Flexible Switch Pack With Snap-Lock Plugs And Un-mating Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switch pack devices for holding multiple plugs are difficult to remove once all plugs are mated, require enhanced dexterity and finger strength for unlatching, do not allow single plug removal without disconnecting all plugs, and are limited to specific plug sizes and styles.
Innovation Solution
A switch pack housing with locking members that snap lock into place, allowing for easy mating and secure connection of plugs, and an un-mating tool for simultaneous removal of all plugs, along with a single plug release tool for independent plug removal, accommodating various plug sizes and styles through adjustable blocking edges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking members are used to secure plugs in the switch pack, then the connection security is improved, but the difficulty of removal increases
Solution Approach 1:
An un-mating tool is introduced as an intermediary device to interact with the locking members. The tool features tabs that engage with the locking members and a release mechanism that allows all plugs to be simultaneously unmated from the switch pack, resolving the difficulty of removal while maintaining connection security during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The locking members are designed with self-latching capability where they automatically engage and lock plugs into the switch pack without requiring additional securing actions. The system serves itself by maintaining locked state passively until the specific un-mating tool is applied
2Reliability
If the switch pack is designed for secure simultaneous mating of multiple plugs, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ability to remove individual plugs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into individual locking members, each associated with specific plug positions. The un-mating tool is also segmented with tabs corresponding to different plug positions, allowing selective engagement. This segmentation enables the possibility of removing individual plugs or groups of plugs independently while maintaining the secure connection of remaining plugs
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static all-or-nothing locking state to a dynamic state where selective unmating is possible. The locking members can be individually or selectively engaged and disengaged based on which tabs of the un-mating tool are activated, providing flexibility in plug removal while maintaining overall connection reliability
3Volume of moving object
If the switch pack housing is made compact to accommodate multiple plugs, then the space efficiency is improved, but the accessibility for plug operations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The plug array is arranged in multiple rows and columns within the compact housing, utilizing three-dimensional space efficiently. The un-mating tool is designed to access the locking members from the rear of the housing, utilizing the depth dimension rather than requiring lateral access, thereby maintaining plug accessibility while keeping the housing compact
Data Source
AI summary
A switch pack holds rows and columns of connector plugs and permits collective coupling of the plugs into ports. The switch pack includes a housing having a front face with front openings and a rear face with rear openings. An internal frame forms channels between the front openings and the rear openings, each channel holding a respective connector plug. One or more locking members releasably snap lock to the frame. Each locking member includes at least one blocking edge which extends into a channel and blocks removal of the channel's plug via the rear opening. A release tool for the switch pack includes a first wall with first tabs and a second wall with second tabs, connected to the first wall by a third wall. Each of the first and second tabs protrudes into a channel of the first and second rows of channels to depress a plug latch.