Connector Release Element with Toggle Lever Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector arrangements lack a simple and compact mechanism for easily unlocking latching tabs, making it difficult to separate connectors without complex mechanisms or additional components.
Innovation Solution
A release element with a toggle lever mechanism, comprising a base body and an actuating member with a first and second actuating section, which forms a compact structure that can be actuated with minimal effort to exert sufficient force on the locking tab for unlocking, utilizing a spring-elastic section for increased force amplification and automatic return to the starting position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional locking mechanism with latching tab and latching element is used, then secure connection between connectors is achieved, but unlocking requires complex mechanisms or additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The release element is designed to be slidably movable along the connector housing, transforming a static locking system into a dynamic one. This allows the release element to be positioned for actuating different latching elements and enables easy unlocking by simply moving the release element along the housing without complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The single release element serves multiple functions: it can actuate multiple different latching elements (first, second, and third latching elements) along its path of movement. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate unlocking mechanisms for each latching element, simplifying the overall device
2Reliability
If multiple latching elements are used to secure connectors, then connection reliability is improved, but the structure becomes more complex and harder to unlock
Solution Approach 1:
A single release element is designed to interact with multiple latching elements (first, second, and third latching elements) along its sliding path. This universal release mechanism consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate unlocking mechanisms, maintaining connection reliability through multiple latches while simplifying the unlocking process
Solution Approach 2:
The release element's path is segmented into different interaction zones corresponding to different latching elements. Each segment of the release element's travel engages with a specific latching element, allowing independent control of each latch while using a single unified mechanism
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
Enables easy and efficient unlocking of latching tabs with minimal effort, ensuring secure locking and automatic return to the starting position, enhancing the usability and reliability of connector arrangements.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient section ( 11 ) of the actuating member ( 9 ) acts as a spring-elastic section
Implementation Method 2
The first actuating section ( 11 ) and the second actuating section ( 12 ) form a toggle lever mechanism for displacing the release element ( 8 ) when force is applied to the actuating member ( 9 )
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A connector assembly (15, 35) comprising a connector (1) and a mating connector (16), each having an insulating housing (2, 17) and plug-in contact elements (3) within the insulating housing (2, 17), and designed for mating and electrical contact with associated plug-in contact elements (3) when mated, is described. The mating connector (16) has at least one locking tab (18). The connector (1) has at least one locking element (7) which, when mated, interacts with the locking tab (18) to secure the connector (1) to the mating connector (16). At least one release element (8) for unlocking the locking tab (18) is slidably arranged on the connector (1).The release element (8) has an actuating element (9) comprising a first actuating section (11) connected to the release element (8) and a second actuating section (12) mounted to move relatively freely with respect to the first actuating section (11) and interacting with the connector (1). The first actuating section (11) and the second actuating section (12) form a toggle lever mechanism for displacing the release element (8) when force is applied to the actuating element (9).