LAN Connector Frame Sliding Unlock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing PCI hot-swap cassette configurations make it difficult to unplug LAN cables without tools, especially when cables are densely connected or located in narrow recesses, posing risks of damage or accidental unplugging.
Innovation Solution
A connecting unit with a locking lever and connector frame design that allows the locking lever to be unlocked by sliding the connector frame, eliminating the need for tools and preventing accidental unplugging, even in narrow spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a PCI card is placed in a PCI hot-swap cassette with a narrow recess configuration, then the compactness and integration of the system is improved, but it becomes difficult to unplug the LAN cable with fingers
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two main parts: a plug portion that connects to the PCI card and a cable portion that connects to the LAN cable. This segmentation allows the plug portion to be positioned in the narrow recess while the cable portion extends outward, enabling both compact system integration and easy cable unplugging by the user.
2Volume of moving object
If the release clip is made short to reduce connector size, then the connector compactness is improved, but it becomes difficult to unlock the LAN connector with fingers
Solution Approach 1:
The release clip is designed to extend in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the plug portion. This dimensional change allows the release clip to protrude from the connector housing, providing sufficient length for finger operation while keeping the overall connector size compact in the insertion direction.
3Productivity
If multiple PCI cards are densely connected in a PCI hot-swap cassette, then the productivity and connectivity of the system is improved, but it becomes difficult to access and unplug specific cables
Solution Approach 1:
Each PCI card connection is provided with a separate plug portion that has its own release clip. This segmentation allows users to access and operate individual release clips even when multiple cards are densely connected, enabling selective unplugging of specific cables without interference from adjacent connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The release clips are positioned to extend in a direction perpendicular to the card insertion direction, allowing users to access them from the side or front of the connector rather than from the rear. This dimensional change improves accessibility even when multiple cards are densely packed in the hot-swap cassette.
4Reliability
If a tool such as a flat-head screwdriver is used to unlock the LAN connector, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the risk of damage or accidental unplugging increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release clip is designed to be operable directly by finger pressure without requiring external tools. The clip's geometry and material properties are optimized to provide sufficient mechanical advantage for a single-handed operation, eliminating the need for tools and reducing the risk of accidental damage or unplugging.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(f)
Figure 3
AI summary
A connecting unit includes a modular plug (10) including a locking lever (11) on a first surface and a connecting terminal (12) on a second surface opposing the first surface or on a front surface; a socket including a connecting terminal to be connected with the connecting terminal (12) and a housing having a groove formed in an inner wall along which the locking lever (11) slides when the modular plug (10) is inserted; and an unlocking mechanism (20) surrounding the modular plug (10) and having an opening (21) in a surface opposing the first surface of the modular plug (10). When the unlocking mechanism (20) is moved in a direction opposite to the insertion direction of the modular plug (10) while the modular plug (10) is in the socket, an end of the locking lever (11) fits into the opening (21) and the locking lever (11) is unlocked.