Elastic Latch Connector with Slanted Pressing Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plug connectors often fail to provide a sufficient clicking feeling during connection due to premature elastic deformation of the elastic arm when the operator applies force before and after connecting, leading to incomplete locking confirmation.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a slanted elastic arm with a front face protrusion and a back face protrusion, allowing the operator to pinch these areas for connection and disconnection without directly deforming the elastic arm, ensuring the elastic arm deforms only under reaction force, providing a clear clicking sensation upon locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator applies operative force to the elastic arm before and after connecting, then the elastic arm can be easily manipulated, but the elastic arm undergoes premature elastic deformation, preventing sufficient clicking feeling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pressing section as an intermediary structure between the operator's hand and the elastic arm. This pressing section allows the operator to apply force without directly touching the elastic arm, thereby preventing premature elastic deformation while still enabling easy manipulation. The pressing section acts as a mediator that transfers force in a controlled manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic arm is segmented into distinct functional sections: a locking section for engagement, a slanted section for force application, and a pressing section for operator interaction. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function independently, preventing unintended deformation while maintaining ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If the elastic arm is designed to be flexible for easy connection, then the connection process becomes smoother, but the clicking feeling becomes insufficient or delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic arm exhibits different mechanical properties in different sections. The locking section is designed for precise engagement, the slanted section provides mechanical advantage for force application, and the pressing section offers a comfortable interface for the operator. This local differentiation ensures that flexibility is provided where needed while maintaining structural integrity for reliable locking confirmation.
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
This configuration ensures a secure and noticeable clicking feeling upon locking, facilitating easy and secure operation by preventing premature elastic deformation and enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
When an operative force is applied to the elastic arm and the pressing section, the elastic arm elastically deforms toward the back face section
Implementation Method 2
the locking section abuts against a corresponding locking section of the receptacle connector to receive a reaction force
Data Source
AI summary
A plug electrical connector includes a housing having a front face section and a back face section, and the housing has an elastic arm. The elastic arm has a locking section for locking to a receptacle connector. A pressing section is formed on the back face section. The elastic arm further has a slanted section, and the slanted section has an operating section for receiving an operative force. The housing has a front face protrusion. The front face protrusion has a protruding top portion situated at a position the same as that of the slanted section or protruding further than the slanted section in a front-to-back direction.