Insulated Unlocking Tab Layout for Compact Plug-In Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical plug-in connectors, particularly built-in plug sockets, lack a design that minimizes depth and protects against electrostatic discharge while ensuring user safety and component integrity.
Innovation Solution
The unlocking element is designed with an actuating tab made of electrically insulating plastic, featuring an asymmetrical shape with a radial offset, allowing for a compact structure and preventing electrostatic discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the unlocking element is made rigid for proper operation, then the locking mechanism functions correctly, but the user and electronic components are vulnerable to electrostatic discharge damage
Solution Approach 1:
An electrically insulating coating or layer is applied to the unlocking element, serving as an intermediary between the conductive unlocking element body and the user's finger. This intermediary layer prevents electrostatic charge transfer while allowing the mechanical unlocking function to operate effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The unlocking element combines conductive material (for mechanical function) with electrically insulating material (for electrostatic protection). This composite structure allows the element to maintain its rigidity and locking function while protecting against electrostatic discharge through the insulating layer.
2Ease of operation
If the built-in plug socket has a larger vertical structural height for centralized locking arrangement, then the locking mechanism is easier to access, but multiple plug sockets cannot be densely packed
Solution Approach 1:
The unlocking element features an asymmetrical actuating tab design where the tab is offset from the longitudinal center axis. This asymmetrical configuration allows the unlocking element to function effectively while reducing the vertical structural height required, enabling denser packing of multiple plug sockets.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating tab is positioned laterally offset from the center axis rather than vertically elevated, shifting the operational interface to a different spatial dimension. This allows maintaining ease of operation while reducing vertical height for compact stacking.
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
This design reduces the overall height of the plug socket, enabling denser packing and protects against electrostatic damage to electronic components and users.
Implementation Method 1
The actuating tab (21) is covered with or consists of electrically insulating plastic in order to protect against rapid discharge through an electrostatically charged person or object
Data Source
AI summary
An unlocking element (17) for electrical plug-in connections, for acting on an elastically deflectable or displaceable locking arm (16) of a locking arrangement (16, 17). The unlocking element (17) has at least one actuating tab (21), configured to be touched by a user and is coated with or produced from electrically insulating plastic. The center point (Z) of the actuating tab (21) and a longitudinal center axis (L) of the connecting portion (18) of the unlocking element (17) are offset with respect to one another radially in relation to this longitudinal center axis (L). An electrical plug-in connector for producing an electrical plug-in connection with a complementary plug-in connector is provided with a locking arrangement (16, 17) for the complementary plug-in connector, with the unlocking element (17).