Electronic Coupler Removal Tool Locking Tab
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic couplers in vehicles are difficult to remove from circuit board ports due to small locking tabs, which can lead to inadequate force application and potential damage to the couplers or attached cables during disengagement.
Innovation Solution
An electronic coupler removal tool featuring a housing with a hook member and electronic coupler-receiving portion, along with a plunger rod and biasing mechanism, that securely engages and disengages the locking tab, allowing for safe and controlled removal of the coupler without applying undesirable force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual finger-assisted release is used on the locking tab, then the electronic coupler can be removed, but the small size of the locking tab causes inadequate force application and potential damage to the coupler or cable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a removal tool as an intermediary device between the operator and the locking tab. The tool includes a plunger rod that engages with the locking tab and a handle that provides leverage, allowing the operator to apply sufficient force to release the locking tab without directly manipulating the small tab with fingers. This intermediary tool eliminates the risk of inadequate force application and potential damage to the coupler or cable while maintaining ease of operation.
2Volume of moving object
If the locking tab is made smaller to reduce size, then the coupler form factor is reduced, but the locking tab becomes difficult to manipulate and requires precise force application
Solution Approach 1:
The removal tool serves as a mediator that bridges the size discrepancy between the small locking tab and the operator's hand. The plunger rod is designed to engage with the small locking tab, while the handle provides a comfortable grip and mechanical leverage. This allows the coupler to maintain its compact form factor with a small locking tab while the tool compensates for the difficulty of direct manual manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The removal tool extends the interaction into another dimension by providing mechanical leverage through its handle. Instead of relying solely on finger strength applied directly to the small locking tab, the tool creates a moment arm that amplifies the applied force, making it easier to manipulate the small locking tab without increasing its size.
3Productivity
If the locking tab is released with insufficient force, then the coupler may remain partially engaged, but applying excessive force may damage the coupler or cable
Solution Approach 1:
The removal tool acts as a controlled intermediary that distributes and regulates the force applied to the locking tab. The tool's structure, including the plunger rod and handle, allows for controlled force application that is sufficient to release the locking tab completely without risking damage to the coupler or cable. This eliminates the uncertainty of applying the correct amount of force that exists when using direct manual manipulation.
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 tool prevents damage to the electronic couplers and cables by facilitating secure disengagement of the locking tab, enabling easy removal without risking harm to the circuit board port, coupler, or cable.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing member may be circumferentially disposed about the plunger rod to extend the plunger rod from the first surface of the housing when under compression and may retract the plunger rod into the housing when the biasing member is released
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic coupler removal tool (100) that includes a housing (102), a wall (104), a hook member (106), an electronic coupler-receiving portion (108), and an electronic coupler-release mechanism (202), is provided. The housing includes a first surface (102a), a second surface (102b) and a third surface (102c). The wall extends substantially perpendicularly from the first surface. The hook member extends substantially perpendicularly from the wall and is configured to receive a cable portion (308) coupled to an electronic coupler (300). The hook member, the wall, and the first surface define the electronic coupler-receiving portion that is configured to slidably receive the electronic coupler. The electronic coupler release mechanism includes a plunger rod (204) having a first end (210) and a second end (212) and is movable with respect to the housing (102) to engage a locking tab (306) of the electronic coupler at least partially within the electronic coupler-receiving portion.