Integrated Latch Connector for Industrial Serviceability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors are not well-suited for industrial applications with proprietary internal components or limited design options due to regulatory and environmental constraints, often resulting in complex designs that are expensive to manufacture and prone to failure in uncontrolled environments, with limited access leading to extended service times and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A connector with a latch is designed, featuring a connector body, a pivot-end coupled latch, and a brace that ensures elastic deformation, formed as a single integral piece of material, allowing for easy operation and accessibility within small envelope sizes, suitable for industrial applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If readily available connectors are used in industrial applications with robust housing designs, then the connectors can be inexpensive and simple, but they are prone to failure in uncontrolled environments and have limited accessibility for servicing
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is integrated directly into the connector body as a single molded piece, eliminating separate components and assembly steps. This integration maintains manufacturing simplicity while improving reliability by reducing the number of potential failure points from component interfaces and connections.
2Strength
If complex connector designs with multiple non-integrated components are used, then the connectors can provide robust retention mechanisms, but they require prohibitively expensive manufacturing processes and are more prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements (connector body, latch, retention features) are merged into a single integrated component molded from one piece of material. This eliminates the complexity of assembling multiple parts while maintaining the strength and retention capabilities of a robust design through carefully engineered integrated features.
Solution Approach 2:
The material properties and geometric parameters of the integrated connector body are optimized to provide the necessary strength and retention forces. By controlling the molding process and material selection, the design achieves robust mechanical performance without requiring complex multi-component construction.
3Strength
If connectors with inaccessible latches are used, then the connectors can provide secure retention, but they have extended service times and are difficult to access in uncontrolled environments
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism features an asymmetric design where the release function is exposed and accessible from the outside, while the engagement side integrates securely with the connector body. This allows servicing personnel to easily access and operate the latch from the exterior without disassembling the connector, while still maintaining secure retention when engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch is designed to be operable from the outside without requiring disassembly or special tools, enabling end-users to perform servicing and releases themselves in uncontrolled environments. The external accessibility of the latch mechanism allows direct manual operation while the integrated design ensures secure engagement.
4Volume of moving object
If connectors are designed for small envelope sizes, then the connectors can fit within limited spaces, but the latches become inaccessible and operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is nested within the connector body in a space-efficient manner, with the release function positioned on the exterior surface. This nested arrangement minimizes the overall envelope size of the connector while maintaining external accessibility of the operational elements, allowing compact installation without sacrificing serviceability.
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 connector is cost-effective, accessible, and reliable, reducing service time and equipment downtime by enabling easy engagement and disengagement of plug connectors while withstanding uncontrolled environments.
Implementation Method 1
the brace limits the movement of the latch to ensure that the latch only elastically deforms
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector (100) is provided. The connector (100) includes a connector body (110) with a connector axis (X), the connector body (110) being comprised of an interface (112) at a first distal end (110a) of the connector body (110), an opening (114) at a second distal end (110b) of the connector body (110), and a conduit (116) extending from the interface (112) to the opening (114) along the connector axis (X). The connector (100) also includes a latch (120) that moves relative to the connector body (110) to selectively engage a plug connector (200), the latch (120) being comprised of a pivot end (122) coupled to the connector body (110), a manually operable end (124), and a latching feature (126) disposed between the pivot end (122) and the manually operable end (124).