Hinged Cable Unlocking Tool for One-Hand Connector Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing unlocking tools for cable assemblies require two hands to operate simultaneously, making them inconvenient to use.
Innovation Solution
A single-hand operable unlocking tool comprising a first and second tool half that can be rotatably opened and closed, with a cylindrical end portion for fitting onto a cable assembly and inserted into a connector housing to push locking springs to an unlocking position, allowing the cable assembly to be pulled out with one hand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional unlocking tool with two semi-circular cylindrical components is used, then the locking springs can be effectively pushed to the unlocking position, but the tool requires two hands to operate simultaneously which reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate semi-circular cylindrical components into a single integrated unlocking tool body. The tool includes a first cylindrical component and a second cylindrical component that are connected to form a unified structure, allowing the user to operate the tool with one hand while still effectively pushing multiple locking springs simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The unlocking tool is segmented into multiple functional components including a first cylindrical component, a second cylindrical component, and a connecting portion. This segmentation allows each component to perform specific functions (such as pushing different locking springs) while maintaining overall operational simplicity through integrated design.
2Reliability
If two semi-circular cylindrical components are used to form a complete cylindrical component, then the unlocking function is achieved, but the structure becomes complex requiring multiple parts to be fastened together
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cylindrical components into a single integrated tool body with a unified structure. The first and second cylindrical components are connected through a connecting portion to form one cohesive unlocking tool, reducing the number of separate parts that need to be assembled and fastened together.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting portion is disposed within the tool body in a nested arrangement, allowing the first and second cylindrical components to be integrated without increasing the overall external dimensions significantly. This nested structure maintains reliability while reducing structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An unlocking tool includes a first tool half and a second tool half. The first tool half has a first half cylinder portion and a first mounting portion each at a different end of the first tool half, and a first connecting portion connected between the first half cylinder portion and the first mounting portion. The second tool half has a second half cylinder portion and a second mounting portion each at a different end of the second tool half, and a second connecting portion connected between the second half cylinder portion and the second mounting portion. The first mounting portion and the second mounting portion are rotatably connected together such that the first tool half and the second tool half are rotatably opened and closed. The first half cylinder portion and the second half cylinder portion are combined into a cylindrical end portion when the first tool half and the second tool half are closed. The cylindrical end portion is fitted onto a cable of a cable assembly and is inserted into a mounting hole in a connector housing of a connector to simultaneously push a plurality of locking springs of the connector housing engaged with a terminal of the cable assembly to an unlocking position separated from the terminal, so that the cable assembly and the unlocking tool can be pulled out of the connector housing together.