Plug Connector Blocking Bar for Latch Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plug connectors with exposed elastic latches are susceptible to damage or deformation due to accidental contact or impact, as the pushing end is hung in the air and unprotected.
Innovation Solution
A blocking bar is integrated into the plug connector design, covering the pushing portion of the elastic latch to protect it from direct contact and impact, and a pull tab mechanism is used to unlock the latch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pushing end of the elastic latch is exposed on the outside of the insulating base, then the user can easily access and press the latch to unplug the connector, but the pushing end becomes susceptible to damage or deformation through accidental contact or impact
Solution Approach 1:
A blocking bar is introduced as an intermediary protective element that spans across the receiving slot and covers the pushing portion of the elastic latch. The blocking bar includes a top surface that provides a protected interface, allowing users to press through the blocking bar to actuate the latch while preventing direct exposure of the pushing end to external impacts and accidental contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking bar extends in a direction transverse to the length of the elastic latch, creating a new spatial dimension of protection. By spanning across the receiving slot from one side to the other, the blocking bar establishes a protective barrier that covers the vulnerable pushing portion without interfering with the vertical actuation motion of the latch.
2Reliability
If the blocking bar is added to cover the pushing portion, then the durability of the elastic latch is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking bar is integrated with the insulating base by forming the blocking bar as an integral part of the insulating base structure. This merging approach eliminates the need for separate assembly steps and reduces the number of discrete components, while still providing the protective function of covering the elastic latch's pushing portion.
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 blocking bar reduces the likelihood of damage to the pushing end of the elastic latch, enhancing durability and ensuring reliable operation by preventing accidental deformation.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic latch includes a fixed portion and a pushing portion connected to the fixed portion... when the plug connector is plugged by a user into a mating socket connector, the elastic latch (grip) will fasten the plug connector on the socket connector... When the user presses the elastic latch, the elastic latch will release the plug connector from the socket connector
Data Source
AI summary
A plug connector includes an insulating body, an elastic latch, and a blocking bar. The blocking bar is connected to the insulating body and spans a pushing portion of the elastic latch. The pushing portion has at least one hook and a pushing end hung in the air. The blocking bar is located between the hook and the pushing end for protecting the pushing end.