Tool-Actuated Latching Connector for Secure Cable Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices, such as head-mountable displays (HMDs), face challenges with cabled connections that can accidentally disconnect, leading to potential damage and data loss, especially when the cable assembly is unintentionally extracted from the receptacle connector.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a receptacle connector with angled electrical contacts and a spring-driven fastener that requires more force to remove the plug connector than to insert it, along with a seal and bumper system to provide ejection force and prevent accidental disconnection, ensuring reliable interlocking with the electronic device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cabled connection is designed to be easily removable, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to accidental disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a dynamic latch mechanism that transitions between locked and unlocked states. The latch is biased by a spring to automatically engage with the receptacle, providing secure connection during normal use. When a tool applies force to the actuator, the latch pivots to disengage, enabling controlled removal. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by making the connection state-dependent: secure during operation but removable when actuated.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector introduces an intermediary tool-actuated mechanism (actuator and latch system) between the plug and receptacle. This intermediary requires external tool activation to enable removal, preventing direct accidental disconnection while allowing intentional removal when needed. The latch acts as the intermediary element that mediates between the secure connection state and the removable state.
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into distinct functional components: a body housing, an electrical contact, a latch mechanism, a spring, and an actuator. Each component performs a specific function, allowing the complex secure locking mechanism to be broken down into manageable parts. The latch and spring are integrated into the body as separate modular elements, simplifying manufacturing and assembly while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-driven latch mechanism is designed to self-engage automatically when the plug is inserted into the receptacle. The spring stores energy during insertion and automatically actuates the latch to lock the connection without requiring additional user action. This self-service feature provides secure locking while minimizing the complexity of user interaction.
3Manufacturing precision
If angled electrical contacts are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contact is configured at an oblique angle (first angle) relative to the vertical axis of the body, creating an asymmetric geometry. This asymmetric angled contact interfaces with a corresponding angled contact on the plug connector, ensuring precise alignment and optimal electrical connection. The asymmetry is intentionally designed to improve manufacturing precision by providing a unique orientation that guides proper insertion and contact engagement.
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
This configuration enhances the reliability of cabled connections by preventing unwanted disconnections, reducing the risk of damage to the device and data loss, while allowing controlled removal of the plug connector with a tool actuation.
Implementation Method 1
a spring configured to retain the latch in the engaged configuration
Implementation Method 2
a spring configured to retain the latch in the engaged configuration
Implementation Method 3
a seal configured to supply an ejection force to a plug connector inserted into the cavity
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device can include plug connectors and receptacle connectors for providing connections between components of the electronic device. A receptacle connector for an electronic device can include a cavity configured to receive a plug connector; a latch extending at least partially into the cavity; a spring coupled to the latch; and a lever arm coupled to the spring. The latch can be configured to transition between an engaged configuration and an un-engaged configuration. The latch can be configured to retain the plug connector in the cavity when the latch is in the engaged configuration. The spring can be configured to retain the latch in the engaged configuration. The lever arm can be configured to transition the latch to the un-engaged configuration in response to pressure from a tool.