HDMI Connector Latch Mechanism for Vibration Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
HDMI and similar electrical connectors often experience unintended disconnection due to weight and micro-vibration, particularly when positioned under equipment, leading to signal loss, as existing locking mechanisms are inadequate in preventing accidental disengagement.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design featuring a latch mechanism with a rotatable latching member, comprising a unitary wire with a crank and latch end, actuated by a manually movable sleeve to securely engage and disengage with the receptacle, ensuring positive locking and preventing accidental disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spring-loaded detent parts are used to prevent accidental displacement, then connection stability is improved, but the detent parts are small and contained within the shell wall thickness, making them insufficient to prevent disconnection under weight and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two functional parts: spring-loaded detent parts for basic connection stability and additional latch pins for enhanced locking. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch pins are integrated within the shell structure, with receiving features formed in the shell wall. The pins can protrude from or retract into the shell, creating a nested arrangement that provides enhanced locking without significantly increasing the overall connector size.
2Area of stationary object
If the receptacle is positioned in the under surface of equipment, then space utilization is improved, but the weight of the electrical lead causes unintended disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The latch pins protrude from the plug shell to engage with receiving features in the receptacle shell before the connector is fully assembled. This preliminary engagement creates a positive locking action that counteracts the downward force of the hanging electrical lead, preventing unintended disconnection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If micro-vibration is generated by equipment, then equipment functionality is improved, but the vibration exacerbates unintended disconnection of the connector
Solution Approach 1:
The latch pins and receiving features are designed with curved engagement surfaces that provide a mechanical interlock. This curved geometry creates a more robust connection that resists micro-vibration forces better than flat or simple point contacts, maintaining connection stability while allowing equipment to function normally.
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 solution effectively prevents accidental disconnection of HDMI connectors by providing a robust and reliable locking mechanism that maintains signal integrity even under weight and vibration, enhancing the reliability of digital signal transmission.
Implementation Method 1
The latch means comprises an elongate latching member mounted for rotation about its long axis in a groove in the shell structure of the plug part
Implementation Method 2
The receptacle part comprises a leaf spring formed with a detent, the leaf-spring being defined by a slot cut out of the box-like structure
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1d
Figure 2a
AI summary
An electrical connector (1) of the kind comprising respective interengagable plug and receptacle parts (2, 4) each formed with corresponding interengagable electrical contacts, characterised by latch means (21) carried by the plug part, the latch means being movable between a first position in which it projects laterally from the plug part (2) to lock positively with the receptacle part (4) when interengaged with the plug part and a second position in which the latch means is disengaged from the receptacle part and is disposed substantially wholly in the plug part and actuatable means (53) carried by the plug part for moving the latch means between the first and second positions. The electrical connector may be of the HDMI kind.