Drawstring Connector Lock Release for Tight-Space Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cable connectors are difficult to remove from docking connectors, especially when the connectors are small or in tight spaces, leading to separation challenges.
Innovation Solution
A connector design incorporating an insulating base, a lock structure, an elastic arm, and a drawstring, where the drawstring is used to pull the elastic arm and disengage the lock structure from the docking connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional cable connector is used with a docking connector, then the connector can be securely mated, but it becomes difficult to remove, especially when the connector size is small or surrounding space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The lock structure transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic unlocked state through the elastic arm's movement. When the drawstring is pulled, the elastic arm dynamically shifts position, causing the lock structure to disengage from the docking lock structure, enabling easy separation while maintaining secure mating during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic arm serves as an intermediary mechanism between the drawstring and the lock structure. Pulling the drawstring moves the elastic arm, which in turn presses against the lock structure to trigger unlocking. This intermediary allows force application at a convenient location (drawstring) to produce the desired effect (lock disengagement) without requiring direct access to the locking mechanism in tight spaces
2Volume of moving object
If the connector size is reduced to fit tight spaces, then space utilization improves, but removal becomes even more difficult due to limited surrounding space
Solution Approach 1:
The drawstring provides an external dimension for operation. Instead of requiring manipulation within the constrained three-dimensional space around the small connector, the drawstring extends outward, allowing the user to apply pulling force from outside the tight space envelope, effectively adding a fourth dimension (external access) to the removal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic arm and lock structure are designed to automatically disengage when the drawstring is pulled. The system uses its own internal mechanics (elastic arm movement causing lock structure rotation or displacement) to achieve separation without requiring external tools or complex manual manipulation, enabling the small connector to self-unlock despite space constraints
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, quick, and convenient separation of the connector from the docking connector, even in tight spaces, by utilizing the drawstring to disengage the lock structure.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic arm is disposed on the insulating base. One end of the elastic arm is arranged at one side of one end of the lock structure. One end of the drawstring and the elastic arm are connected to each other. When the drawstring is pulled in a direction away from the insulating base, the elastic arm is moved by the drawstring so as to press the end of the lock structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector is provided. The connector is configured to mate with a docking connector. The connector includes an insulating base, a lock structure, an elastic arm, and a drawstring. One end of the insulating base has a docking interface. The lock structure is disposed on one side of the insulating base. The lock structure is configured to engage with a docking lock structure of the docking connector. The elastic arm is disposed on the insulating base, and one end of the elastic arm is arranged at one side of one end of the lock structure. One end of the drawstring and the elastic arm are connected to each other, and another end of the drawstring is exposed from another end of the insulating base. The elastic arm is moved by the drawstring so as to press the end of the lock structure.