Network Cable Plugging Device with Scissor-Like Locking Sticks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network cable plugging devices are prone to damage and loss of elasticity, leading to unreliable connections and user safety issues due to their fragile plastic components and design limitations.
Innovation Solution
A plugging device with a pair of scissor-like sticks and a twisting mechanism, where the sticks close and lock into a network socket upon plugging, using resilient elements to ensure secure connections and easy disconnection by twisting a knob.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a resilient plastic piece is used to lock the plugging device to the network socket, then the device can provide initial connection capability, but the plastic piece is fragile and often damaged during manufacture, transportation, and usage
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two distinct parts: a resilient plastic piece for initial connection and a metal locking piece for secure locking. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the metal piece providing the strength needed for reliable locking without compromising the plastic piece's elasticity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines two different materials (plastic and metal) in the locking mechanism. The plastic piece provides flexibility and initial engagement, while the metal locking piece provides strength and durability. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by leveraging the advantages of both materials.
2Reliability
If a resilient plastic piece is used for locking, then the device can lock to the network socket, but the elasticity of the piece deteriorates after constant plugging and unplugging
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented between the plastic piece (for initial engagement) and the metal locking piece (for sustained locking). This allows the metal component to handle the cumulative stress of repeated plugging and unplugging, preserving the plastic piece's elasticity over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The design effectively makes the plastic piece a single-use or limited-use component for initial engagement, while the durable metal locking piece is designed for repeated use. This acknowledges that the plastic piece may deteriorate but ensures the overall device remains functional through the reusable metal component.
3Device complexity
If only a small section of the plastic piece is left exposed outside the network socket, then the device structure remains compact, but it becomes difficult to access and press the piece to release the plugging device
Solution Approach 1:
A knob is introduced as an intermediary tool to interact with the locking mechanism. Instead of directly pressing the difficult-to-reach plastic piece, the user operates the knob, which transmits force through the driving stick to the locking piece. This intermediary makes the unplugging operation easy while maintaining compact device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The unlocking mechanism operates in a different dimension by using rotational motion of the knob rather than direct linear pressure on the plastic piece. This dimensional change in the interaction method makes the operation accessible and easy while keeping the device structure compact.
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 provides a reliable and durable network connection, reducing waste and user injury risks by maintaining connection integrity and simplifying the unplugging process.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient element 6 (e.g., a wire-form spring) has its two ends 61 connected to the through holes 33 and 43, respectively. As configured as such, the left and right sticks 3 and 4 can have their front sections closed together. Once a force causing the front sections to expand (i.e., to compress the resilient element 6) is removed, the resilient element 6 expands to close the front sections together automatically.
Data Source
AI summary
The plugging device of the present invention provides a pair of sticks similar to the blades of a scissor on top of the connector of the plugging device. The pair of sticks is closed together when they are plugged into a network socket along with the connector. Then, by twisting a knob of the plugging device behind the connector, the two sticks are opened so that the hooks at the front ends of the sticks lock to the network socket for reliable connection. To unplug, the knob is twisted in a reversed direction and the two sticks are closed together again so that they are free to be pulled out of the network socket along with the connector.