Internal Latch Mechanism for High-Density Receptacle Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing receptacle connectors require external tabs for removal, which limits the density of connectors in communication systems due to the need for user access, making it difficult to mate and unmate plug connectors in confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
A receptacle connector design featuring a housing cavity with a guide track that moves a latch element to lock and unlock the plug connector, allowing bi-directional movement of a coupling member to capture and release the plug connector, enabling secure locking and easy removal without external tabs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external tabs are used for latch mechanism, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases and connector density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the latch mechanism from the external domain and relocates it to the internal domain. The coupling member with latch elements is positioned entirely within the housing cavity, eliminating the need for external tabs that protrude from the connector body. This internalization maintains operational ease through the biasing member's automatic engagement while reducing device complexity by removing external structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member is nested within the housing cavity, with the latch elements positioned inside the cavity to engage the plug connector. The biasing member is nested within the coupling member structure, providing automatic return force. This nested arrangement allows all latch components to be contained within the connector body, eliminating external tabs and enabling higher connector density.
2Ease of operation
If external tabs are used for latch mechanism, then ease of operation is improved, but connector density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the latch mechanism from the external domain and relocates it to the internal domain. The coupling member with latch elements is positioned entirely within the housing cavity, eliminating the need for external tabs that protrude from the connector body. This internalization maintains operational ease through the biasing member's automatic engagement while reducing device complexity by removing external structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member is nested within the housing cavity, with the latch elements positioned inside the cavity to engage the plug connector. The biasing member is nested within the coupling member structure, providing automatic return force. This nested arrangement allows all latch components to be contained within the connector body, eliminating external tabs and enabling higher connector density.
3Reliability
If coupling member moves bi-directionally along mating axis, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member is designed to move dynamically along the mating axis in both directions: forward to engage the latch elements with the plug connector, and backward to release them. The biasing member provides continuous force to maintain the engaged state, creating a reliable automatic latching system. This dynamic movement is guided by the guide track, which ensures precise positioning while the spring provides the necessary force, achieving reliability through controlled motion rather than complex mechanical linkages.
Data Source
AI summary
A receptacle connector including a receptacle housing having a housing cavity that is configured to receive a plug connector. The housing cavity is defined by an interior sidewall that extends along the mating axis and has a guide track thereon. The receptacle connector also includes a communication component that is disposed within the housing cavity and configured to communicatively engage the plug connector. The receptacle connector also includes a coupling member that is disposed within the housing cavity and is configured to engage the plug connector. The coupling member is movable bi-directionally along a mating axis and has a latch element that is slidably engaged to the guide track of the sidewall. The guide track forces the latch element toward the plug connector as the coupling member moves along the mating axis. The latch element capturing the plug connector in a locked position.