Easy-Lock Connector Unlock Structure for High-Frequency EMI Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Miniaturization of connectors leads to high-frequency operation difficulties and noise interference, affecting signal transmission and electromagnetic compatibility in traditional automatic lock connectors.

Innovation Solution

An easy-lock connector with an unlock structure, featuring an upper housing, lower housing, rubber core, and terminal, which includes a U-shaped elastic member and inclined plane to prevent damage during unlocking, along with electromagnetic shielding to improve signal transmission and compatibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If connectors are miniaturized to reduce size, then compactness is improved, but high-frequency operation becomes difficult and noise interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector sizeVSAvoidnoise interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs nested shielding structures where an inner shielding layer is placed within the connector cavity and an outer shielding layer surrounds it, creating multiple levels of electromagnetic protection. This nested arrangement effectively blocks high-frequency noise and interference while maintaining compact connector dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces grounding pieces as intermediary elements that connect the shielding layers to the ground. These grounding pieces act as mediators to dissipate electromagnetic interference and noise, enabling the miniaturized connector to operate reliably at high frequencies by providing controlled impedance and noise pathways.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If automatic bolt lock connection mode is used to ensure firm contact, then connection reliability is improved, but operation difficulty increases due to inability to easily unlock

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidunlocking ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service unlocking mechanism where the connector can be easily unlocked by pressing a release button that automatically actuates the locking mechanism. The pressing member translates user pressure into automated unlocking action, eliminating the need for complex manual operations while maintaining reliable automatic locking during normal use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic locking and unlocking mechanisms where the locking state can be easily transitioned between locked and unlocked positions. The elastic member and pressing member work together to provide a dynamic system that maintains firm locking during operation but allows quick, easy unlocking when needed through simple button pressing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 easy-lock connector provides reliable automatic latching and unlocking, reduces noise interference, enhances signal transmission in high-frequency environments, and improves electromagnetic compatibility and interference shielding.

Implementation Method 1

the pressing member applying an external force to the elastic member to deform the elastic member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

forming an inclined plane on the rubber core to limit the amount of deformation produced by the pressing member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical constraint through inclined plane: Inclined Plane

Data Source

PatentEP3996211B1Easy lock connector with unlock structure
Publication Date: 2024.03.13 P-TWO INDUSTRIES INC
  • EP3996211B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3996211B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3996211B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention provides an easy lock connector with unlock structure applied to a flat wire and a circuit board. The flat wire has a notch and a ground wire on the two sides of a head end respectively. The easy-lock connector includes an upper housing, a lower housing, a rubber core and a terminal. After the notch of the flat wire is buckled by a stopper of the lower housing, by pressing a pressing member of the upper housing, the pressing member applies an external force to an elastic member of the lower housing to deform the elastic member. An extension arm of the lower housing is linked by the elastic member to cause the stopper to act in one direction so as to release the state of the stopper from locking the gap. In another embodiment, the easy-lock connector can also achieve an electromagnetic shielding effect by adding a shielding iron shell.