Plug Connector Pull Tab with Segmented Force Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug connectors often require high pulling forces to unmate due to the transfer of force to the latch, which can lead to binding and potential damage to the pull tab or latch, necessitating a cost-effective and reliable latching system.
Innovation Solution
A plug connector design featuring a latch assembly with a movable latch beam and a pull tab that distributes the pulling force across multiple attachment points, including an upper and lower attachment member, to reduce the risk of binding and ease unmating by distributing forces evenly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pull tab transfers pulling force to the latch at one side of the connector, then the latch can be actuated to release the connection, but the plug connector rotates or pivots relative to the receptacle connector causing binding and increasing the pulling force needed
Solution Approach 1:
The pull tab is divided into multiple segments with separate attachment points: a first attachment point connected to the latch assembly and a second attachment point connected to the housing at a location spaced from the first attachment point. This segmentation allows the pulling force to be distributed across multiple locations rather than concentrated at one point, preventing rotation and binding during unmating.
2Reliability
If the pull tab transfers force to the latch at one side, then the latch mechanism can be activated, but the increased pulling force may damage the pull tab or latch
Solution Approach 1:
The pull tab structure is segmented with multiple attachment points distributed across the connector assembly. The first attachment point connects to the latch while the second attachment point connects to the housing at a spaced location. This distribution of force paths prevents excessive stress concentration on any single component, reducing the risk of damage to the pull tab or latch during normal operation.
3Device complexity
If the pull tab is connected only to the latch at one location, then the structure is simple, but the plug connector rotates or pivots during unmating
Solution Approach 1:
The pull tab is implemented as a segmented structure with multiple attachment points rather than a single-point connection. The first attachment point connects to the latch assembly while the second attachment point connects to the housing at a location spaced from the first attachment point. This segmented configuration prevents rotation and binding during unmating while maintaining reasonable structural simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A plug connector includes a housing holding plug connector contacts and a latch assembly. The latch assembly includes a latch with a latch beam movable between a latched position and an unlatched position and an actuator for moving the latch. The latch assembly includes a pull tab extending from the rear of the housing having first and second attachment members. The first attachment member is coupled to the actuator proximate to a first end of the housing and is movable in a rearward pulling direction to move the actuator and actuate the latch to the unlatched position. The first attachment member pulls the first end of the housing to unmate the housing from the mating connector. The second attachment member is coupled to a second end of the housing to pull the second end of the housing and unmate the housing from the mating connector.