Modular Jack With Movable Locking Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional jack assemblies/housings are difficult and time-consuming to secure or unsecure from jack panels/faceplates, especially in tight and limited workspaces or near multiple adjacent components, leading to inefficiencies in installation and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a modular jack assembly with a movable locking member that includes flanges and projections, allowing for easy attachment and detachment by moving the locking member between bypass and locking positions, facilitating secure engagement with a receiver member.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional jack assemblies are manually forced, pushed, torqued and moved into/out of jack panels, then the jack assembly can be secured or unsecured, but the process becomes very difficult and time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of securing/unsecuring jack assemblyVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The locking member is designed to be movable between a first position (where the housing can be freely inserted/removed) and a second position (where the housing is locked in place). This dynamic mechanism allows operators to easily switch between installation and removal modes by simply moving the locking member, eliminating the need for difficult manual forcing or torquing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking member automatically locks the housing in place when moved to the second position, and automatically releases when moved to the first position. The system self-regulates the locking state based on the position of the locking member, reducing the need for complex manual operations and minimizing installation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If jack assemblies are designed with secure locking mechanisms, then reliability of connection is improved, but the complexity of the assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidjack assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is separated from the housing structure as a distinct movable locking member. This segmentation allows the locking mechanism to be independently controlled and positioned, providing reliable connection security while keeping the overall assembly design clear and manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking member serves multiple functions: it prevents the housing from being accidentally removed, provides a clear visual indicator of the locked state, and enables easy release when needed. This multi-functionality achieves high reliability without adding excessive structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8672709B2High density jack

Publication Date: 2014.03.18 LEGRAND DPC LLC

AI summary

The present disclosure provides for electrical connectors or jack assemblies/housings for use in voice/data communication systems. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for modular jack assemblies that include a movable locking member. The present disclosure provides for improved systems/designs for jack assemblies/housings that are easily secured and/or unsecured to or from a jack panel or jack faceplate. In exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides for convenient, low-cost and effective systems and methods for easily securing and/or unsecuring jack assemblies/housings to or from a jack panel/faceplate (e.g., in the field) by utilizing advantageous modular jack assemblies that include a movable locking member, and related assemblies.