion and can have a surface exposed to an ambient environment through the opening.