Elongate Electrical Connector with Perpendicular Release Handle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern electrical equipment design with reduced space envelopes makes it difficult to access and operate the release control of locking connectors, preventing easy removal due to compactness and limited space around the connector.
Innovation Solution
An elongate electrical connector with a locking mechanism and a handle positioned further from the interface end, supported by a protective guide with grooves and a finger grip design, allowing for easy operation of the release control without increasing the connector's length, thus maintaining compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the connector length is increased to position the release control further from the interface end, then the release control becomes accessible, but the space envelope required between the equipment and the wall increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is positioned in a third dimension by extending around the protective guide in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connector. This allows the release control to be accessible without increasing the connector's length in the primary direction, effectively using spatial dimensionality to resolve the contradiction between accessibility and compactness.
2Length of stationary object
If the release control is positioned closer to the interface end to maintain compactness, then the space envelope is reduced, but the release control becomes inaccessible due to nearby metallic tabs or handles
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the handle in a perpendicular direction around the protective guide rather than extending it longitudinally, the design achieves both compactness and accessibility. The handle emerges from the end of the protective guide in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, placing it clear of interfering elements while maintaining a compact connector length.
3Ease of operation
If the handle is positioned further from the first end region, then the release control is accessible, but the handle becomes difficult to support and guide without increasing connector length
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is merged with the protective guide by being supported relative to it, with the guide's grooves and projections providing structural support and guidance. This integration eliminates the need for separate support structures, reducing device complexity while maintaining handle accessibility and proper guidance during operation.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 2
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An electrical connector (10) of elongate shape comprises a main body (11) having a first end region (18) which comprises one or more electrical contacts in use for contact with a complementary connector component and a second end region (24) opposite said first end region and from which depends a protective guide (12) through which a flexible conductor may extend, said main body of the connector comprising a locking mechanism (20) whereby, in use, the connector (10) may be selectively releasably secured to a complementary connector component, and the connector (10) comprising a release control (14) operable to act on the locking mechanism and allow release of the connector from the complementary connector component, wherein said release control (14) is operable at a position further from the first end (18) of the connector than said second end (24) as considered in the direction of the length of the connector.