Force Limiting Latch Indicator for Cable Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining if a cable connector is properly latched to a receptor are often subjective, inefficient, or difficult due to restricted sight and environmental noise, potentially leading to damage during testing.
Innovation Solution
A latch indicator apparatus with a resistive element and indicator tab that provides a physical and visual indication of a locked connection by exerting a force away from the connection point, using a specific resistance to confirm the connection between a cable housing and receptor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical pulling or pushing is used to test cable connection, then connection status can be determined, but cable housing or receptor may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The latch indicator serves as an intermediary device between the user and the cable connection. Instead of directly applying force to the cable housing or receptor, the user pulls the indicator tab, which transmits force through the resistive element to the cable housing. This intermediary mechanism allows connection verification while protecting the cable housing from damage by limiting the force applied through the resistive element's controlled resistance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If visual determination of connection status is attempted, then damage risk is reduced, but determination becomes difficult due to restricted sight and environmental noise
Solution Approach 1:
The latch indicator employs color changes to indicate connection status. The indicator window displays different colors or visual patterns corresponding to latched versus unlatched states. This color-based visual signaling system overcomes the difficulties of restricted sight and environmental noise by providing high-contrast, easily distinguishable visual cues that can be detected from a distance and in various lighting conditions.
3Reliability
If a resistive element with specific resistance is used, then connection verification becomes more reliable, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resistive element's resistance value is carefully selected to match the force required to disengage the cable housing from the receptor. By adjusting this physical parameter (resistance), the latch indicator achieves reliable connection verification - if the user can pull the indicator tab past the resistive element, the connection is confirmed. This parameter-based approach maintains relatively simple device structure while ensuring accurate verification through proper resistance selection.
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
Ensures a reliable and non-damaging method to verify the connection, reducing the risk of cable or receptor damage by providing a clear indication of the locked status through a resistive element's resistance threshold.
Implementation Method 1
The latch indicator includes a resistive element with a specific resistance that resists a force applied to the indicator tab
Data Source
AI summary
A latch indicator apparatus for indicating a locked status of an attachment between a cable housing and a cable receptor. The latch indicator apparatus includes a latch indicator attached to a cable housing at an attachment point, a first resistive element having a first resistance, and is attached to the cable housing at the attachment point. The restive element of the latch indicator attaches to an indicator tab. The latch indicator includes an indicator window, which is positioned to indicate a locked status of the latch indicator based on the first resistance of the first resistive element. The latch indicator tests a connection between a cable housing and a cable housing by indicating a locked status. The locked status is indicated by exerting a first force on the indicator tab by pulling the indicator tab in a direction away from the connection between the cable housing and the cable receptor.