External Latching Mechanism for Miniaturized I/O Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Miniaturization of I/O connectors has led to a lack of space for traditional latching mechanisms, making it difficult to securely attach devices and preventing accidental disconnection, while new tooling and designs for internal latching mechanisms are costly and complex, especially for proprietary cables.
Innovation Solution
An external latching mechanism is integrated into or added to existing I/O cables and connectors, using a housing with a latch that engages a barb to secure the connection without requiring new tooling or modifying the connectors, allowing for secure attachment without altering the existing connector or receptacle designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional latching mechanisms are used in I/O connectors, then secure connection is achieved, but device size increases and adaptability to miniaturized connectors is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is divided into two separate components: a latch element integrated into the cable housing and a corresponding receptacle in the connector. This segmentation allows the latch to be added to existing connectors without modifying the connector itself, enabling compatibility with miniaturized connectors while providing secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch element acts as an intermediary component between the cable and connector, providing the securing function without becoming part of the connector structure. This intermediary approach allows the mechanism to work with various connector types including miniaturized designs without requiring changes to the original connector design.
2Reliability
If internal latching mechanisms are designed for mini I/O connectors, then accidental disconnection is prevented, but new tooling and manufacturing complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The latch element is pre-integrated into the cable housing during cable manufacturing, rather than requiring new tooling for the connector. This preliminary action allows existing connector tooling to be used while still providing latching functionality, significantly reducing manufacturing costs and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of integrating the latching mechanism into the connector (traditional approach), the invention inverts the approach by placing the latch element on the cable side. This inversion allows use of existing connector tooling while achieving the same security function.
3Reliability
If proprietary cables with custom latching mechanisms are used, then secure connection is achieved, but cost increases and adaptability to different connector types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The latch element is designed with universal compatibility to work with multiple connector types including standard and miniaturized connectors. The simple barb-and-receptacle design can be adapted to various connector configurations without requiring proprietary tooling, making the solution versatile across different I/O applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch element can be manufactured in different sizes and configurations to match various connector types. By changing physical parameters such as latch length, barb size, and receptacle dimensions, the same basic mechanism can serve multiple connector standards without requiring fundamentally different designs.
Data Source
AI summary
An external latching mechanism for an Input/Output (I/O) connection between devices is provided. In one embodiment, an external latching mechanism for an Input/Output (I/O) cable is provided. The external latching mechanism includes a housing coupled to an I/O cable at a first end and having an I/O connector extending a second end. An external latch is coupled by a mounting portion to the housing. The external latch has a first end and a second end. The second end of the arm extends beyond the second end of the housing to a barb. In another embodiment, an external latching Input/Output (I/O) connection is provided that includes a I/O card latching bracket configured to mate with an I/O cable assembly.