Plug Connector Control-Actuated Releasable Latch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug connectors with locking mechanisms, such as those described in China patent No. 209169515U, are not conducive to miniaturization due to the inclusion of a rotating shaft and button, which increases the overall size and hinders compact design.
Innovation Solution
A plug connector design featuring an insulative housing with a locking mechanism that includes a pressing portion and a locking portion, where the locking portion protrudes from the housing to mate with a socket connector, utilizing springs and a printed circuit board to facilitate miniaturization while maintaining locking functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rotating shaft and button are used for locking mechanism, then locking functionality is achieved, but the overall size of the connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing portion and locking portion are integrally formed as a single piece, eliminating the need for separate rotating shaft and button components. This merging of functions reduces the number of parts and overall connector size while maintaining the locking functionality through the integrated structure that engages with the socket connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex rotating shaft mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simplified elastic piece structure. The essential locking function is retained through the locking portion that engages with the socket connector, while removing unnecessary rotational components that increased the connector size.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for locking mechanism, then locking reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing portion and locking portion are combined into a single integrally formed elastic piece, reducing component count from multiple separate parts to one unified structure. This integration maintains locking reliability through the inherent elasticity and mechanical engagement design while significantly simplifying the overall device complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact structure is implemented, then miniaturization is achieved, but ease of operation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic piece provides dynamic operation through its inherent elasticity, allowing the locking portion to be easily pressed and released. The elastic deformation enables compact operation within a small volume while maintaining ease of use through the natural spring-back action that facilitates simple pressing motions for locking and unlocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic piece automatically returns to its original shape after deformation, providing self-service operation. When the pressing portion is released, the elastic recovery automatically resets the locking mechanism, eliminating the need for complex return mechanisms and simplifying user operation within a compact form factor.
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 proposed design achieves a miniaturized plug connector structure that effectively locks with a socket connector while allowing for compact integration and easy disconnection through an elastic locking mechanism, enhancing the connector's size efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a locking mechanism (6) matched with the springs (5)... an elastic piece matched with the locking mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A plug connector for mating with a socket connector includes: a printed circuit board, an insulative housing partially covering the printed circuit board; a locking mechanism housed in the insulative housing, and an elastic piece matched with the locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism includes a pressing portion protruding from the insulative housing and a locking portion integrally formed with the pressing portion, one end of the locking portion exposing outside the insulative housing to be locked with the socket connector.