Pivotable Plug Connector for Off-Axis Removal and Low Binding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors experience increased friction and binding when the electronic plug is removed with an off-axis force or rotational motion due to a fixed orientation, leading to difficulty in removal and potential degradation of the connector and electronic device.
Innovation Solution
A pivotable connector design with angular adjustment and a bias mechanism that allows the electronic plug to pivot relative to the housing, reducing friction and alignment issues during removal, and a magnetic or spring bias mechanism to facilitate easy insertion and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the electronic plug has a fixed orientation relative to the connector housing, then the connector structure is simple and stable, but friction and binding increase during removal with off-axis force or rotational motion
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic plug is made pivotable relative to the connector housing through a pivot mechanism, allowing it to dynamically adjust its orientation during insertion and removal operations. This dynamic capability enables the plug to accommodate off-axis forces and rotational motions without excessive friction or binding, while the bias mechanism automatically returns it to its default position after operation.
2Productivity
If the electronic plug is pulled out with an off-axis force or rotational motion, then removal speed may increase, but friction and binding between the plug and receptacle increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable electronic plug can dynamically adjust its orientation during the removal process, allowing users to pull with off-axis forces or rotational motions without generating excessive friction or binding. The plug automatically pivots to accommodate the removal motion, maintaining smooth interaction with the receptacle throughout the operation.
3Reliability
If the electronic plug has a fixed orientation, then alignment with the plug receptacle is precise, but repeated removal with off-axis force causes degradation of the connector and electronic device
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable electronic plug accommodates off-axis removal forces by pivoting, preventing the transmission of harmful stresses to the connector housing and electronic device. This dynamic adjustment protects the connector and device from degradation caused by repeated off-axis removal operations while maintaining precise alignment during normal insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The bias mechanism continuously applies a restoring force to return the electronic plug to its default aligned position after any pivoting motion. This preliminary action ensures the plug is always ready for precise alignment with the receptacle while having already absorbed and dissipated the stresses from off-axis removal forces.
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 pivotable connector reduces friction and binding, enabling easy removal of the electronic plug from the plug receptacle with less force, minimizing device movement and connector degradation.
Implementation Method 1
a bias mechanism biasing the electronic plug to a default position within the range of angular adjustment
Data Source
AI summary
A connector for an electronic device is disclosed. The connector includes a housing. The housing includes a leading surface. The leading surface forms a plug opening and a fulcrum spaced away from the plug opening. The connector includes an electronic plug extending through the plug opening away from the leading surface of the housing. The connector includes a pivot providing the electronic plug a range of angular adjustment relative to the leading surface of the housing. The connector includes a bias mechanism biasing the electronic plug to a default position within the range of angular adjustment.