Easy-Lock Flat Cable Connector with Push-Bar Release and Low Profile
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for flat connection objects like FFCs and FPCs face challenges in achieving a low-profile design while ensuring operability, particularly for one-hand operation and accurate positioning, especially in small precision connectors.
Innovation Solution
The easy-lock connector features a design with a U-shaped push bar, locking members, and a conductive shell that allows for one-hand operation, includes a U-shaped push bar with rocker arms and locking arms that pivot to release the lock, and provides tactile feedback and visual inspection through observation windows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an actuator is pivoted on an insulating housing to release lock on the FFC, then the locking function is achieved, but the connector thickness increases making it difficult to achieve a low-profile design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the actuator from the traditional pivoted configuration and replaces it with a push bar that integrates the unlocking function directly into the housing structure. The push bar eliminates the need for a separate pivoted actuator component, thereby reducing connector thickness while maintaining the locking/release function through a press-to-unlock mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the actuator function with the housing structure by integrating the push bar directly into the insulating housing. This consolidation eliminates separate moving components and reduces overall connector thickness while preserving the locking and releasing functions through the integrated push-to-unlock mechanism.
2Area of stationary object
If the pressed portion is made small to fit narrow-pitch connectors, then the connector size is reduced, but it becomes difficult for the user to accurately position his fingertip for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing a localized enlarged pressed portion on the push bar that specifically enhances the user interface area. While the overall connector remains compact for narrow-pitch applications, the pressed portion is strategically enlarged to provide sufficient surface area for accurate fingertip positioning and easy operation, thus resolving the contradiction between small size and ease of operation.
3Length of stationary object
If a low-profile design is achieved with integrated press-to-unlock structure, then connector thickness is reduced, but one-hand operation for releasing lock becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides a localized enlarged pressed portion on the push bar that creates an ergonomic interface for one-hand operation. This enlarged area allows the user's fingertip to easily engage and press the unlock mechanism, maintaining ease of one-hand operation despite the low-profile integrated design that reduces overall connector thickness.
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 design enhances operability, enables one-hand operation, and facilitates automated assembly while maintaining a low profile, with improved user feedback and visibility of the locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
two locking members, each locking member comprising a locking arm and an actuated portion, the locking arm being normally and elastically biased to a locking position
Implementation Method 2
the two rocker arms being pivotably arranged on the insulating housing about an axis parallel to the second direction
Implementation Method 3
the bar body being operatively connected with the actuated portion of each locking member, the locking arm being biased away from the locking position by operating the bar body for releasing lock on the flat connection object
Data Source
AI summary
An easy-lock connector for a flat connection object which comprises an insulating housing, a plurality of contacts held by the insulating housing, two locking members and a U-shaped push bar is provided. The locking members are arranged to lock the flat connection object inserted into the easy-lock connector. The U-shaped push bar is operated to bias locking arms of the locking members away from the locking position for releasing the lock on the flat connection object. By means of the U-shaped push bar, the operability of the easy-lock connector is improved, and a low-profile easy-lock connector is realized.