Electronic Device Interface Connector Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic devices with detachable connectors often experience unwanted disengagement during critical data transfer or signal reception due to the difficulty in operating mechanical securing mechanisms, especially in confined spaces or without appropriate tools, leading to potential data loss and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with an interface connector and a locking mechanism that automatically secures detachable connectors upon detecting the use or intended use of the interface, using a controllable actuator to engage or disengage securing members, ensuring the connection remains stable during data transfer or signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual securing mechanisms (locking nuts, securing bolts) are provided on connector plugs, then connection security can be improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in operating these mechanisms especially in confined spaces or without appropriate tools
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism automatically activates to secure the detachable connector when the interface is detected to be in use, eliminating the need for manual user intervention. The system serves itself by detecting interface usage and autonomously engaging the locking mechanism, thus resolving the contradiction between connection security and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical securing operations with an automated locking mechanism controlled by the electronic device. Instead of requiring users to manually tighten locking nuts or secure bolts, the system uses an automated actuator (such as a motor or solenoid) to engage the locking mechanism, substituting manual mechanical effort with automated mechanical action.
2Ease of operation
If detachable connectors are left unsecured to maintain ease of operation, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to susceptibility to unwanted disengagement during critical data transfer or signal reception
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static manual securing system to a dynamic automated system that adapts its state based on interface usage. The mechanism remains unlocked during idle periods for easy connector handling, then automatically locks when interface usage is detected, providing connection stability only when needed. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback by detecting interface usage status and using this information to control the locking mechanism. When the interface is detected to be in use (through signal detection or user input monitoring), the system activates the locking mechanism to ensure connection stability. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically adjust connection security based on operational needs, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
3Reliability
If automated locking mechanism is implemented to improve connection security, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to addition of controllable locking mechanism and detection functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic device leverages its existing multi-functional capabilities (signal detection, processing, and control) to implement the locking mechanism control. The same processor and sensors used for interface signal management are also used to detect interface usage and control the locking mechanism, allowing one system to serve multiple functions and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the electronic device's own existing detection and control capabilities to manage the locking mechanism, rather than requiring entirely separate dedicated components. The device monitors its own interface usage and autonomously controls the locking mechanism, allowing the system to serve itself and reducing the need for additional complex external control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an electronic device (5) having an interface. The electronic device (5) has an interface connector (50, 55, 60), configured according to the interface, for engaging with a corresponding detachable connector (95, 100, 105). The electronic device (5) also has a locking mechanism (110, 65, 80, 115, 70, 85, 120, 75, 90) controllable to secure an engagement of such a detachable connector (95, 100, 105) with the interface connector (50, 55, 60). The electronic device (5) is configured to detect a use or an intended use of the interface. If detected, the electronic device (5) activates the locking mechanism (110, 65, 80, 115, 70, 85, 120, 75, 90) to secure an engagement of such a detachable connector (95, 100, 105) with the interface connector (50, 55, 60).