Low Profile Latching Connector Cam Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small and low-profile connectors used in space-constrained electronic devices face reliability issues due to the need for large vertical strokes in latching mechanisms, which compromise connector density and size efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile latching plug connector design featuring a cantilevered latching member with a reduced stroke height, utilizing an actuator with a cam end that rotates to lift the latching member for engagement and disengagement, eliminating the need for an inclined cam surface and allowing for a more compact housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large vertical stroke is used for the latch actuator, then reliable engagement is achieved, but the connector height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch actuator is repositioned from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation, allowing the actuation stroke to occur in the horizontal dimension rather than increasing vertical height. The actuator extends horizontally from the front face of the connector body, enabling reliable engagement through horizontal movement while maintaining a low profile vertically.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the conventional vertical latch mechanism where the actuator moves up and down, this invention inverts the orientation to horizontal movement. The actuator protrudes from the front face and moves horizontally to engage and disengage the latch, reversing the traditional vertical actuation direction to solve the height constraint problem.
2Volume of moving object
If the connector size is reduced, then space efficiency is improved, but engagement reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latch actuation mechanism is relocated to the front face of the connector body, utilizing the horizontal dimension for actuation stroke. This allows the connector to maintain a compact vertical profile while providing sufficient actuation travel distance horizontally, thereby preserving engagement reliability in a smaller overall package.
Solution Approach 2:
The front face of the connector body is designed with a specific local structure to accommodate the horizontally extending actuator and latch mechanism. This localized design allows the actuator to have adequate stroke length for reliable engagement while the rest of the connector maintains a reduced profile suitable for high-density applications.
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
The solution enables reliable engagement and disengagement with reduced connector height, enhancing connector density and size efficiency in space-constrained applications.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator preferably includes a cam end with an enlarged end portion in the form of a lobe, at its forward end. The enlarged end portion is captured received in a depression that is disposed on the connector housing near the front section of the connector housing. The enlarged end portion has, in effect, a hinged structure that permits it to rotate within the depression and up against the latching member when the actuator is pulled rearwardly.
Data Source
AI summary
A low-profile connector for use with electronic devices provides a cantilevered latching arm with a pair of engagement hooks that engage mating holes in a guide frame, and which can be easily unlatched from the guide frame or opposing connector or housing. The hooks lock the plug connector into engagement with the frame or housing, but are readily released by way of a rotating cam lobe mechanism. The lobe mechanism converts horizontal pulling movement of an actuator into vertical, lifting movement of the latching arm such that the hooks are lifted upward and disengaged from the guide frame or housing.