Pivoted Latch Connector Structure to Prevent Pull-Induced Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors suffer from plastic deformation and failure when users improperly pull the cable instead of the pull tab, leading to latch damage and reduced service life.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a latch with aligned front and back arms and pivoted axle elements that transmit forces away from the central portion, preventing deformation and damage by redirecting forces through axle elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the latch is directly pulled without using the pull tab, then the cable can be removed, but the central portion of the latch undergoes plastic deformation and fails
Solution Approach 1:
The pull tab serves as an intermediary element between the user's pulling force and the latch mechanism. Instead of directly pulling the latch body, the force is transmitted through the pull tab to the axle element, which then rotates to disengage the hook from the through hole. This mediator prevents direct stress on the vulnerable central portion of the latch.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism incorporates dynamic motion through the rotation of the axle element. When the pull tab is pulled, the axle element rotates relative to the latch body, causing the hook to move from an engaged position (inserted in the through hole) to a disengaged position. This dynamic rotation distributes forces along the arm structures rather than concentrating them at the central portion.
2Reliability
If the hook is buckled and fixed with the through hole for secure connection, then connection reliability is improved, but the latch becomes vulnerable to deformation when force is applied to the central portion
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is segmented into distinct functional components: the hook-shaped front end for engagement, the arm structures (front and back left/right arms) for force transmission, the central portion for structural support, and the axle element for rotational motion. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function, with the arm structures designed to carry the engagement forces from the hook to the axle element, preventing stress concentration at the central portion.
3Device complexity
If the latch structure is simplified without additional force transmission elements, then device complexity is reduced, but the latch cannot effectively transmit forces away from the central portion
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into the latch structure: the arm structures serve both as structural support elements and as force transmission pathways. The front and back arms work together to create a rigid framework that channels forces from the hook through the arms to the axle element, eliminating the need for separate force transmission components while maintaining reliability.
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
Prevents latch deformation and extends service life by effectively transmitting forces through axle elements, ensuring smooth separation from mating connectors without distorting the central latch structure.
Implementation Method 1
The latch is disposed on the base and may have a certain degree of elastic deformation
Implementation Method 2
The first axle element is pivoted to the hole of the back-left arm and the base
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a base, a latch, and a first axle element. The latch is disposed on the base. The latch includes a main portion, a front-left arm, a front-right arm, a back-left arm, and a back-right arm, wherein each of the front end of the front-left arm and the front end of the front-right arm has a hook-shaped structure, and each of the back-left arm and the back-right arm has a hole. The first axle element is pivoted to the hole of the back-left arm and the base. The back-left arm of the latch is located along the lengthwise direction of the front-left arm, and the back-left arm and the front-left arm are connected by a connecting structure.