Modular Connector Rear Release Lever Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

In high-density connector housings, the limited space for accessing the release lever of modular connectors makes it cumbersome to remove bottom connectors without disrupting neighboring connectors, often requiring dual network disconnection.

Innovation Solution

The modular connector design includes a movable attachment unit with an actuation lever that, when pulled away from the connector, actuates the release lever, allowing for easy removal without interfering with adjacent connectors by relocating the release action point to a more accessible area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If connectors are arranged in high-density configuration, then the space utilization is improved, but the accessibility to release lever deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of connectors per housingVSAvoidaccessibility to release lever

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent relocates the release action from the front/top area to the rear area of the connector, utilizing the depth dimension of the connector housing. This allows operators to access the release lever from the rear of the housing, effectively using the third dimension (depth) to resolve the spatial conflict caused by high-density front-to-back arrangement of connectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If connectors are positioned close together, then the space efficiency is improved, but the risk of interfering with neighboring connectors deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace occupied by connector housingVSAvoidinterference with neighboring connectors

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the release action point from the traditional front/top location and relocates it to the rear area of the connector. This separation removes the interference zone from the crowded front area where multiple connectors are closely positioned, allowing independent access to each connector's release mechanism without affecting adjacent connectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If release lever is accessed from traditional position, then the connector structure is simple, but the removal process becomes cumbersome deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector structureVSAvoidconnector removal process

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the release lever and its actuation mechanism in the rear area of the connector, preparing the release action point in advance at a location that is easily accessible. This preliminary positioning of the release mechanism allows operators to quickly and easily actuate the release without complex maneuvers, improving the ease of operation while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8979569B2Modular connectors and associated systems and methods

Publication Date: 2015.03.17 LEGRAND DPC LLC

AI summary

Exemplary embodiments are directed to modular connector assemblies that generally include a connector and an attachment unit. The connector includes a connector housing, the connector housing including a first coupler element. The attachment unit includes an attachment unit housing, the attachment unit housing including a second coupler element. The first coupler element can be configured and dimensioned to interlock with the second coupler element for movably securing the connector to the attachment unit. Exemplary embodiments are also directed to methods and systems for modular connector assemblies.