Plug Connector Rod-Latch Mechanism for Smooth Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug connectors with direct connections between the pulling tab and latch lack flexibility and smooth operation, especially when releasing from a locked position with a mating connector, as they do not allow for smooth sliding movements and varied angles of operation.
Innovation Solution
A plug connector design featuring a rod mounted to the insulative housing with a pair of grooves, allowing the pulling tab to slidably operate the latch's operating portion, enabling smooth movement and operation at various angles, with a latch having a securing, latching, and operating portion to release from a locked position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pulling tab is directly connected to the latch, then the structure is simple, but the operation flexibility and smoothness are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rod as an intermediary component between the pulling tab and the latch. The rod includes a pulling tab receiving portion and a latch operating portion, acting as a mediator that transmits the pulling force from the tab to the latch while enabling smooth sliding movement through grooves, thereby improving operation flexibility without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the connection mechanism into separate functional segments: the pulling tab, the rod (with distinct receiving portion and operating portion), the latch with its latching portion, and the grooves in the insulative housing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving overall operational smoothness
2Ease of operation
If the pulling tab is directly connected to the latch, then the structure is simple, but the sliding movement smoothness is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The rod serves as a sliding intermediary that moves within grooves formed in the insulative housing. This intermediary mechanism transforms the direct connection into a guided sliding movement, ensuring smooth operation while maintaining reasonable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic sliding movement between the rod and the grooves, allowing the rod to move smoothly along predetermined paths during the latching and unlatching operations. This dynamic interaction improves sliding movement smoothness compared to rigid direct connections
3Adaptability or versatility
If the rod is added to connect the pulling tab and latch, then the operation flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rod performs multiple functions: it receives the pulling tab, transmits force to the latch, slides within grooves for smooth movement, and enables operation at various angles. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing versatile operational capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the pulling tab receiving function and the latch operating function into a single rod component. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts needed compared to having entirely separate mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A plug connector includes: an insulative housing having a front mating end and a rear terminating end; a conductive module received in the insulative housing and exposed to the front mating end; a rod mounted to the insulative housing; a latch mounted to the insulative housing, the latch including a securing portion, a latching portion movable between a latched position and a released position, and an operating portion operable by the rod to move the latching portion to the released position; and a pulling tab connected to the rod, wherein the insulative housing includes a pair of grooves and the rod is slidable in the pair of grooves by the pulling tab to operate the operating portion of the latch to move the latching portion to the released position.