Integrated Latch Mechanism for High Vibration Cable Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical cable connector assemblies, particularly SATA connectors, face challenges in securely engaging and disengaging in high vibration environments due to insufficient retention mechanisms, especially when the latch is inaccessible.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a latch mechanism with a hinge, arm, and actuation portion integrated into the cable connector housing, allowing for secure attachment and easy operation by pivoting and actuating the catch portion to engage or disengage with the mating connector, providing reliable connection in high vibration settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a latch mechanism is added to the cable connector to improve retention, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is integrated into the cable connector housing as a single unified component rather than a separate attachment. The housing, latch arm, and actuation portion are formed as one piece, merging the structural support function with the latching function to reduce overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch arm is designed with pivotal movement capability, transitioning from a static retention structure to a dynamic mechanism that can automatically engage and disengage. The arm pivots about a hinge portion to move between engaged and disengaged positions, providing automatic latching action that improves reliability without requiring complex control systems.
2Reliability
If a latch mechanism is integrated into the cable connector housing, then connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is formed as an integral part of the cable connector housing through injection molding or similar manufacturing processes. This merging eliminates the need for separate assembly steps for attaching the latch to the housing, simplifying manufacturing despite the increased structural complexity of the integrated component.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable connector housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, contains the electrical contacts, and integrates the latch mechanism for retention. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of separate components that need to be manufactured and assembled, offsetting the complexity of the integrated latch structure.
3Reliability
If the latch is positioned for secure engagement, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inaccessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation portion of the latch extends in a direction perpendicular to the engagement axis, allowing operation from the side rather than requiring access at the engagement point. This dimensional change enables the operator to access the latch mechanism from an accessible location on the connector housing while the catch portion remains positioned for secure engagement with the mating connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch arm serves as an intermediary element that transmits the actuation force from the accessible actuation portion to the catch portion that engages with the mating connector. By applying force to the actuation portion, the operator indirectly actuates the catch portion through the pivotal movement of the latch arm, enabling operation without direct access to the engagement point.
4Reliability
If a latch mechanism with multiple components is used, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing, latch arm, and actuation portion are merged into a single integrated component formed as one piece. This eliminates the need for separate fasteners, adhesives, or mechanical attachments to assemble the latch mechanism to the housing, reducing the total part count while maintaining the functional integrity and reliability of the secure attachment mechanism.
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 solution enables easy and reliable engagement and disengagement of electrical cable connectors, ensuring secure connections that can withstand high vibration environments, such as automotive and industrial applications, while allowing single-handed operation.
Implementation Method 1
The hinge portion extends generally upwardly from the cable connector housing and attaches the latch to the housing. The arm portion is able to pivot about the hinge portion
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical cable connector includes a cable connector housing and a latch attached to the cable connector housing. The cable connector housing includes a first set of electrical contacts and a latch channel. The latch includes an arm portion, a hinge portion, and an actuation portion. The arm portion is disposed in the latch channel and includes a pair of latch arms. The latch arms include opposing catch portions disposed at a front end thereof and are adapted to securely attach the cable connector to a mating connector by surrounding a protrusion inside a housing of the mating connector. The hinge portion extends from a back end of the arm portion. The actuation portion extends generally upwardly from the hinge portion. Pressing down the actuation portion about the hinge portion splays the latch arms such that the catch portions are moved away from each other.