Latch Connection Structure That Blocks Unauthorized Tool Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection structures in electronic devices, such as in-flight entertainment systems, are vulnerable to unintended disconnection due to unauthorized access, posing a risk of damage or breakage from passengers using unauthorized tools like toothpicks.
Innovation Solution
A connection device with a latch mechanism featuring a first through hole wider than a second through hole, allowing only specific tools to detach units, and incorporating a stopper to prevent unauthorized access, ensuring secure attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a release hole is provided in the casing to allow detachment of the latch, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to unauthorized access by passengers using tools like toothpicks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing two distinct through-holes with different functions: the first through-hole (wider) is located at the engagement portion to allow tool insertion for controlled detachment, while the second through-hole (narrower) is located at the pressing portion to prevent unauthorized tool insertion. This spatial differentiation of hole characteristics creates selective accessibility that maintains both ease of operation and connection security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the single release hole into two separate through-holes: one for tool insertion (first through-hole) and one for tool passage (second through-hole). This segmentation allows independent control of access paths, enabling the system to distinguish between authorized detachment operations and unauthorized access attempts, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability
2Device complexity
If a single through hole is provided in the casing for latch release, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to vulnerability to unauthorized tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains structural simplicity while improving reliability by creating two through-holes with locally differentiated characteristics: the first through-hole has a width configured to accept authorization tools, while the second through-hole has a narrower width that prevents unauthorized tools from reaching the pressing portion. This local differentiation approach adds minimal complexity while effectively preventing unauthorized access
3Ease of operation
If the through hole width is increased to allow tool insertion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability worsens due to allowing unauthorized tools like toothpicks to penetrate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tool access path into two separate through-holes: the first through-hole (wider) allows authorized tools to reach the engagement portion for controlled detachment, while the second through-hole (narrower) blocks unauthorized tools like toothpicks from reaching the pressing portion. This segmentation creates a physical filter that distinguishes between authorized and unauthorized operations
Solution Approach 2:
The first through-hole acts as an intermediary structure that allows authorized tool access to the engagement portion while the second through-hole serves as a blocking intermediary that prevents unauthorized tools from reaching the pressing portion. This intermediary arrangement enables selective accessibility without requiring complex active control mechanisms
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
There is provided a connection device that includes a first unit and a second unit, which are attachably and detachably connected to each other. The connection device includes: a casing of the first unit; a latch that is provided inside the casing of the first unit and includes a pressing portion; and an engagement portion provided in the second unit and configured to engage with the latch. The latch is movable when the pressing portion is pressed. The casing is provided with a first through hole along a predetermined direction. The pressing portion is provided with a second through hole along the predetermined direction. A width of the first through hole is greater than a width of the second through hole.